2004 Honda VTX1300: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 78 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (37% of complaints); the 2003 and 2006 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days
0
recalls
78
owner complaints
0
fire reports
7,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No fire reportsNo recall campaignsOne of the most complained-about VTX1300 years (#1 of 5, age-adjusted)Weak spot: steering (37%)Problems reported early (median 7,000 mi)
Common problems
Computed from 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)37% · 28 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)28% · 21 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)12% · 9 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)7% · 5 complaints
Wheels (wheels, lug nuts, bearings)5% · 4 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)5% · 4 complaints
“The contact owns a 2004 Honda VTX1300. The contact stated that while the motorcycle was parked, a fuel-like odor was detected in the garage. The contact then noticed fuel leaking from the motorcycle, with no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,502.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2026
“There is a severe front end wobble when decelerating from 50+ mph. The entire front end shakes to the point that control is almost lost. It is also causing the tire on the front to wear unevenly and at a very fast rate. The bike has less than 6000 miles on it as of march of 2018.”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2018
“On 2004 honda vtx1300c motorcycle, front tire develops a severe shimmy when decelerating from 40-50 mph. Have reported problem to honda repair center and tech's state they do not know cause of problem where many forums one stated to replace front wheel bearings with vtx 1800 tapered bearings.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“This part is mounted to the rim of the motorcycle and connects to the drive shaft . The housing that the flange bearings press into is bored to tight causing the bearings to be crushed and not be smooth like they should be . I purchased brand new bearings and had the dealer put them in having the same problem as before . *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Mar 2012
“Just purchased this bike I'm 2nd owner, and while inspecting this bike I noticed that left side of front tire was completely worn but right side had tread, so I replaced with new dunlop tires front and rear and after driving having only 300 miles on bike one day I let go of left hand grip at 40 mph to scratch my nose and the bike front wheel began to wobble enough to really scare me. I called honda they said we know nothing about this problem, however getting on line with several vtx owners web-sites and discovered that this is a problem with the vtx 1300. I have new tires and vtx with less than 8000 miles on bike, seems like a manufacturing defect. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2011
“Replacing rear tire on 2004 honda vtx 1300c. Checking wheel and flange bearings at this time. The flange bearings are rough turning and one bearing is falling apart. The motorcycle has only 16,000 miles on it. Replacing flange bearings with a new set of aftermarket bearings. Lucky to find the bearing problem when I did. This could have cause a fatal accident if the rear wheel would have locked up driving at highway speeds!!! This is not the first reported flange bearing failure. *tt”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2011
“There is a front fork wobble on my 2004 honda vtx motorcycle. This is coupled with extremely fast wear on the front tires. The wobble is most noticeable between 20 - 50 mph, and more prevalent when coasting to a stop. It is bad enough at time to cause a control issue when going around turns. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda vtx1300. The contact stated that the handle bar wobbled excessively when driving 35 mph and above. The contact changed the tires on the vehicle but that did not correct the failure. The dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that the steering stem bearings failed and needed replacement. The dealer stated this was a known problem. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 6,200.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2011
“I have a 2004 honda vtx 1300 and while decelerating, usually between 50 and 30 miles per hour, the handle bars and front end starts to wobble. This is especially dangerous on a motorcycle. *tr”Owner report · Steering · May 2011
“2004 honda vtx 1300. Bearing flange failure on the rear wheel. Approx. 50,000 miles before it got real noticeable real fast. The bearing flange cost 249.00. Cant find a cross reference to the bearing used, so had to purchase the whole flange assy. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2004 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Cylinders2
FuelGasoline
TransmissionManual/Standard
Body stylesMotorcycle - Cruiser
How other years compare
Check your exact VTX1300 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Honda VTX1300 reliable?
NHTSA has 78 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Honda VTX1300. The most complained-about area is steering (37% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Honda VTX1300 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 7,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.