2003 Honda VTX1800: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 53 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (34% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
53
owner complaints
0
fire reports
11,467
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 campaignsWeak spot: power train (34%)Problems reported early (median 11,467 mi)
Common problems
Computed from 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)34% · 18 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)28% · 15 complaints
Wheels (wheels, lug nuts, bearings)19% · 10 complaints
Tires6% · 3 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)4% · 2 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)4% · 2 complaints
“Just had rear tire replaced on my vtx 1800r at honda dealer. Was informed by technician that my rear bearing needs replaced. The bike only has 13,500 original miles on it. This seems way to early for this to have worn out already. I see on this forum that this problem is enormously common on the 1800s. Pretty disappointed in this. Ordering replacement parts and hoping the bearings have been upgraded in the last 13 years.”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2016
“Noticed odd tire wear on the rear tire of the motorcycle while away from home. Tire seemed to have worn down very quickly. After another 100 miles ridden, noticed tread on left side of tire was worn down to the cords of the tire and very close to having a blow out. Removed tire and wheel to replace tire. Discovered that the bearing in the flange was destroyed, this bearing was on the same side of the tire that had worn down to the cords. Bearing had metal pieces loose inside and ball bearings were loose and scattered around bearing. I am the second owner of the motorcycle and have found no evidence of previous failure. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Oct 2014
“I heard a noise when turning or cornerig both directions. Removed rear wheel and found drive flange bearing had failed breaking apart into small pieces. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Aug 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“Major front end wobble (especially if not gripping with both hands) between 35-50mph. Several hundred complaints online, but nobody has a 100% fix. Almost caused an accident during a turn with the wobble. Almost feels like you're going to lose control. Brought it to the honda dealership and they said several people have also brought in there bikes with the same issue, but no known fixes. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Mar 2012
“When changing rear tire checked flange bearing and noticed bearing was coming apart. Seal gone and metal pieces present along with rough and loose bearings. 14,000 miles on 03 1800 vtx c. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2011
“Flange bearing worn at only 11,000 miles...luckily I had to replace the rear tire for a 1200 mile trip I was getting ready to take or else it could of made for a really bad trip for something that I believe shouldn't happen after only this many miles...spent 35 bucks and got them replaced.. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Mar 2011
“While removing the rear tire for replacement I noticed the flange bearing has failed. 11,000 miles, first time inspecting the bearing. Will replace with new bearings and possibly machine the flange for better fit. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · May 2010
“The rear flange bearing on my 2003 honda vtx 1800c failed resulting in a very scary driving situation for me. It hasn't happened since the initial failure on or about september 2 of last year, but the rear wheel is starting to turn a little harder again recently and I am looking into replacing the bearing soon. The dealership (honda/yahama of savannah, ga) replaced the bearing at my cost and told me that it just happens and it's a part of the design. I wasn't aware that this was supposed to be an item subject to wear and tear replacement. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Sep 2009
“When the rear tire was replaced, I had the technician check the condition of the rear flange bearings. They were very rough. I ordered two bearings and replaced them on 12/04/2008 with 14,465 miles on the motorcycle. Upon removal from the flange, the bearings were in a state of total failure. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2008
“I was removing rear wheel on my 2003 honda vtx c model to replace worn tire and with the wheel off I did a check of the wheel bearings. I frequently visit the honda vtx owners site to keep up on maintenance issues and have found that many other owner have had a failure of this one particular bearing assembly referred to as " final driven flange a , honda part number 42630-mch-000. I did a check of the bearing and found that it would barely rotate, it had completely failed. Considering this is on a motorcycle, I think this is a serious safety issue. I have ordered a new part from honda and I hope that they have addressed this manufacturing defect. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2003 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 VTX1800 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2003 Honda VTX1800 reliable?
NHTSA has 53 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Honda VTX1800. The most complained-about area is power train (34% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Honda VTX1800 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 11,467 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.