Honda GL1800 Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jun 24, 2026 · 626 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 626 owner complaints and 15 safety recalls on file for the Honda GL1800, across 22 model years (2001–2024). The 2002 model year has the most complaints (182). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.

Peak: 2002, with 182 complaints
2001: 8420012002: 1821822003: 10120032004: 102005: 1820052006: 222007: 2020072008: 472009: 220092010: 242012: 3120122013: 92014: 720142015: 82016: 520162018: 342019: 820192020: 12021: 720212022: 12023: 220232024: 3

n = 626 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Honda GL1800 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical GL1800 year: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2018. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2002 GL1800: 182 complaints, 6 recalls
  2. 2003 GL1800: 101 complaints, 6 recalls
  3. 2001 GL1800: 84 complaints, 5 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2020 GL1800: 1 complaint, 3 recalls
  2. 2022 GL1800: 1 complaint, 2 recalls
  3. 2009 GL1800: 2 complaints, 5 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Honda GL1800 problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Engine and Engine Cooling problems17980
Structure problems100112
Power Train61172
Service Brakes53207
Steering53121
Suspension45141
Engine44131
Tires4482
Electrical System30165
Fuel/propulsion System2870
Service Brakes, Hydraulic27122
Vehicle Speed Control20107
Fuel System, Gasoline1170
Exterior Lighting951
Wheels960
Equipment862
Visibility421
Air Bags320
Seats220
Electronic Stability Control110
Latches/locks/linkages110
Parking Brake110
Service Brakes, Air110
Visibility/wiper110

Honda GL1800 problems by model year

Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.

All Honda GL1800 model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2024 GL180031—Electrical System
2023 GL180021—Power Train
2022 GL180012—Service Brakes
2021 GL180073—Vehicle Speed Control
2020 GL180013—Engine
2019 GL180082—Engine
2018 GL1800342—Vehicle Speed ControlFar more complaints than other years
2016 GL180051—Engine
2015 GL180082—Steering
2014 GL180072—Service Brakes
2013 GL180092—Fuel/propulsion System
2012 GL1800314—EngineFar more complaints than other years
2010 GL1800244—Service BrakesFar more complaints than other years
2009 GL180025—Power Train
2008 GL1800474—Power TrainFar more complaints than other years
2007 GL1800204—Service BrakesFar more complaints than other years
2006 GL1800225—Power TrainFar more complaints than other years
2005 GL1800182—SteeringFar more complaints than other years
2004 GL1800104—Power TrainAbout as many complaints as other years
2003 GL18001016—StructureFar more complaints than other years
2002 GL18001826—Engine and Engine CoolingFar more complaints than other years
2001 GL1800845—Engine and Engine CoolingFar more complaints than other years

More from Honda: all Honda models · Honda VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Honda GL1800 years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2001 (84), 2002 (182), 2003 (101), 2005 (18), 2006 (22), 2007 (20), 2008 (47), 2010 (24), 2012 (31), 2018 (34) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical GL1800 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Honda GL1800?

Engine and Engine Cooling, with 179 complaints across 8 model years.

How many recalls does the Honda GL1800 have?

15 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.