2003 Honda GL1800 Structure Problems
Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the 2003 Honda GL1800, 53% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 19,010 miles. The words owners use most often: “goldwing motorcycle” (13% of reports).
- 54structure complaints
- 19,010median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 2related recalls
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Goldwing motorcycle: mentioned in 7 of 54 complaints (13%)
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 26 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
None of the 54 complaints report a crash, fire or injury.
Honda GL1800 structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 GL1800 | 1 | 33% | — |
| 2021 GL1800 | 1 | 14% | — |
| 2018 GL1800 | 1 | 3% | 33,500 |
| 2010 GL1800 | 1 | 4% | 5,000 |
| 2008 GL1800 | 1 | 2% | 1,292 |
| 2007 GL1800 | 1 | 5% | 43,000 |
| 2005 GL1800 | 3 | 17% | 1 |
| 2004 GL1800 | 1 | 10% | 46,000 |
| 2003 GL1800 | 54 | 53% | 19,010 |
| 2002 GL1800 | 30 | 16% | 45,750 |
| 2001 GL1800 | 6 | 7% | 63,900 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Structure:frame and members
Problem: On some motorcycles, certain frame welds do not meet manufacturing specifications. High loads created when riding on rough road surfaces or through potholes can cause the affected welds to crack.
Risk: The welded area could break, resulting in rear suspension collapse or lower cross member separation, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, reinforce the welds on 2001-2002 motorcycles free of charge. On 2003-2004 motorcycles, the units will be repaired, no inspection will be necessary. The recall began on february 9, 2005. Owners may contact honda at 1-866-784-1870.
Structure:frame and members:underbody shields
Problem: On some motorcycles, certain frame welds do not meet manufacturing specifications. High loads created when riding on rough road surfaces or through potholes can cause the affected welds to crack.
Risk: The welded area could break, resulting in rear suspension collapse or lower cross member separation, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and reinforce the welds on all frames. Owner notification began during october 2003. Owners should contact honda at 1-866-784-1870.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Told by honda the frame recall was done in 2012. In 2020 i inspected the frame and there are cracks in the frame again where the recall stated they would be. The replacement frame is cracking. Both major cracks are at the welds at the rear passenger foot pegs
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda gl1800. The contact stated that upon inspection it was discovered that the frame was fractured. The contact indicated that the fracture was located at the mid section of the left side of the motorcycle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer…
Honda safety recall service bulletin gl1800 #14 revised: september 2008 states that my motorcycle is one of the affected units for the recall (i.e. The frame welds need to be reinforced). That work has never been done. However, the records for doing a vin check only go back 15 years, and a local…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2003 Honda GL1800s have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 54 owner complaints about structure for the 2003 Honda GL1800 (53% of the 101 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Honda GL1800 structure?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do structure problems start?
The median reported mileage is 19,010 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about structure problems on the 2003 Honda GL1800?
The most frequent phrase is “goldwing motorcycle”, in 7 of 54 complaints.
See all 2003 Honda GL1800 problems or structure problems across all GL1800 years.