Honda GL1800 Structure Problems
Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the Honda GL1800 across 11 model years. The 2003 model year has the most (54). The words owners use most often: “motorcycle frame” (14% of reports).
- 100structure complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 17%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Motorcycle frame: mentioned in 14 of 100 complaints (14%)
- Gold wing: mentioned in 9 of 100 complaints (9%)
- Cross member: mentioned in 6 of 100 complaints (6%)
- Rear suspension: mentioned in 6 of 100 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 52 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 100 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 2 an 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
Model years: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
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
Model years: 2002, 2003
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.
2024 Honda Gold Wing GL1800DR Tour fails to detect the keyfob intermittently. The vehicle does not require a standard key to start, unlock or closing/opening the paniers, except for emergency situation and requires at that time a sequence to be followed. For this, it requires that you have the fob…
Shortly after purchasing brand new in July of 2021, this motorcycle developed a violent shake and wobble at 40mph, which could be felt between 35mph and 45mph, but was much worse at 40mph. It also developed at the same time a constant, uncommanded pull to the right. I have tried for three years to…
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…
I was seated on my 2018 dct goldwing, having just rolled back out of parking space in the church parking lot, (i did not use the reverse function) it was running, when i pushed "d" for drive it shot out forward on it's own, as if the throttle was wide open. Within 1 second or less i rear ended…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Honda GL1800s have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 100 owner complaints about structure for the Honda GL1800. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 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.
What do owners say about structure problems on the Honda GL1800?
The most frequent phrase is “motorcycle frame”, in 14 of 100 complaints, followed by “gold wing” (9).
Other Honda GL1800 problems
See all Honda GL1800 problems.