2004 Honda GL1800A Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 26, 2017 · 3 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other GL1800A years
Not enough data 5th of 8 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Honda GL1800A. That ranks 5th out of 8 GL1800A model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (1 complaints, 33%), typically at around 45,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 fire. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2004 Honda GL1800A problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System1 · ~45,000 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)1 · ~45,000 mi
Engine1 · ~45,000 mi
Power Train1 · ~9,785 mi
Suspension1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System133%45,000——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)133%45,000——
Engine133%45,000——
Power Train133%9,785——
Suspension133%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2005, with 1 complaints
2005: 1200512009: 1200912017: 120171

n = 3 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2004 Honda GL1800A recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinderOct 23, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V700000 · 145,219 vehicles

Problem: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2010 and 2012-2015 GL1800, 2001-2005 GL1800A and 2013-2015 GL1800B motorcycles. The rear brakes of the affected motorcycles may drag after the brakes are released.

Risk: A rear brake that drags may increase the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, extended riding with the rear brake dragging could generate enough heat to result in a fire.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary brake master cylinder and the rear brake master cylinder, and flush the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on December 7, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is JV6. Note: This recall supercedes recall 14V-472.

Structure:frame and membersJan 31, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V027000 · 34,919 vehicles

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicJan 24, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V010000 · 36,046 vehicles

Problem: Certain motorcycles equipped with combined-brake systems have a proportioning control valve (pcv) that mechanically proportions brake force when the rear brake is applied. A seal in some pcvs is improperly shaped, and brake fluid leakage may occur.

Risk: If the motorcycle continues to be used after a leak occurs, the rear brake would eventually become inoperative. A loss of rear brake force could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear brake forleakage. If leakage is confirmed, the dealer will replace the pcv free of charge. The recall began on january 31, 2005. Owners may contact honda at 866-784-1870.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

I have a 2004 honda goldwing with a california side car kit. I purchased it from the second owner about 1.5 yrs ago. About a year ago i was riding a back road when the starter engaged. I hadn't touched the start switch? I tried the kill switch both positions as this model has an up and down…

Electronic Stability Control (esc) · received Oct 26, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 11040290

On 2004 honda gl1800a motorcycle transmission would jump back into 4th gear from od gear. The transmission would also disengage while in od gear. *tr

Power Train · received Apr 6, 2009 · NHTSA complaint 10264242

Dt: the consumer stated that when riding the motorcycle at 40 mph and taking both hands off of the handle bars, the motorcycle would shake violently. The consumer also noticed this problem on july 5, 2005. The consumer spoke to the dealer and they were going to charge the consumer for inspecting…

Suspension · received Oct 11, 2005 · NHTSA complaint 10139273

Other Honda GL1800A years

← 2003 GL1800A · 2005 GL1800A →

See all Honda GL1800A problems by year, every Honda model, or the Honda VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Honda GL1800A?

Owners most often report electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), engine problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Honda GL1800A?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2004 Honda GL1800A a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other GL1800A model years, the 2004 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.