2004 Honda VFR800 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated May 13, 2013 · 3 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other VFR800 years
Not enough data 3rd of 6 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Honda VFR800. That ranks 3rd out of 6 VFR800 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (2 complaints, 67%), typically at around 10,675 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

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

Compare with another car

Most common 2004 Honda VFR800 problems

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

Electrical System2 · ~10,675 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling1 · ~7,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System267%10,675——
Engine and Engine Cooling133%7,000——

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2008, with 2 complaints
2007: 1200712008: 220082

n = 3 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2004 Honda VFR800 recalls (2)

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

Electrical system:wiringAug 15, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V359000 · 6,952 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the front fairing sub-harness (section of the wiring harness) transfers the electrical grounding load of the headlights, front turn signals, instrument panel, and various relays to the main wiring harness via an 18-pin connector. Under certain conditions, the ground wire terminals inside the connector can overheat, resulting in melting of the connector and a loss of power to various circuits.

Risk: As a result, a loss of critical lighting or engine power could occur without warning, which could cause a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a re-designed sub-harness. If damage is found, the main wiring harness will also be replaced free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on september 26, 2007. Owners were re-notified on november 10, 2007, to take their motorcycles to dealers to have the parts installed. 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Southern Honda Powersports (AQ12001) — opened May 14, 2012, closed May 13, 2013.

Recent owner reports

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

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 honda vfr800. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number 07v359000 (electrical system, wiring). While driving between 55-60 mph, the instrument panel shut off. When he exited the freeway, the instrument panel began working again. When he merged back onto the freeway…

Electrical System · received Jul 1, 2008 · NHTSA complaint 10232921

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 honda vfr800. While riding 30 mph, the vehicle shuts off and stalls randomly. The contact has been unable to get any of the honda dealers to repair or duplicate the failure. He called the manufacturer and they informed him to take the vehicle to the honda dealer, but they…

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Mar 11, 2008 · NHTSA complaint 10220836

Intermittent electrical problems, loss of power, lights, instruments. Loss of power and lights at night resulted lost control of motorcycle, which came in contact with reflector/barrier on highway. At higher speeds this may have resulted in serious injury. *jb

Electrical System · received Sep 20, 2007 · NHTSA complaint 10203513

Other Honda VFR800 years

← 2003 VFR800 · 2005 VFR800 →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2006 VFR80031
2005 VFR80031
200432
2003 VFR80082
2002 VFR80062
1999 VFR80020

See all Honda VFR800 problems by year, every Honda model, or the Honda VIN decoder.

Similar Honda models

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Honda VFR800?

Owners most often report electrical system, engine and engine cooling problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Honda VFR800?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2004 Honda VFR800 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other VFR800 model years, the 2004 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.