RoadVitals

2013 Honda GL1800

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
9
Latest Jul 30, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jan 9, 2018
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 9 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 Honda GL1800, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and brakes categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 16 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Fuel system531.3%
  • Engine425.0%
  • Brakes318.8%
  • Electrical16.3%
  • Driver assistance16.3%
  • Powertrain (other)16.3%
  • Suspension16.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
18V045000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 9, 2018
960 units potentially affected
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2010 and 2012-2016 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycles. These motorcycles have air bag inflators assembled as part of the air bag module that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the rider resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Honda Motorcycle Customer Support at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KJ1.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number KJ1View on NHTSA.gov
15V700000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Oct 23, 2015
145,219 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number JV6View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE15014ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Inconsistent Throttle Control

Opened Apr 20, 2015
Closed Nov 13, 2015

This PE was opened after NHTSA received 10 owner complaints alleging vehicle control was compromised due to inconsistent throttle control in MY 2012-14 Honda GL1800 motorcycles.Typically during the first five minutes of operation (cold engine), riders would experience a pronounced engine stumble when operating the bike at low speeds and minimal throttle applications.Riders were concerned that this scenario would result in a crash if the stumble were to occur while making a sharp turn at low speed.Since opening this investigation we discussed the issue with Honda motorcycle dealers and service personnel and subject vehicle owners / complainants.We test rode one complaint GL1800 and monitored web forum activity.Based on the information gathered, the issue of low speed engine stumble in these motorcycles does not appear to jeopardize safety.The absence of crashes in a population of vehicles with up to 4 years in service indicates riders are able to instinctively correct for any control issue that may accrue from a low speed cold engine stumble.In the absence of a actionable defect trend, we are closing this PE.We continue to monitor complaints and other information sources for any data that may alter this finding.If such information is found, we will respond accordingly.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 10785837,10783109,10781852,10760402,10670092,10662128,10653041,10643482,10641998,10639635,10639538,10639483,10633401,10633110,10632624,10632569,10631910,10621114,10577493,10572733,10550566,10549745,10548741,10548568,10546436,10532817,10532620,10532347,10532553,10532249,10531538,10523914,10523890,10523515,10523017,10512486

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 9
BrakesSuspension
Filed Jul 30, 2023

2013 gl 1800 anti dive device failure causing bumps while riding.

NHTSA ID
11535313
Incident
Jul 29, 2023
Brakes
Filed Aug 5, 2016

MY BIKE WAS BROUGHT INTO MY LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP IN NOVEMBER 2015 FOR REAR BRAKE RECALL SERVICE. MY BIKE WAS OPERATING FINE PRIOR TO THE RECALL WORK BEING DONE. IN JULY 1, 2016 AFTER NOT RIDDEN MY BIKE DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MY REAR BRAKE LOCKED UP ON ME AS I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY - I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BECAUSE THE BIKE IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO SLOW DOWN WHEN I DEPRESSED MY CLUTCH; SINCE MY I DIDN'T HAVE A CHANCE TO USE MY BRAKES LEVER THAT WOULD HAVE TRIGGERED MY REAR BRAKE LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE A CAR ALMOST REAR ENDED ME! SO I BRING MY BIKE INTO MY LOCAL DEALER (FRIENDLY HONDA OF SLIDELL, LA) ON JULY 6, 2016 AND THE INSPECTED MY BIKE AND WORKED WITH AMERICAN HONDA TO ADDRESS MY ISSUE. I WAS ADVISED BY MY LOCAL DEALER WHEN I PICKED UP MY AUGUST 3, 2016 THAT MY REAR BRAKE ROTOR WAS WARPED AND DAMAGED. THEY REQUESTED AMERICAN HONDA REPLACE THE ROTOR SINCE IT WAS CAUSED BY THEIR BRAKE RECALL . AMERICAN HONDA DENIED THEIR REQUEST. I CALLED AMERICAN HONDA TWICE TO PROTEST THE WAY MY BIKE IS NOW OPERATING WHEN I USE MY REAR BRAKES - THE BIKE SHUTTERS AND VIBRATES WHENEVER I USE MY REAR BRAKES WHICH IN MY OPINION OF BEING A VERY EXPERIENCED MOTORCYCLE RIDER OF 15+ YEARS. I FEEL THAT AMERICAN HONDA HAS PUT MY LIFE IN DANGER OF POSSIBLY LOSING CONTROL OF MY BIKE WHEN I'M RIDING ON THE ROAD. I SPOKE WITH TWO FOLKS AT AMERICAN HONDA (FELIX AND MATT WHO IS THE SUPERVISOR - EMPLOYEE ID MT98) AND I'VE RECEIVED ZERO RELIEF FOR THE UNSAFE CONDITION MY BIKE IS IN NOW. I PURCHASED MY BIKE BRAND NEW IN NOVEMBER 2014 AND THE BIKE ONLY HAS 10,784 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ID
10893351
Incident
Aug 3, 2016
Mileage
10,750 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Oct 13, 2015

AFTER STARTING ENGINE, 1ST GEAR ENGAGEMENT, RELEASE CLUTCH AND FEED THROTTLE. MOTORCYCLE WILL STALL WHEN IN MOTION BETWEEN 1-10 MPH FORCING YOU TO ENGAGE CLUTCH LEVER AND THEN TWIST THROTTLE TO TRY AND GET ENGINE TO REV BACK UP. HOPEFULLY THIS WILL HAPPEN AND YOU WILL NOT FALL OVER DUE TO LACK OF POWER FROM STALL. THIS HAPPENS USUALLY WHEN ENGINE TEMP IS IN THE LOWER RANGE BUT CAN ALSO HAPPEN WHEN ENGINE IS WARM BUT YOU HAVE STOPPED FOR 10-20 MINUTES AND THEN YOU TRY TO START OFF AGAIN. THIS IS TOTALLY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WITH A 900 LB. MOTORCYCLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY SINCE PURCHASING IN APRIL 2013.

NHTSA ID
10781852
Incident
Aug 19, 2015
Mileage
100 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 11, 2015

THE ENGINE STUTTERS AND STALLS AT LOW SPEEDS RESULTING IN AN INABILITY TO MAINTAIN FORWARD MOMENTUM, CAUSING A FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN UPRIGHT POSITION WITHOUT EMERGENCY ACTION TO DISABLE DRIVE TRAIN, SUCH AS QUICKLY DISENGAGING CLUTCH IN ORDER TO ALLOW A SMOOTH COAST UNTIL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CAN BE SAFELY RESTORED. THIS CONDITION PERSISTS UNTIL THE ENGINE IS AT FULL OPERATING TEMPERATURE OR FOR ABOUT 15-30 MINUTES DEPENDING ON RIDING CONDITIONS.

NHTSA ID
10681256
Incident
Jun 1, 2013
Mileage
5,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jan 5, 2015

RIDING WHILE THE ENGINE IS WARMING UP, THE ENGINE GOES INTO A STALL REQUIRING THE RIDER TO PULL THE CLUTCH. IF IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN THE BIKE WILL CRASH. THIS PROBLEM PERSISTS STILL TODAY. HONDA DENIES THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT MANY OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10670092
Incident
Feb 23, 2013
Mileage
8 mi
Driver assistanceEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 15, 2014

MOTORCYCLE EXHIBITS A COLD START STUMBLE. AT AROUND 1700-2200 RPM (IN ANY GEAR) THE ENGINE STUMBLES / NEAR-STALLS. THIS LOSS OF POWER IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS ON A MOTORCYCLE WHERE RELIABLE POWER / SPEED IS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN RIDING STABILITY ESPECIALLY IN LOW SPEED MANEUVERING. LOSS OF POWER TWO-UP WITH A PASSENGER, LEANED OVER AT 25 DEGREES, AT ~0-5 MPH, IN SECOND GEAR...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS...HAVE ALMOST CRASHED MORE THAN ONCE. IN MANY GL1800 AND OTHER MOTORCYCLE USER FORUMS THIS IS A KNOWN AND MUCH DISCUSSED DYNAMIC WHICH HONDA HAS TO-DATE IGNORED / DISMISSED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10633401
Incident
Jun 16, 2014
Mileage
4,200 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 1, 2014

ONLY WHILE THE ENGINE IS STILL WARMING UP, AT ABOUT 1800 RPM I HAVE A VERY NOTICABLE HESITATION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10629924
Incident
Apr 3, 2014
Mileage
1,250 mi
BrakesFuel system
Filed Oct 30, 2013

2013 HONDA GL1800G. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BAD GAS MILEAGE AND BRAKE PAD ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE ONLY GETS 28 MPG. ALSO, THE BAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 02/04/14 THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED TWICE, IN ONE YEAR. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING ON THE BRAKE PADS AND WHEELS, CAUSING THE BRAKE PADS TO WEAR OUT PREMATURELY. UPDATED 07/31/14

NHTSA ID
10550202
Incident
Oct 1, 2013

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

MCPSP08192024901

WHEELS

Dealer Message - Honda has sourced a new supplier for the 2009 ~ 2017 GL1800 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The new TPMS supplier parts are not compatible (will not communicate) with the original equipment parts. Therefore, if the original TPMS sensor/valve or receiver requires replacement, it will require the TPMS kit listed in this bulletin. Individual parts for the new kit are available for future repairs.

GL1800 #24 - August 2024

WHEELS

Service Bulletin - Honda has sourced a new supplier for the 2009 ~ 2017 GL1800 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The new TPMS supplier parts are not compatible (will not communicate) with the original equipment parts. Therefore, if the original TPMS sensor/valve or receiver requires replacement, it will require the TPMS kit listed in this bulletin. Individual parts for the new kit are available for future repairs.

GL1800 #26 - July 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Service Bulletin - Honda has sourced a new supplier for the 2009 ~ 2017 GL1800 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The new TPMS supplier parts are not compatible (will not communicate) with the original equipment parts. Therefore, if the original TPMS sensor/valve or receiver requires replacement, it will require the TPMS kit listed in this bulletin. Individual parts for the new kit are available for future repairs.

MCMSN06112024

WHEELS

Dealer Mesage - Honda has sourced a new supplier for the 2009 ~ 2017 GL1800 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The new TPMS supplier parts are not compatible (will not communicate) with the original equipment parts. Therefore, if the original TPMS sensor/valve or receiver requires replacement, it will require the TPMS kit listed in this bulletin. Individual parts for the new kit are available for future repairs.

MCGL1800 - #28 - June 202

WHEELS

Service Bulletin - Honda has sourced a new supplier for the 2009 ~ 2017 GL1800 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The new TPMS supplier parts are not compatible (will not communicate) with the original equipment parts. Therefore, if the original TPMS sensor/valve or receiver requires replacement, it will require the TPMS kit listed in this bulletin. Individual parts for the new kit are available for future repairs.

GL1800 #2 Nov23

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Service Bulletin - Honda has sourced a new supplier for the 2009 ~ 2017 GL1800 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The new TPMS supplier parts are not compatible (will not communicate) with the original equipment parts. Therefore, if the original TPMS sensor/valve or receiver requires replacement, it will require the TPMS kit listed in this bulletin. Individual parts in the kit are available for future repairs.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Honda GL1800 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024310—
2023210—
2022120—
2021730—
2020130—
2019820—
2018342050.8
2017000—
2016510—
2015820—
2014721—
2013Viewing921—
2012315249.3
2011010—
2010245157.0
2009261—
2008475152.9
2007205153.5
2006226145.6
2005183148.3
2004105254.0
20031017456.7
20021827456.9
2001846455.9

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.