RoadVitals

2004 Honda GL1800A

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.
3
Latest Oct 26, 2017
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.
3
Latest Oct 23, 2015
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.
0
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 3 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Honda GL1800A, most frequently naming the driver assistance, electrical and engine categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 23 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

  • Driver assistance120.0%
  • Electrical120.0%
  • Engine120.0%
  • Suspension120.0%
  • Transmission120.0%

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

3 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
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
05V027000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Jan 31, 2005
34,919 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THE WELDED AREA COULD BREAK, RESULTING IN REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE OR LOWER CROSS MEMBER SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: 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.
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)Manufacturer number P66View on NHTSA.gov
05V010000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Jan 24, 2005
36,046 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)Manufacturer number P65View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 26, 2017
Fire reported

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 FEATURE. I THEN TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, NO AVAIL. FINALLY IT STOPPED ON IT'S OWN. AFTER RETURNING HOME IT WOULD NOT RESTART, I DID A CHECK AND FOUND THE START RELAY WAS FRIED. A FEW WEEKS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN SAME SYMPTOMS AND RESPONSE TO WHAT SHOULD HAVE SHUT A BIKE DOWN SAME RESULTS. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER IN LAKE CITY, FL. AFTER TRYING TO SELL ME A NEW BIKE PIECE BY PIECE I PAID MY $1K AND LEFT WITH A NEW STARTER AND NEW STARTER RELAY. A COUPLE WEEKS LATER WHEN IT HAPPENED I HAD SEVERAL STARTER RELAYS ONBOARD AND SURE ENOUGH REPLACE THE START RELAY IT STARTED I MADE IT HOME. THIS WEEK WHILE WASHING IT I TURNED THE KEY ON AND BEFORE I COULD MOUNT IT IT STARTED CHUGGING BY THE STARTER THROUGH MY YARD. CHOICE LEAVE IT AND ALLOW IT TO STOP BY RUNNNING IN THE HOUSE OR A CAR TO GET A WRENCH TO TAKE THE NEGATIVE OFF THE BATTERY OR STAY WITH IT AN CHOKE IT DOWN USING THE BRAKES. AGAIN START RELAY AND STARTER. I REALIZE YOU DON'T DEAL WITH WARRANTY ISSUES BUT IMAGINE NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP A MOTORCYCLE WITH THE KEY, THE KILL SWITCH OR BEING ABLE TO CONTROL IT WITH THE CLUTCH SINCE THE STARTER HAS NO CONNECTION. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND DISCUSSED ON GOLDWING FORUMS. I CAN'T FIND ANYONE AT HONDA TO HELP...CAN YOU BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT?

NHTSA ID
11040290
Incident
Feb 14, 2016
Mileage
45,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Apr 6, 2009

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

NHTSA ID
10264242
Incident
Jul 6, 2005
Mileage
9,785 mi
Suspension
Filed Oct 11, 2005

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 THE MOTORCYCLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING OR NOISE BEFORE THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED EACH TIME THE CONSUMER DROVE THE MOTORCYCLE. *AK (12/08/05) *SC

NHTSA ID
10139273
Incident
Jul 5, 2005

Manufacturer communications

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

The Wrench - Jun

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK; STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

Technician newsletter - When troubleshooting it is good to have all of the tools at your disposal. If you are diagnosing a power trunk lock remote control issue on a GL1800, there is a Honda tool that you may not know is capable of testing the trunk lock remote.

GL1800 SECONDARY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

"SERVICE BULLETIN - HONDA IS LAUNCHING A SAFETY RECALL OF 2012-2015 GL1800/A AND 2013-2015 GL1800B/BD MOTORCYCLES, AND IS IMPLEMENTING A RECALL REMEDY FOR 2001-2010 AND 2012 GL1800/A MOTORCYCLES ALREADY SUBJECT TO SAFETY RECALL “JG6”. HONDA HAS DETERMINED THAT UNDER CONDITIONS WHERE THE BRAKE FLUID IS SUBJECT TO PROLONGED AGING DUE TO A LACK OF MAINTENANCE (I.E., THE BRAKE FLUID IS NOT REPLACED FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME DESPITE THE PUBLISHED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE OF REPLACEMENT EVERY 12,000 MILES OR TWO YEARS, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST), DEPOSITS MAY FORM WITHIN THE BRAKE FLUID. IF SUFFICIENT DEPOSITS ARE FORMED, THEY CAN RESULT IN A MALFUNCTION OF THE SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER, WHICH MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO DRAG."

GL1800 NO. 23

EQUIPMENT

"DEALER MESSAGE - ON DECEMBER 11, SEVERAL SECTIONS OF S/B GL1800 #23 WERE REVISED TO INCLUDE INFORMATION FOR THE REPAIR OF TRIKE COVERSIONS."

MC - THE WRENCH

EQUIPMENT; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

NEWSLETTER - THE REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR THE SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER (SMC) RECALL IS VERY INVOLVED, SO MAKE SURE TO READ THROUGH THE ENTIRE BULLETIN BEFORE HAND SO YOU CAN VISUALIZE THE PROCEDURES BEFORE YOU START. NOT ONLY WILL YOU BE INSTALLING AN UPDATED SMC AND A NEW REAR MASTER CYLINDER, BUT IT IS IMPORTANT TO CAREFULLY FOLLOW EACH STEP IN EXACT ORDER SO THAT THE PEDAL BRAKE LINE IS COMPLETELY FLUSHED OF ANY CONTAMINANTS.

DLR MSG - MC - S

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

"DEALER MESSAGE - EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY THE SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER (SMC) KITS FOR THIS RECALL ARE AVAILABLE ON OPEN ORDER. AS INDICATED IN S/B GL1800 #23 AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS ABOUT THIS RECALL, IT IS ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL THAT ONLY PRO HONDA DOT 4 BRAKE FLUID BE USED DURING THE REPAIR PROCEDURE. TO HELP ENSURE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF BRAKE FLUID IS AVAILABLE FOR RECALL REPAIRS, AN ADDITIONAL ALLOCATION OF PRO HONDA DOT 4 BRAKE FLUID WILL BE SHIPPED TO DEALERS. THE ALLOCATION IS BASED ON YOUR DEALERSHIP’S PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED GL1800 SMC RECALL WARRANTY CLAIMS."

SERVICE BULLETIN

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

SERVICE BULLETIN - HONDA IS LAUNCHING A SAFETY RECALL OF 2012-2015 GL1800/A AND 2013-2015 GL1800/B/BD MOTORCYCLES, AND IS IMPLEMENTING A RECALL REMEDY FOR 2001-2010 AND 2012 GL 1800/A MOTORCYCLES ALREADY SUBJECT TO SAFETY RECALL "JG6". HONDA HAS DETERMINED THAT UNDER CONDITIONS WHERE THE BRAKE FLUID IS SUBJECT TO PROLONGED AGING DUE TO A LACK OF MAINTENANCE, DEPOSITS MAY FORM WITHIN THE BRAKE FLUID.

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 GL1800A by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2017000—
2016000—
2015100—
2014000—
2013110039.4
2012000—
2011000—
2010000—
2009000—
2008200—
2007000—
2006000—
2005010—
2004Viewing330—
2003164042.5
2002840—
2001142048.7

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.