1997 Honda Gl1500 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. THE METAL STAY OR RUBBER SUPPORT FOR THE REAR TURN SIGNAL CAN FALL CAUSING THE REAR TURN SIGNAL LIGHT TO BE OUT-OF-POSITION.
What could happen: VEHICLES FOLLOWING MAY NOT NOTICE THE TURN SIGNAL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE METAL STAY AND RUBBER SUPPORTS OF THE REAR TURN SIGNAL.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 GL1500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Honda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V213000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
Summary: THE METAL STAY OR RUBBER SUPPORT FOR THE REAR TURN SIGNAL CAN FALL CAUSING THE REAR TURN SIGNAL LIGHT TO BE OUT-OF-POSITION.
Consequence: VEHICLES FOLLOWING MAY NOT NOTICE THE TURN SIGNAL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE METAL STAY AND RUBBER SUPPORTS OF THE REAR TURN SIGNAL.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 1996. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-310-783-2000. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (1), Electrical system (1), Wheels / tires (1), Lights (1), Brakes (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
09/02/2004 · Engine
WHILE DRIVING THE MOTORCYCLE A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD. THE STARTER AND ENGINE STAYED ON AT THE SAME TIME. ENGINE FAILED TO SHUT DOWN. THIS CAUSED THE MOTORCYCLE TO JERK FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. *AK
06/11/1999 · Wheels / tires
TIRE DELAMINATED DURING NORMAL WEAR AND USE, REFUSED BY DEALER TO ADMIT DEFECT. SAID DUNLOP WOULD NOT WARRANTY TIRE, NO REPLACEMENT. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 16X180 )
01/30/1998 · Lights
GLARE FROM SUNLIGHT DURING DAWN/DUSK MAKES READING INSTRUMENTS IMPOSSIBLE. *AK
07/18/1997 · Brakes
RIGHT FOOT BRAKE IS SOME WHAT ACKWARD POSITION. YOU MUST ROTATE YOUR FOR YOUR ANKLE TO ITS FULLEST DOWNWARD POSITION IN ORDER TO GET PROPER BRAKING. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.