2016 Honda Gl1800 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. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. 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.
What could happen: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the rider resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: 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.
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 2016 GL1800.
- Book a repair at any authorized Honda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V045000 (manufacturer code KJ1).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-784-1870.
- 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: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the rider resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (3), Brakes (2), Electrical system (1), Fuel system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (5)
03/24/2023 · Brakes
The contact owns a 2016 Honda GL1800. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the rear brakes locked up, causing the motorcycle to abruptly stop. The contact pushed the motorcycle to a nearby parking lot and pumped the brake pedal several times until the brakes released. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer but not diagnosed. The mo…
10/24/2021 · Engine
Motorcycle stumbles and hesitates during engine warmup. Problem creates a hazard situation if this happens in traffic. If you apply throttle before engine is at operating temperature while leaving a street light, stop sign or in traffic the motorcycle stumbles and hesitates. This situation can cause the vehicle behind the motorcycle to overrun the motorcycl…
08/17/2020 · Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA GOLD WING GL1800 MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DEPRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, WHEN HE RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL HOWEVER, THE BRAKES CEASED AND THE MOTORCYCLE CONTINUED BRAKING AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V700000 (SE…
11/19/2018 · Electrical system · crash
WITH BIKE IN GEAR, SIDE STAND DOWN, KILL SWITCH IN KILL POSITION, AND NO KEY IN IGNITION, WHILE REPLACING THE BATTERY THE ENGINE STARTED AND THE BIKE ENGINE ENGAGED AND ROLLED FORWARD CAUSING IT TO FALL ON TOP OF ME, AND DAMAGING THE SADDLE BAG WHICH WAS LEFT OPEN BECAUSE THE COVER TO THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT NOW IS ATTACHED INSIDE THE SADDLE BAG. HONDA IS…
08/21/2016 · Engine
I WAS JUST STARTING FROM MY HOUSE AND HAD SOME HESITATION IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR. I MADE A RIGHT TURN ABOUT A 1/4 MILE DOWN THE ROAD AND AGAIN I HAD HESITATION IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR. NOTE, I DO LET THE BIKE IDLE DOWN BEFORE TAKEN OFF. THIS 2016 WITH FUEL INJECTION THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. HONDA NEEDS TO SOMETHING AND MAKE A RECALL.