2002 Honda Gl1800a recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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.
What could happen: 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 fix: 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…
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 2002 GL1800A.
- Book a repair at any authorized Honda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 15V700000 (manufacturer code JV6).
- 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: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
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.
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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.
What could happen: 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 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.
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 2002 GL1800A.
- Book a repair at any authorized Honda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 05V010000.
- 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: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
Notes: HONDA RECALL NO. P65. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
3. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. 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.
What could happen: THE WELDED AREA COULD BREAK, RESULTING IN REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE OR LOWER CROSS MEMBER SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: 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.
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 2002 GL1800A.
- Book a repair at any authorized Honda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 05V027000.
- 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: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: THE WELDED AREA COULD BREAK, RESULTING IN REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE OR LOWER CROSS MEMBER SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Notes: HONDA RECALL NO. P66. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
4. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. 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.
What could happen: THE WELDED AREA COULD BREAK, RESULTING IN REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE OR LOWER CROSS MEMBER SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REINFORCE THE WELDS ON ALL FRAMES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING OCTOBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
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 2002 GL1800A.
- Book a repair at any authorized Honda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 03V350000.
- 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: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: THE WELDED AREA COULD BREAK, RESULTING IN REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE OR LOWER CROSS MEMBER SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REINFORCE THE WELDS ON ALL FRAMES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING OCTOBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2002 Honda Gl1800a owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (3), Body / structure (3), Hydraulic (1), Engine (1), Electrical 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 (8)
05/09/2019 · Brakes · crash
THIS CONCERNS AN ONGOING SAFETY RECALL FOR REAR BRAKE LOCKUP ON GL1800 GOLDWING. I OWN A 2002 MODEL. THREE TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH, MY REAR BRAKE HAS LOCKED UP, ONE TIME CAUSING ME TO LOOSE CONTROL AND DROP THE BIKE, BEING SLIGHTLY INJURED, WITH A SCRAPE TO THE RIGHT ARM. HONDA HAS THUS FAR NOT REIMBURSED ME FOR REPAIRS THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE AN UNENDING S…
07/24/2017 · Brakes
FOLLOWING BRAKE RECALL REPAIR COMPLETED IN LATE 2016 BY HONDA DEALER, MOTORCYCLE HAS EXPERIENCED SAME FAILURE OF REAR CALIPER/BRAKES HYDRAULICALLY SEIZING TO A COMPLETE STOP OF BIKE. THE HONDA RECALL(S) (2 RECALLS) IS STILL NOT ADEQUATE TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH THE SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER AND REAR BRAKES WITH GOLDWINGS.
07/21/2009 · Body / structure
I RIDE A 2002 HONDA GOLDWING GL1800A. IN MID JUNE THE STARTER SWITCH STUCK AND THE STARTER FAILED. WHILE CHECKING THE STARTER THE HONDA DEALER FOUND MY FRAME WAS BROKEN IN TWO ON ONE SIDE AND CRACKED ON THE OTHER JUST BEHIND THE PASSENGER FOOT REST. IF THE SECOND SIDE HAD BROKEN THE TRUNK, BACKREST, SADDLE BAGS WOULD HAVE FALLEN OFF MOST LIKELY CAUSING A…
11/08/2008 · Body / structure
2002 ,1800 GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE . I WAS CHECKING THE BIKE OVER AND FOUND A CRACK IN THE FRAME . THE CRACKS IS RIGHT BEHIND BOTH PASSENGER FLOORBOARDS. RIGHT NOW THE BIKE IS AT A HONDA MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP . WAITING TO SEE WHAT HONDA IS GOING TO DO. *TR
06/02/2005 · Brakes
VEHICLE IS A 2002 HONDA GOLDWING GL1800 MOTORCYCLE. WHEN APPLYING THE REAR BRAKE, IT CAUSES THE ENTIRE MOTORCYCLE TO VIOLENTLY SHUDDER. THE SHUDDER WORSENS AS THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE RISES. DUE TO THE TECHNIQUE OF TURNING ON A MOTORCYCLE BY LEANING, THIS CAUSES A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. HONDA HAS TRIED APPROXIMATELY 4 FIXES OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS, NON…
09/08/2004 · Engine
I HAVE A 2002 HONDA GOLDWING THAT CONTINUES TO GET HOT AND BOIL OVER IN FRONT OF THE REAR TIRE WHILE IN TRAFFIC. I ALSO HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF 5 MORE GOLDWING DOING THE SAME THING. ALL OF THESE BIKES HAVE HAD THE ECM CHANGED OUT.*AK
05/05/2004 · Electrical system
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH MOTORCYCLE STALLED. CONSUMER RESTARTED MOTORCYCLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
03/22/2004 · Body / structure
CRACK IN 2002 ABS HONDA GOLD WING MOTORCYCLE FRAME ON LEFT LOWER FRAME. *AK