2001 Honda GL1800 recalls and problems

5 recalls and 84 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Honda GL1800.

5
recalls
84
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2001 Honda GL1800 recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, master cylinder

NHTSA campaign 15V700000 · reported October 23, 2015 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · 145,219 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 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 recall supercedes recall 14V-472.

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, master cylinder

NHTSA campaign 11V567000 · reported December 1, 2011 · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.) · 126,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Honda is recalling certain model year 2001-2010, and model year 2012 gl1800 goldwing motorcycles. Under certain conditions, there is a possibility that the combined braking system's secondary master cylinder may cause the rear brake to drag.
The risk
Unexpected braking increases the risk of a crash, and riding the motorcycle with the rear brake dragging may generate enough heat to cause the rear brake to catch fire.
The fix
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the secondary master cylinder and if necessary, replace it, free of charge. The safety recall began on january 6, 2012. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870.

Structure: frame and members

NHTSA campaign 05V027000 · reported January 31, 2005 · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.) · 34,919 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 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.

Engine and engine cooling: engine

NHTSA campaign 01V162000 · reported May 9, 2001 · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO. · 6,662 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: motorcycles equipped with a newly designed engine stop switch. The engine stop switch is sensitive to accidental contact or strong jolting, such as hitting a pothole or riding over railroad tracks,which could cause the engine to cut out momentarily or even shut off.
The risk
Sudden loss of engine power could lead to a crash.
The fix
Dealers will install a contact plate, e-clip, and 2 contact plate springs. Owner notification began april 19, 2001. 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 1-310-532-9811.

Engine and engine cooling: engine

NHTSA campaign 01V133000 · reported April 23, 2001 · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO. · 8,107 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: motorcycles equipped with a newly designed pulse rotor. The crankshaft pulse rotor, a device used for ignition timing, could fail and cause the engine to stall.
The risk
This sudden loss of engine power could lead to a crash.
The fix
Dealers will install a redesigned pulse rotor. Owner notification began april 19, 2001. 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 1-800-999-1009.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 27, 2021 · Service brakes

On 06/26/2021, Approx 4pm. Traffic heavy. Speed 20 mph or less. This caused consistent brake use. Rear brakes locked up. I was very close to the right edge of the road and bike stopped. I quickly activated emergency flashers and avoided any incident. This bike has ABS. There was a service recall performed about 4 yrs…

Jun 22, 2017 · Suspension · 28,500 miles

CHAMPION SIDE CAR TRIKE KIT FRAME FAILURE ON A GL1800 WITH ONLY 28.K MILES AND NO ACCIDENTS.

Jun 20, 2017 · Service brakes · 52 miles

I BOUGHT A 1800 HONDA GOLDWING TOURING BIKE 2-3 YEARS AGO HAD A BRAKE RECALL AND STILL DO? MINE WAS WORKED ON TWICE? AFTER I BOUGHT I DROVE IT 54 MILES THE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP PULLING ME IN THE DITCH? FLIPPING THE BIKE AND SENDING IT END OVER END TOTAL? THAT WAS ALL DON,T BEFORE I GOT OUT OF THE ER AND…

Apr 4, 2017 · Unknown or other · 179,971 miles

ON 3/27/17 DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING IN MY GARAGE, I REMOVED THE SIDE COVERS AND FOUND THE FRAME WAS BROKEN COMPLETELY APART ON BOTH SIDES OF THE MOTORCYCLE. FRAME BRAKE WAS IN THE LOWER TUBE SECTION OF THE REAR TRIANGLE OF MAIN FRAME DIRECTLY AFT OF THE WELD. THIS IS A KNOWN WEAK SPOT, SINCE HONDA…

Jul 19, 2016 · Service brakes · 23,153 miles

HAD BRAKE RECALL WORK DONE AT HONDA DEALERSHIP. AFTER THAT & HAS TEMP GOT HOTTER I DEVELOPED A EXTREMELY VIOLENT BRAKE SHUTTER.RETURNED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY NOTIFIED HONDA AND ATTEMPTED TO REWORK THE BRAKES BUT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET GOLDWING BRAKE SHUDDERING & FOUND OUT I…

GL1800 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 58410
2002 618220
2003 610120
2004 41010

Across all years, the 2002 GL1800 has the most complaints (182). All Honda GL1800 years →

Questions

Does the 2001 Honda GL1800 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2001 Honda GL1800, the most recent reported on October 23, 2015 (Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, master cylinder). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Honda GL1800?
Owners have filed 84 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (42 complaints), followed by tires (16).
How many 2001 Honda GL1800 complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 84 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 27, 2021.