2003 Honda GL1800 recalls and problems

6 recalls and 101 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Honda GL1800.

6
recalls
101
owner complaints
2
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.

2003 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic

NHTSA campaign 05V010000 · reported January 24, 2005 · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.) · 36,046 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 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.

Structure: frame and members, underbody shields

NHTSA campaign 03V350000 · reported September 26, 2003 · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO. · 8,196 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 reinforce the welds on all frames. Owner notification began during october 2003. Owners should contact honda at 1-866-784-1870.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump

NHTSA campaign 02V340000 · reported December 23, 2002 · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO. · 660 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain motorcycles, the bank angle sensors designed to shut off the fuel pump and the engine electrical power in the event the motorcycle falls over, were installed using the wrong size screws allowing the screws to eventually detach from their mounting point.
The risk
If the sensor detaches, the engine will stop unexpectedly. Sudden loss of engine power, especially while turning, could cause a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the mounting screw size and, if necessary, install screws of the correct size. Owner notification began december 23, 2002. 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 1-800-289-8226.

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.

Sep 13, 2020 · Structure · 90,000 miles

TOLD BY HONDA THE FRAME RECALL WAS DONE IN 2012. IN 2020 I INSPECTED THE FRAME AND THERE ARE CRACKS IN THE FRAME AGAIN WHERE THE RECALL STATED THEY WOULD BE. THE REPLACEMENT FRAME IS CRACKING. BOTH MAJOR CRACKS ARE AT THE WELDS AT THE REAR PASSENGER FOOT PEGS

Jul 17, 2020 · Structure · 138,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA GL1800. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FRACTURE WAS LOCATED AT THE MID SECTION OF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER TRIKES BY RODNEY…

Jan 17, 2020 · Service brakes · 42,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA GL1800. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED HOWEVER FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT NOTICED THERE WAS NO BRAKE FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO CYCLE SHACK NORTH (1101 INTERSTATE 45 S, CONROE, TX 7730[phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT BRAKE…

Jul 18, 2019 · Structure

HONDA SAFETY RECALL SERVICE BULLETIN GL1800 #14 REVISED: SEPTEMBER 2008 STATES THAT MY MOTORCYCLE IS ONE OF THE AFFECTED UNITS FOR THE RECALL (I.E. THE FRAME WELDS NEED TO BE REINFORCED). THAT WORK HAS NEVER BEEN DONE. HOWEVER, THE RECORDS FOR DOING A VIN CHECK ONLY GO BACK 15 YEARS, AND A LOCAL HONDA DEALER SAYS NO…

Apr 27, 2018 · Engine

THE ENGINE RUN HOTTER THAN USUAL IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND GOING UP HILL AT HIGHER RPM . ALL FANS ARE RUNNING OK AS EXPECTED BUT STILL WHEN EVER STUCK IN TRAFFIC AT 75 DEGREE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE SEEM TO CREEP UP HIGHER TOWARDS THE RED MARK . THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IF THE ENGINE SPILL COOLANT , I…

GL1800 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 58410
2002 618220
2003 610120
2004 41010
2005 21810
2006 52200

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

Questions

Does the 2003 Honda GL1800 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Honda GL1800?
Owners have filed 101 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (54 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (14).
How many 2003 Honda GL1800 complaints mention a crash or fire?
2 of 101 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 13, 2020.