2004 Honda GL1800 recalls and problems

4 recalls and 10 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Honda GL1800.

4
recalls
10
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.

2004 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.

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.

Jan 16, 2020 · Structure · 46,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA GL1800 MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE EXHIBITED FRACTURES ALONG THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE LOWER FRAME, LOCATED AT THE PASSENGER SIDE FOOT REST. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT…

May 2, 2017 · Power train · 7,000 miles

TRANSMISSION "LOCKED UP" AND THE VEHICLE WILL NO LONGER MOVE. FORWARD OR REVERSE, NOTHING. THE REAR WHEEL WILL NOT TURN AT ALL. HAD JUST COME OUT OF DRIVEWAY WHEN IT STARTED MAKING A CHATTERING NOISE, THEN WHEN I GOT ON ROAD THE NOISE GOT LOUDER AND ABOUT THE TIME I SHIFTED TO SECOND GEAR THE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP…

Dec 4, 2014 · Electrical system · 14,000 miles

AS YOU ARE DRIVING WHEN ENGINE GETS WARM KILLS ON YOU .FOUND OUT ITS THE COMPUTER HONDA IS HAVING ISSUES WITH THEM AND KNOW THEY ARE TRYING TO UPDATE HAS NOT MADE RECALL.

Oct 17, 2014 · Service brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED BEFORE FINALLY COMING TO A STOP. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BRAKES AND BRAKE PADS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…

Nov 14, 2012 · Equipment · 74,000 miles · crash reported

HJC SYMAX II MODULAR HELMET COMPLAINT BOTH MY FRIEND AND I, […] (WITNESS), BOTH RIDING 30 YEARS, WERE TRAVELING.ON THE BLUE RIDGE PKWY ENTERING THE PARKWAY AT WAYNESBORO, VA TO AVOID THE SKYLINE DRIVE. AROUND 7:15 WE DECIDED TO HEAD TO ROANOKE WHERE WE WOULD HAVE CELL AND INTERNET. HEADED SOUTH ON BRP. I HAS EXPRESSED…

GL1800 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 58410
2002 618220
2003 610120
2004 41010
2005 21810
2006 52200
2007 42020

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

Questions

Does the 2004 Honda GL1800 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Honda GL1800?
Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (3 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (2).
How many 2004 Honda GL1800 complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 10 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 January 16, 2020.