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 GL1800A 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.
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.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Jul 7, 2016 · Structure · 77,450 miles
IN :MARCH, 2016, I PURCHASED A 2003 HONDA GOLDWING 1800A FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER, A PRIVATE PARTY. I TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE IN REPAIRS, AS IT WAS DAMAGED. THE MECHANIC FOUND A CRACK IN THE REAR FRAME NEAR A WELD, AND REFERRED ME TO REDLANDS HONDA. I SPOKE TO WES IN SERVICE WHO INSPECTED THE FRAME AND CALLED HONDA. HONDA…
Jul 14, 2014 · Structure · 89,600 miles
BOUGHT THE BIKE JULY 9. PRIVATE PARTY. I WAS GOING THRU THE BIKE CHECKING EVERYTHING OUT AND FOUND THE FRAME IS BROKE BEHIND THE PASSENGER FLOORBOARDS ON BOTH SIDES. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND THIS IS VERY COMMON.
Jun 13, 2013 · Service brakes · 131,000 miles
IF THE REAR FOOT PEDAL BRAKE IS APPLIED WITHOUT ALSO USING THE FRONT HAND BRAKE THE BIKE SHUDDERS, SOMETIMES VIOLENTLY, AND THE BRAKING POWER IS DIMINISHED .APPLYING THE FRONT BRAKE USUALLY ELIMINATES THE SHUDDER. THE GREATER THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE THE WORSE THE PROBLEM GETS. (OVER 105 DEGREES IT BECOMES UNRIDEABLE)…
Aug 28, 2009 · Structure · 32,000 miles
A FRIEND ON MINE ALSO RIDING A GL1800 FOUND A FRAME TUBE CRACKED ON HIS MOTORCYCLE. AFTER CHECKING MANY BULLETIN BOARDS ON THE INTERNET HE FOUND THIS TO BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM IN THE SAME MODEL YEARS OF BIKES THAT HONDA PUT OUT A RECALL ON IN 2005 BECAUSE OF DEFECTIVE WELDS. HIS ENTIRE FRAME WAS REPLACE BY HONDA. MY…
Oct 6, 2008 · Structure · 153,100 miles
CRACKED SUBFRAME.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 7, 2016.