repaired · 2018 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the operator resulting in serious injury or death.
2008 Honda GL1800Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 47 owner complaints about the 2008 Honda GL1800, most often about the power train. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-031 the manufacturer reports only 51% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 23, 2021. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Honda GL1800 has problems
47 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
9Power train
8Steering
7Tires1 crash/fire/injury
6Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
6Suspension
5Service brakes, hydraulic
4Exterior lighting1 crash/fire/injury
2Air bags
2Electrical system
98 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 9 | 0 |
| Steering | 8 | 0 |
| Tires | 7 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 2 |
| Suspension | 6 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 5 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | 1 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 1 |
| 8 other systems | 9 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2008 Honda GL1800 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Air bags
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the rider resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2017 Q1
Foundation components: master cylinder
Risk. A rear brake that drags may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
no report yet
Foundation components: master cylinder
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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Honda.
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other GL1800 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the GL1800 median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'12'13'14'15'16'18'19'20'21'22'23'24
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Honda GL1800, and the recalls they led to.
- Southern Honda PowersportsNo recall
In owners' words
What GL1800 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
V6 TRANSMISSION STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS GETTING STUCK AND POPPING OUT OF 5TH GEAR TOOK TO MOTORCYCLE FACTORY WOODBRIDGE VA WHERE I BOUGHT IT THEY SAID NO PROBLEM LATER IT IS NOW COMPLETELY WASTED TRANSMISSION AND NEEDS WHAT EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT IT WAS A BAD DESIGN AND NEEDS WORK AT LEAST 4-5 K TO…
DROPS IN/OUT OF 5TH GEAR EVERY 1-3 MINUTES. GEARS 1-3 OCCASIONALLY DROP IN/OUT AND CONSISTENTLY MAKE A LIGHT GRINDING SOUND, INCLUDING NEUTRAL. THIS VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT I THINK HONDA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING IT BECAUSE I CONSIDER IT A SAFETY ISSUE. IF A RIDER SHOULD SUDDENLY LOSE…
INSUFFICIENT RADIATOR FAN CLEARANCE RESULTS IN A DAMAGED RADIATOR CAUSING A COOLANT LEAK WHICH RESULTS IN AN UNCONTROLLED SLIDE ENDING IN A CRASH. COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR THAT THE FAN DAMAGED CAUSES A LOSS OF TRACTION AT THE REAR WHEEL. I NOTICED MY LEFT FOOT WAS WET AND SMELLED ENGINE…
Own a 2008 GL1800?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.