repaired · 2017 Q1
Foundation components: master cylinder
Risk. A rear brake that drags may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
2003 Honda GL1800aProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 16 owner complaints about the 2003 Honda GL1800a, most often about the structure. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-700 the manufacturer reports only 54% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 7, 2016. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Honda GL1800a has problems
16 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
10Structure
2Engine and engine cooling
1Power train
1Service brakes
1Steering
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 10 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2003 Honda GL1800a 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.
no report yet
Structure: frame and members
Risk. THE WELDED AREA COULD BREAK, RESULTING IN REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE OR LOWER CROSS MEMBER SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Service brakes, hydraulic
Risk. IF THE MOTORCYCLE CONTINUES TO BE USED AFTER A LEAK OCCURS, THE REAR BRAKE WOULD EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE.
no report yet
Frame and members: underbody shields
Risk. THE WELDED AREA COULD BREAK, RESULTING IN REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE OR LOWER CROSS MEMBER SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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
2003 vs. every other GL1800a 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 GL1800a median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'08'13'15
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What GL1800a owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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. *TR
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…
Own a 2003 GL1800a?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.