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2002 Honda VTX1800Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 63 owner complaints about the 2002 Honda VTX1800, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints634 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage22kSuspension, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 7, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2002 Honda VTX1800 has problems

63 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Suspension140
Power train131
Engine and engine cooling90
Structure80
Wheels60
Tires30
Steering20
Service brakes11
Engine10
4 other systems40

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2002 Honda VTX1800 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

Recall 09V-362 · Sep 17, 2009 · 688 vehicles

Risk. THE SWINGARM COULD BREAK WHILE RIDINGCAUSING THE RIDER TO LOSE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Motorcycle: kickstand/center stand

Recall 04V-564 · Nov 30, 2004 · 12,866 vehicles

Risk. A RETRACTED SIDE STAND COULD DROP WHILE RIDING, POSSIBLY ACTIVATING THE SIDE STAND IGNITION CUT-OFF SYSTEM.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Power train: manual transmission

Recall 01V-134 · May 9, 2001 · 70 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A REAR-WHEEL LOCKUP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

2002 vs. every other VTX1800 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 VTX1800 median. How we score

'02'03'04'05'07'08
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2002 Honda VTX1800, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Southern Honda PowersportsAQ12001 · closed May 13, 2013
    No recall
  2. UNINTENDED SIDE-STAND DEPLOYMENTPE04063 · closed Jan 21, 2005
    Led to recall 04V-564
In owners' words

What VTX1800 owners report

Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

HONDA 2002 VTX 1800RS DURING REAR TIRE REPLACEMENT AT 36K MILES DISCOVERED WHEEL BEARING ON THE RIGHT SIDE (BRAKE SIDE) WAS VERY BAD...HAD NO WARNING, NO WHEEL WOBBLE, WHEEL TURNED FREE, BUT WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN VERY LONG. AXLE SHAFT DISCOLORED, NO REASON FOR THIS FAILURE! ALL REAR BEARINGS REPLACED!…
Complaint 10331363 · May 20, 2010 · 36,000 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA VTX1800C. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR TIRE FELT DIFFERENT AS IF IT WERE NOT PROPERLY ALIGNED. THE VEHICLE ALSO PULLED TO THE LEFT. HE HEARD CLUNKING NOISES AND THE WELD ON THE SWING ARM DRIVESHAFT HOUSING FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK…
Complaint 10248795 · Nov 14, 2008 · 17,000 miles
1. GRINDING NOISE IN REAR 2. FLANGE BEARING COMPLETELY DESTROYED 3. BEARING REPLACED AT DEALER(HAVE OLD BEARING IN HAND). *TR
Complaint 10223466 · Apr 5, 2008 · 13,500 miles

Own a 2002 VTX1800?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.