2003 Honda GL1800A recalls and problems

The 2003 Honda GL1800A has 4 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

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Recalls may cover only some 2003 Honda GL1800A vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Honda GL1800A recalls

Recall 15V-700: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Oct 23, 2015 · 145,219 vehicles affected · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

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.

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.

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.

Recall 05V-027: Structure

Reported Jan 31, 2005 · 34,919 vehicles affected · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

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.

Risk: The welded area could break, resulting in rear suspension collapse or lower cross member separation, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Recall 05V-010: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jan 24, 2005 · 36,046 vehicles affected · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

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.

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.

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.

Recall 03V-350: Structure

Reported Sep 26, 2003 · 8,196 vehicles affected · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

Risk: The welded area could break, resulting in rear suspension collapse or lower cross member separation, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

2003 Honda GL1800A problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Structure	10
Engine and Engine Cooling	2
Unknown or Other	1
Steering	1
Power Train	1
Service Brakes	1

Most reported parts

Structure › Frame and Members — 6
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 2
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 32,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Honda GL1800A complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · at 77,450 miles · reported Jul 7, 2016

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 sent redlands honda a frame. On 6/23/2016, wes informed me I would have to pay for the labor to replace the frame, estimated to be over $2500. As a safety recall, I should not have to pay for any parts or labor to have the safety recall procedure performed. No failure has occurred…

Structure · at 89,600 miles · reported Jul 14, 2014

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.

Service Brakes · at 131,000 miles · reported Jun 13, 2013

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) all brake components have been check by the dealer and found to be in good working order. Honda tech denies there is a problem and tells their dealers to instruct riders to apply both brakes at the same time. All mc riders know that applying the front break in certain situations…

Structure · at 32,000 miles · reported Aug 28, 2009

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 motorcycle was one of the ones requiring re-welding of the frame. He came to my home yesterday and examined my bike and we found the same frame crack in my bike as was on his but mine is bigger. We have photos of this crack on the frame. Because of this crack I AM now afraid to ride…

Structure · at 106,954 miles · reported Jul 18, 2008

Located cracked frame (2)tubes on rear triangular area of the aluminum frame. The tube on each side of the bike is cracked. The left side is approximately half way through. The area supports the rear of the motorcycle and passenger.

Other Honda GL1800A years

2013 2005 200420032002 2001

Compare all Honda GL1800A years · All Honda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Honda GL1800A have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Honda GL1800A: 15V-700 (service brakes, hydraulic), 05V-027 (structure), 05V-010 (service brakes, hydraulic), 03V-350 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Honda GL1800A?

Owners report structure problems most often (10 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 32,000 miles.

Are Honda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Honda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.