2001 Honda GL1800A
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Honda › GL1800A › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Honda GL1800A. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2001 Honda GL1800A. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
The welded area could break, resulting in rear suspension collapse or lower cross member separation, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
14 complaints2 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 honda gl1800a motorcycle. While driving 40 mph, he noticed that the speedometer would not increase beyond 40 mph until he touched the screen. The dealer was stated that they could not replace the part without permission from honda. He contact IS concerned about the safety…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 honda gl1800a motorcycle. While driving 40 mph, he noticed that the speedometer would not increase beyond 40 mph until he touched the screen. The dealer was stated that they could not replace the part without permission from honda. He contact IS concerned about the safety risk since he had to use one hand to touch the speedometer which could potentially result in a crash. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 36,180 and the current mileage was 36,442. Updated 08/31/10. *Lj the consumer stated he had to tap on the plastic cover with his fist to get it to move. Updated 08/31/10*jb
- Power train › Manual transmission
I have a 2001 honda goldwing gl1800a motorcycle. In june of 2004 while riding in the mountains I downshifted to second gear, it went in fine but as I accelerated out of a curve the bike lurched forward. When I got back to reno I reported this to the local honda dealer. They rode it and could not…
I have a 2001 honda goldwing gl1800a motorcycle. In june of 2004 while riding in the mountains I downshifted to second gear, it went in fine but as I accelerated out of a curve the bike lurched forward. When I got back to reno I reported this to the local honda dealer. They rode it and could not get it to act up for them. This continues to happen intermittently for several months getting more frequent. Finally it does it for the honda service manager. He contacts honda corporate and they say to bring it in and open it up to see what's wrong. The engine has to come out of the bike and the case split to get to the transmission. This IS at 94,700 miles. I had ridden the bike over 12,000 miles since the first lurching incident because the honda dealer could not recreate the problem right away and they said to keep riding it. They found a bent shifting fork between first and second gear. They replaced the shifting drum, fork and other transmission parts. Honda covered it under a "good will" warranty. The bike was still cover under an extended warranty. In may of 2008 at 154,313 miles, the same thing happens again, again I bring it to the local honda dealer they ride it and it won't do it for them. Finally it IS recreated for honda in approx. Sept of '08. They say that they can not get to it until december or january. I bring it in on jan 7,2009 at 164,000 miles. They tear it apart-same transmission problem and the engine cylinders are out of round. I have the motor and transmission rebuilt again. Honda corp. Will not cover any costs. Bike runs fine now but I fear it will do it again. Thanks you.................. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
I submitted an earlier compliant #10237793. This described a frame crack IS on the left side of the frame. today, I found a second frame crack in the exact same location but, on the opposite side(right) of the frame. The crack originates in a weld area & migrates into the frame tubing. Both…
I submitted an earlier compliant #10237793. This described a frame crack IS on the left side of the frame. today, I found a second frame crack in the exact same location but, on the opposite side(right) of the frame. The crack originates in a weld area & migrates into the frame tubing. Both cracks, on each side of the frame look identical. The frame part that IS cracked IS known as the sub-frame, which IS the triangle portion at the rear half of the frame. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
I discovered the frame on my 2001 honda gl1800a IS cracked. Its location IS the left lower tube that IS below the battery box. This particular crack situation has been experienced by many cqnsumers.this crack was not described in the last honda motorcycle frame crack recall.
- Structure › Frame and members
I discovered frame cracks on my 2001 honda goldwing GL 1800, on 16 april, 2008. The frame cracks are located below the passenger foot rest on both left and right side. The crack begins in a weld and descends into the frame. I contacted american honda on 16 april to seek guidance and was instructed…
I discovered frame cracks on my 2001 honda goldwing GL 1800, on 16 april, 2008. The frame cracks are located below the passenger foot rest on both left and right side. The crack begins in a weld and descends into the frame. I contacted american honda on 16 april to seek guidance and was instructed to take the motorcycle to my local dealership. I took the motorcycle to the honda dealer in savannah, ga. On 19 april, 2008. The service manager performed an inspection and sent photos to american honda and the decision to replace the frame was made. I was informed by the service manager on 17 june, that the frame has been replaced. I will pick up the motorcycle on 18 june, 2008. honda has taken full responsibility. I just wanted to ensure that this does not go unnoticed. My frame IS not the first that has experienced cracks in the same location. Thank you for your time. *tr
- Tires › Bead
Tire losing air between tire and rim. 6 to 8 psi in a day. multiple leaks around tire and wheel on both sides of tire. checked for proper seating on rim. ok. reset tire on rim. still leaks. rim IS in good condition. *jb
- Vehicle speed control
Dt*: the contact stated the speedometer sticks. the vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the speedometer needed to be replaced. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
2001 gl1800 goldwing engine surges from 1500 rpm to 1000 rpm and continues to oscillate up and down until the throttle IS released or rpm IS raised above 1500. *ts the consumer indicated that the problem started after service bulletin 1800a13 was completed. the sb was for an overheating problem that the earlier gl1800's had. *nm updated 04/21/06.
- Electrical system
My 2001 honda gl1800 has a surging problem when engine rpm IS 1400-1500 in any gear or just standing still. At a stand still if the throttle IS held at 1400-1500 rpm the engine will oscillate between 1000 and 1500 rpm until the throttle IS released. While driving at this rpm in any gear this…
My 2001 honda gl1800 has a surging problem when engine rpm IS 1400-1500 in any gear or just standing still. At a stand still if the throttle IS held at 1400-1500 rpm the engine will oscillate between 1000 and 1500 rpm until the throttle IS released. While driving at this rpm in any gear this problem will cause the sudden lose of engine rpm and then a surge back causing a dangerous situation especially when riding 2 up. It all started after the ecm was updated (10/01/03) for an overheating problem (recall). Honda IS aware of the problem but they are dragging their feet just as they did with the overheating problem. This IS a safety problem. *jb
- Suspension
Rear suspension not setting in full range. Was replaced once by honda warranty 2-2-05 and am now being told that the same symptoms are now considered normal. Have lost over 25% of suspension adj range. Honda now refuses to cover under warranty. *Jb
- Suspension › Front › Shock absorber
The anti-drive system IS mal-functioning & hydraulically locking the left front fork shock. This IS allows the shock to over pressure & fail the sealing lip seal. The oil then IS pumped out during the shock operation & the oil IS covering the front brakes & tires. This creates a loss of traction…
The anti-drive system IS mal-functioning & hydraulically locking the left front fork shock. This IS allows the shock to over pressure & fail the sealing lip seal. The oil then IS pumped out during the shock operation & the oil IS covering the front brakes & tires. This creates a loss of traction from the oil covered tires & limited braking due to the oil contaminated brakes. personally I have had two exactly the same left front shock seal failures. #1 failure the motorcycle slipped & laid down on the garage floor when stopping. #2 failure the motorcycle had the brakes cover with oil at a speed of 70 mph, & I noticed an increase in the stopping distance & had to use "down shifting" to aid in the stopping. honda IS only replacing the lip seal, not replacing the brake pads, & giving the motorcycle back to myself with reduced braking. also, honda IS not looking into the "root cause" of these failures.
- Suspension › Front › Shock absorber
While driving on interstate 10 in texas I drove on a rough area of the pavement. I then noticed oil coming from the front left fork shock seal. The oil was being "pumped out" through the shock oil seal that failed. Oil was being sprayed into the radiator, windscreen, instrument panel,engine…
While driving on interstate 10 in texas I drove on a rough area of the pavement. I then noticed oil coming from the front left fork shock seal. The oil was being "pumped out" through the shock oil seal that failed. Oil was being sprayed into the radiator, windscreen, instrument panel,engine, front brakes & tires. I exited the interstate & as I attempted to stop I noticed the oil covered brakes did not allow the motorcycle to stop in a safe stopping distance. I used the gear down shifting to aid in stopping the motorcycle. the motorcycle IS currently at pasadena honda service for inspection & to converse w/ the america division honda tech on responsibility for failure. before I left the motorcycle with the honda service, I removed the dust cover that IS covering the failed oil seal & found a portion of the lip on the oil seal folded outward. I have several photos of the failed seal. When exercising the shock, oil would pump out of this area. **this IS the second failure on the exact left front fork shock seal failure, as a possible anti-dive malfunction. This may allow the left shock to over pressure & force the rubber lip seal to roll outward & loosing the capacity. the last failure was in june 2004. Honda did not/ would not cover the first failure under warranty. Searching the internet I find that there are many left front fork shock failures happening. *jb
- Suspension › Front › Shock absorber
2001 honda gl1800 goldwing motorcycle. while in traffic, applied front brake several times aggressively. speeds were 20-30 mph. un-knowing that the left front fork shock seal failed, after the braking in traffic, & oil was pushed out of the fork shock. the oil covered the front tire & brake.…
2001 honda gl1800 goldwing motorcycle. while in traffic, applied front brake several times aggressively. speeds were 20-30 mph. un-knowing that the left front fork shock seal failed, after the braking in traffic, & oil was pushed out of the fork shock. the oil covered the front tire & brake. pulling into the garage, when I applied the brake the front tire lost traction, due to the oil on the tire, & the motorcycle slipped & landed on it's side. the repair shop replaced only the left front fork shock seal. They showed me the old seal & there was no damage. I believe that the motorcycles front suspension anti-dive system IS failing in the shock "lockup" position & the shock seal IS being over pressured during the shock movement action. argued with the service supervisor & the honda motorcycle division 866-784-1870 from 10 am till 2 pm, & they are saying that there IS no problem with the motorcycle & this IS a isolated incident. *nm
- Electrical system · Structure › Frame and members
Consumer took 2001 honda gl1800 to the dealer for the frame inspection and the kill switch recall. consumer experiencing problems having the recall repairs performed.*mr the vehicle ran fine prior to the consumer taking it to the dealer for recall repairs. *nm
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10129823Honda technician newsletter - TPMS sensors aren't waterproof.
- 10128559Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, American Honda announced three recalls for various 2001-11 Honda models. As of July 23, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and service bulletins 14-040, Safety Recall: Accord, Civic, and Others ? Front Passenger?s Airbag Inflator Can Be Over-Pressurized, 14-045, Recall: Front Driver?s Airbag Inflator May Produce Excessive Pressure After Long-Term Exposure to High Absolute Humidity Recall, and 14-046, Recall: Front Passenger?s Airbag Inflator May Produce Excessive Pressure After Long-Term Exposure to High Absolute Humidity have been posted to ISIS. However, due to the large number of affected units, American Honda is still in the process of populating the VIN status inquiry function on iN, which is expected to take several days. When this process is complete, American Honda will notify all dealers again via iN message. Until that time, the existing acknowledgement procedure must be used for all potentially affected vehicles.
- 10128531Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, American Honda announced three recalls for various 2001-11 Honda models. As of August 4, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and VIN status inquiry has been updated.
- 10108810Technician newsletter - When troubleshooting it is good to have all of the tools at your disposal. If you are diagnosing a power trunk lock remote control issue on a GL1800, there is a Honda tool that you may not know is capable of testing the trunk lock remote.
- 10100792Service bulletin - honda IS launching a safety recall of 2001-2015 gl1800/a and gl1800b/bd motorcycles. Honda has determined that under conditions where the brake fluid IS not replaced according to the maintenance schedule (every 12,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first), solid deposits may form within the brake fluid, leading to component malfunction within the secondary master cylinder, which may cause the rear brake to drag.
- 10100782"Honda IS launching a safety recall on model year 2001 through 2015 gl1800/a and gl1800b/bd motorcycles to replace a potentially defective secondary master cylinder. Under conditions where the brake fluid IS not replaced according to the maintenance schedule, deposits may form within the brake fluid, leading to component malfunction within the secondary master cylinder, which may cause the rear brake to drag. A dragging rear brake increases the risk of a crash and may generate enough heat to cause the rear brake to catch fire."
- 10100549Service bulletin - honda IS launching a safety recall of 2012-2015 gl1800/a and 2013-2015 gl1800/b/bd motorcycles, and IS implementing a recall remedy for 2001-2010 and 2012 GL 1800/a motorcycles already subject to safety recall "JG6". Honda has determined that under conditions where the brake fluid IS subject to prolonged aging due to a lack of maintenance, deposits may form within the brake fluid.
- 10100546"Dealer message - the service bulletin in support of the safety recall of 2001-2015 gl1800/a and gl1800b/bd motorcycles for a potentially defective secondary master cylinder IS posted on in. Servicebulletin safety recall: gl1800 #23 includes the affected models, repair procedure, parts information, as well as warranty claim information."
- 10099957Newsletter - the repair procedure for the secondary master cylinder (smc) recall IS very involved, so make sure to read through the entire bulletin before hand so you can visualize the procedures before you start. Not only will you be installing an updated smc and a new rear master cylinder, but it IS important to carefully follow each step in exact order so that the pedal brake line IS completely flushed of any contaminants.
- 10099874"Dealer message - effective immediately the secondary master cylinder (smc) kits for this recall are available on open order. As indicated in s/b gl1800 #23 and other communications about this recall, it IS absolutely critical that only pro honda dot 4 brake fluid be used during the repair procedure. To help ensure an adequate supply of brake fluid IS available for recall repairs, an additional allocation of pro honda dot 4 brake fluid will be shipped to dealers. The allocation IS based on your dealerships previously submitted gl1800 smc recall warranty claims."
- 10099488"Dealer message - on december 11, several sections of s/b gl1800 #23 were revised to include information for the repair of trike coversions."
- 10099350"Service bulletin - honda IS launching a safety recall of 2012-2015 gl1800/a and 2013-2015 gl1800b/bd motorcycles, and IS implementing a recall remedy for 2001-2010 and 2012 gl1800/a motorcycles already subject to safety recall JG6. Honda has determined that under conditions where the brake fluid IS subject to prolonged aging due to a lack of maintenance (i.e., the brake fluid IS not replaced for a long period of time despite the published maintenance schedule of replacement every 12,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first), deposits may form within the brake fluid. If sufficient deposits are formed, they can result in a malfunction of the secondary master cylinder, which may cause the rear brake to drag."
- 10030268Honda motorcycle: frame weld safety recall. Requires inspection or repair of lower cross member frame welds. The frame weld approval and documentation process IS being changed by the manufacturer.
- 10025523Load carrying capacity reduced label for all honda vehicles.
- 10018124Camshaft timing - gear noise after completing valve adjustment may be incorrect camshaft timing.
- 10018123Frame welding tip - to ease fuel tank installation into the frame, apply a light coating of silicone spray to the sides and bottom right of the tank.
- 10016298Drive shaft boot torn/venting.
- 10016289Frame welding tips.
- 10015341Safety recall for frame weld inspection. Certain frame welds may not have sufficient strength causing the welds to crack. The welded area could break without warning, resulting in lower cross member separation and rear suspension collapse.
- 10015267Electronic control module (ecm) replacement and initialization. Honda. GL 1800/a 2001-2005.
- 10013906Fuel tank installation tip.
Every Honda GL1800A model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.