2003 Honda GL1800A
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Honda › GL1800A › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Honda GL1800A. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2003 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.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
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 reinforce the welds on all frames. owner notification began during october 2003. owners should contact honda at 1-866-784-1870.
Owner complaints
16 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
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…
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 to date. I have a picture of the crack.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
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
- Service brakes
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…
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 can cause a crash. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
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…
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 the bike for fear it may fail completely and possibly cause injury or death to myself or my wife. I only have 32000 miles on this bike. Of the dozen or so bikes my friend has examined mine has the lowest mileage of all of them. I want the frame replaced or provided with a new replacement bike. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Cracked subframe. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
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. *tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
Shift shaft seal dislodged from engine/transmission, causing engine oil to be dumped onto roadway ahead of rear tire. first occurrence-seal replaced under warranty. second occurrence-owner charged for repair, even though vehicle IS covered by extended warranty. cause of problem not corrected, therefore safety hazard remains should problem recur.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Engine appears to be overheating during slow speed operation. Temperature gauge enters the red danger zone during "parade mode riding" (heavy traffic). cooling fan operation and brake (light) operation have dramatic impact on gauge indication when the engine IS warm. According to honda's records…
Engine appears to be overheating during slow speed operation. Temperature gauge enters the red danger zone during "parade mode riding" (heavy traffic). cooling fan operation and brake (light) operation have dramatic impact on gauge indication when the engine IS warm. According to honda's records the heating system recall has been performed on this motorcycle. Local dealer IS not aware of this problem or its solution. *Jb
- Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
2003 GL 1800a excessive front end wobble beginning shortly after the purchase of the motorcycle of which honda has made clear IS "normal" when in reality it's highly dangerous. *Jb
- Structure › Frame and members
Notice of gl1800/a gold wing frame weld recall was received from nhtsa about march of 2005. Took notice and bike to dealer: bend recreation, of bend oregon. appointment was made to repair welds. Appointment was cancelled by bend recreation because they did not have a "honda certified welder". When…
Notice of gl1800/a gold wing frame weld recall was received from nhtsa about march of 2005. Took notice and bike to dealer: bend recreation, of bend oregon. appointment was made to repair welds. Appointment was cancelled by bend recreation because they did not have a "honda certified welder". When challenged on this matter after honda sent out another notice of recall, bend recreation service department stated that they would get to me as soon as they had the time. That was three months ago, and I do not believe they have any interest in doing the recall ordered work. They refused completely until I told them I bought the 2003 wing in their dealership. And have suggested I take it to portland, oregon for the required work.
- Unknown or other
Unsatisfactory servicing of recall work on the 2003 honda goldwing. *mr the consumer requested reimbursement in the form of a gift certificate for the inconvenience and wrongful delay. *sc *jb
- Structure
Consumer had problems getting recall work performed on the motorcycle. *ph the dealer refuse to prove recall service for the consumer motorcycle because it was not purchased at that location. *nm
- Structure › Frame and members
The dealership indicated that the motorcycle's frame was not repairable. The frame cracked more that the frame weld recall stated (03v350000). *ak *nm
- Structure › Frame and members
Upon reinforcing the welds on the frame as stated in recall 03v350000 for the frame weld dealership noticed large crack in the frame. Manufacturer instructed the dealership to stuff cracks with metal instead of replacing the frame. This was a temporary fix, and the frame could crack again at anytime.*ak
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
I have a problem with the recall being done by american honda corp. (Ahc) on their gold wing gl1800 to repair possible frame and weld damage. my motorcycle was purchased 4/24/03. it IS less than 7 months old. my motorcycle was rejected for their 'normal' recalls service because the frame was…
I have a problem with the recall being done by american honda corp. (Ahc) on their gold wing gl1800 to repair possible frame and weld damage. my motorcycle was purchased 4/24/03. it IS less than 7 months old. my motorcycle was rejected for their 'normal' recalls service because the frame was too heavily damaged for it to be repaired in the field. ahc wants to ship the bike back to the factory in ohio (from nj) and either repair the cracks they discovered or replace the frame on the bike. they are giving me no choices except to allow them to do that. my problem with them fixing it at the factory, IS two fold: 1. The people at the factory are used to putting a bike together from scratch, on an assembly line, according to strict engineering guidelines, but probably have never taken one apart before and put it back together. i, do not wish to be the "guinea pig". 2. I have over $5000 in added accessories on my motorcycle and their sole representative (a "steve" who will not provide his last name but gives his ID as MT56: a. Refuses to give me any written assurance that all my accessories will work when I get the bike back. b. Insists that the only way I may get that insurance in writing IS to have a lawyer contact his companies legal dept. c. Will not give me a name to contact. d. Threatened me that if I did not have them do it now, that it "may take them a lot longer to do it later." e. Admitted that many other bikes had damage to the frame was much worse than they expected and are finding that many bikes will have to be shipped back to the factory to be repaired. this "steve-mt56" (whoever he IS) will only give me 'his' word that everything will be handled correctly and that I must check out the bike fully before I pick it up after the repair, to have damage they do, covered by american honda. I am quite upset by their take it or leave it attitude and lack of written assurance. do I have any recourse in this matter? *la
- Engine and engine cooling
The gl1800 overheats to the point of spilling coolant. The coolant overflow hose IS in front of the rear tire. Honda has identified the problem and attempted a fix by installing a new ecm, however the problem still exists. *la
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."
- 10032953Honda: warranty extension-vehicle warranty mileage. Class action lawsuit alleging that the odometers on certain 2002-2006 honda models were overstating mileage. Federal court provided final approval of settlement on 12/29/07. No models listed.
- 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.
- 10016297Proportional control valve (pcv) leakage recall reminder. Refer to bulletin gl1800a #16.
- 10016289Frame welding tips.
- 10015346Linked braking system (lbs) proportional control valve (pcv) leakage safety recall.
- 10015342Frame weld safety recall. Certain frame welds may not have sufficient strength 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.
- 10013758Radio and opening ceremony preset log.
- 10005352Frame weld inspection chart. Revised.
Every Honda GL1800A model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.