2003 Honda GL1800
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 84 |
| 2002 | 182 |
| 2003 | 101 |
| 2004 | 10 |
| 2005 | 18 |
| 2006 | 22 |
| 2007 | 20 |
| 2008 | 47 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 24 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 31 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2018 | 34 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
30% of complaints: structure — 30 distinct reports on file.
14% of complaints: structure — 14 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
ENGINE OVERHEATS AT LOW SPEEDS, COOLANT SPEWS ONTO ROADWAY AND REAR TIRE SLIPS IN THE COOLANT. MUST PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD TO AVOID ENGINE DAMAGE, VERY HAZARDOUS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020911
THE DESIGN OF THE HONDA GOLDWING COOLING SYSTEM FAILS MISERABLY IN HEAVY, SLOW MOVING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS FOUND AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, METRO AREAS, PARADES, ETC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020820
VEHICLE OVERHEATS AT LOW SPEED OPERATION, CONCERN OF BOILING OVER, ENGINE FAILURE WHICH WHILE MANUEVERING ON A MOTORCYCLE COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020812
7% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA GOLDWING. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND PREMATURE CRACKS IN TWO PLACES UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARDS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160812
6% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I HAVE A HONDA GL1800 GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE. ALL THESE BIKES HAVE AN ISSUE WITH FRONT END WOBBLE WHILE DECELERATING BETWEEN 35-45 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050428
SAFETY TIMELINE
MOTORCYCLE COOLANT SPRAY ONTO REAR TIRE
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE BANK ANGLE SENSORS DESIGNED TO SHUT OFF THE FUEL PUMP AND THE ENGINE ELECTRICAL POWER IN THE EVENT THE MOTORCYCLE FALLS OVER, WERE INSTALLED USING THE WRONG SIZE SCREWS ALL
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOUNTING SCREW SIZE AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL SCREWS OF THE CORRECT SIZE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEAL
Campaign 02V340000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE
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.
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.
Campaign 03V350000 — check if this car was fixed
FRAME CROSSMEMEBER WELD FAILURES
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 IMPR
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 866-784-18
Campaign 05V010000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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 RECAL
Campaign 05V027000 — check if this car was fixed
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2010, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 GL1800 GOLDWING MOTORCYCLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE COMBINED BRAKING SYSTEM'S SECONDARY MASTER
Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 6, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CU
Campaign 11V567000 — check if this car was fixed
KURYAKYN IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET PASSENGER FLOORBOARD MOUNTS, PART NUMBER 607005, SOLD AND INSTALLED FOR USE ON 2001-2012 HONDA GL 1800 (GOLDWING) MOTORCYCLES. THIS MOUNT WAS SOLD ON KURYAKY
Remedy: KURYAKYN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE REPLACEMENT MOUNT KITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KURYAKYN AT 1-866-296-4728.
Campaign 11E054000 — check if this car was fixed
Southern Honda Powersports
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.
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.
Campaign 15V700000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Honda GL1800 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V340000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V350000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V010000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V027000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V567000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11E054000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V700000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Honda GL1800 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Honda GL1800 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Honda GL1800?
The most-reported component is structure:frame and members, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Honda GL1800 have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.