2008 Honda GL1800
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
17% of complaints: steering — 8 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: tires — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I OWN A 2008 HONDA GL1800 AND I WAS ON A RIDE ON SUNDAY ABOUT 100 MILES FROM HOME WHEN I NOTICED THE BACK END OF THE BIKE FELT RUBBERY AS IF I HAD A TIRE GOING FLAT, I GLANCED AT MY TPS AND NOTED THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS 38 PSI.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120529
13% of complaints: service brakes — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
The contact reported on a 2008 Honda Goldwing GL1800 Motorcycle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20211123
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 HONDA GOLDWING. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DITCH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161013
13% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
V6 TRANSMISSION STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS GETTING STUCK AND POPPING OUT OF 5TH GEAR TOOK TO MOTORCYCLE FACTORY WOODBRIDGE VA WHERE I BOUGHT IT THEY SAID NO PROBLEM LATER IT IS NOW COMPLETELY WASTED TRANSMISSION AND NEEDS WHAT EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT IT...
NHTSA ODI report, 20190308
6% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Honda (American Honda Motor, Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Honda GL1800 (Gold Wing) motorcycles manufactured February 8, 2006, to May 14, 2009 originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii,...
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module containing the inflator, free of charge. Honda distributed an interim notification to owners on July 19, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870.
Campaign 16V347000 — check if this car was fixed
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2006-2009 and 2012 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto...
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Honda Motorcycle Customer Support at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KE5.
Campaign 17V031000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Honda GL1800 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- 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.
- Verify recall 16V347000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V031000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Honda GL1800 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Honda GL1800 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Honda GL1800?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Honda GL1800 have?
5 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.