2012 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
55% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 17 distinct reports on file.
55% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
MOTORCYCLE HAS A HESITATION WHEN APPLYING THROTTLE. THIS HAPPENS FROM A COLD START AS WELL AS DURING ENGINE WARM-UP AND OCCASIONALLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS AT NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130709
MOTORCYCLE HAS A HESITATION JUST OFF IDLE, FROM A COLD START, DURING AN ENGINE WARM-UP, AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES OF 50*F TO 90*F. THIS ENGINE HESITATION CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE STALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130707
16% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
MOTORCYCLE HAS A HESITATION WHEN APPLYING THROTTLE. THIS HAPPENS FROM A COLD START AS WELL AS DURING ENGINE WARM-UP AND OCCASIONALLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS AT NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130709
10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: suspension — 2 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
Inconsistent Throttle Control
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 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
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2010 and 2012-2016 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycles.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Honda Motorcycle Customer Support at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KJ1.
Campaign 18V045000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Honda GL1800 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 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 17V031000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V045000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Honda GL1800 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Honda GL1800 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Honda GL1800?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 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.