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.

2012 Honda GL1800

▲ Better than typical

2012 Honda GL1800
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:50:36.846Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 31
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Fuel/propulsion system

Complaints per year

2012: 31 complaints

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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Fuel/propulsion system

55% · 17 reports

Engine

55% · 17 reports

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, 2013-07-09

Also filed under Power train

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, 2013-07-07

Power train

16% · 5 reports

Vehicle speed control

10% · 3 reports

Suspension

6% · 2 reports

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

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2012-01-06Service brakes, hydraulic11V567000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
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2012-01-13Equipment11E054000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2012-05-14Audit queryClosed 2013-05-13 Southern Honda Powersports
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2015-04-20Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-11-13 Inconsistent Throttle Control
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2015-12-07Service brakes, hydraulic15V700000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2017-02-06Air bags17V031000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2018-02-09Air bags18V045000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Honda GL1800 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Fuel/propulsion system: 17 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 17 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 11V567000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 11E054000 · Equipment
Recall 15V700000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 17V031000 · Air bags
Recall 18V045000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.