2003 Honda GL1800A
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 16 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2002 | 8 |
| 2003 | 16 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2015 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Structure
10 of 16 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members and underbody shields.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-07-07
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-14
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-01
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 16 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-13
Steering
1 of 16 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.
Service brakes
1 of 16 total reports mentions: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-13
Power train
1 of 16 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2003-10-03Structure03V350000 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.
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2005-01-31Service brakes, hydraulic05V010000 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…
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…
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2005-02-09Structure05V027000 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…
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Honda GL1800A — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V350000 · Structure
- Recall 05V010000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 05V027000 · Structure
- Recall 15V700000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
FAQ
- Is the 2003 Honda GL1800A reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Honda GL1800A?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 63% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Honda GL1800A have?
- 4 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.