2002 Honda VTX1800
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 63 |
| 2003 | 53 |
| 2004 | 6 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2007 | 5 |
| 2008 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
25% of complaints: suspension — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and wheel bearing.
21% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing axle assembly and center support bearing.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
FAILURE OF THE REAR BEARINGS IN THE FINAL DRIVE FLANGE OF MY 2002 HONDA VTX MOTORCYCLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050228
14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE ENGINE IS FOULING ITS SPARK PLUGS AFTER SOME SMALL PERIOD OF RIDING TIME CAUSING AN EXTENSIVE INCREASE IN BAD EXHAUST EMISSIONS. THERE IS A GASOLINE SMELL BEHIND THE MOTORCYCLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021001
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED MOTORCYCLE WILL START TO LOSE POWER ,AND THEN STALL OUT. CONTACTED DEALER,AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020708
VEHICLE IS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD. VEHICLE STALLED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN SPARK PLUGS FAILED. THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. SPARK PLUGS WERE WET WITH FUEL, SOMEWHAT CARBONIZED. THE ENGINE AT TIMES RUNS ON ONE CYLINDER. *JG
NHTSA ODI report, 20020627
13% of complaints: structure — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing kickstand/center stand and underbody shields.
10% of complaints: wheels — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
BEARING FAILURE IN THE FINAL DRIVEN FLANGE ASSEMBLY,
NHTSA ODI report, 20180307
I HAVE REPLACED THE FINAL DRIVE FLANGE BEARINGS 3 TIMES NOW. I HEARD THAT THERE WERE SOME ISSUES WITH THIS FLANGE. FIRST TIME I REPLACED IT, I REPLACED THE WHOLE FLANGE. THE SECOND AND THIRD TIME I REPLACED THE BEARINGS ONLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150322
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. A TRANSMISSION CIRCLIP WAS NOT SEATED CORRECTLY AND COULD ALLOW GEARS TO LOCK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION ON THESE MOTORCYCLES. ALL OWNERS WERE CONTACTED BY TELEPHONE AND ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED. THIS CAMPAIGN IS 100% COMPLETED.
Campaign 01V134000 — check if this car was fixed
UNINTENDED SIDE-STAND DEPLOYMENT
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE WASHER FOR THE SIDE STAND SPRING BOLT DOES NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT HARNESS AND COULD DEFORM, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE BOLT TO FLEX AND EVENTUALLY BREAK DURING SIDE STAND OPERATION
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED WASHER AND A NEW SPRING BOLT AND NUT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
Campaign 04V564000 — check if this car was fixed
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 VTX1800 MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 14 AND OCTOBER 4, 2001. THE SWINGARM MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY WELDED.
Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELD AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SWINGARM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA MOTORCYCLE
Campaign 09V362000 — check if this car was fixed
Southern Honda Powersports
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Honda VTX1800 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 01V134000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V564000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V362000 (structure) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2002 Honda VTX1800 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 2002 Honda VTX1800?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Honda VTX1800 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.