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
- 63
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
25% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 63 complaints
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.
Suspension
25% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing rear and wheel bearing.
Power train
21% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing axle assembly and center support bearing.
Show complaint excerpts
Failure of the rear bearings in the final drive flange of my 2002 Honda vtx motorcycle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-02-28
Engine and engine cooling
14% · 9 reportsMost 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, 2002-10-01
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-07-08
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-06-27
Structure
13% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing kickstand/center stand and underbody shields.
Wheels
10% · 6 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Bearing failure in the final driven flange assembly,
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-07
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, 2015-03-22
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2001-05-09Power train01V134000 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.
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I
2004-09-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-01-21 Unintended side-stand deployment
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R
2004-11-30Structure04V564000 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…
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.
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R
2009-09-25Structure09V362000 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…
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I
2012-05-14Audit queryClosed 2013-05-13 Southern Honda Powersports
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Honda VTX1800 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 01V134000 · Power train
- Recall 04V564000 · Structure
- Recall 09V362000 · Structure
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.