VehicleVerdict

2005 Honda Gl1800 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 25 complaints on file for the 2005 Honda Gl1800 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

25

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Gl1800 years?

Gl1800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted210 complaints2001: 103 complaints2002: 210 complaints2003: 107 complaints2004: 11 complaints2005: 25 complaints2006: 27 complaints2007: 28 complaints2008: 60 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 28 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 49 complaints2013: 16 complaints2014: 9 complaints2015: 8 complaints2016: 7 complaints2018: 46 complaints2019: 12 complaints2020: 3 complaints2021: 13 complaints2022: 1 complaints2023: 2 complaints2024: 6 complaints
Gl1800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Gl1800 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Honda Gl1800 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering728%
Engine520%
Body & Structure416%
Brakes312%
Suspension28%
Transmission28%
Electrical System14%
Tires & Wheels14%

Does the 2005 Honda Gl1800 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V700000BrakesOctober 23, 2015 · 145,219 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A rear brake that drags may increase the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, extended riding with the rear brake dragging could generate enough heat to result in a fire.

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. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is JV6. Note: This recall supercedes recall 14V-472.

11E054000OtherDecember 12, 2011 · 7,446 units

Defect

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 KURYAKYN 'TRANSFORMER' PASSENGER FLOORBOARD SETS, PART NUMBER 7005 FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, TO PRESENT. THE FLOORBOARD MOUNT MAY CRACK AND BREAK FREE FROM THE MOUNTING BOLTS THAT SECURE THE MOUNT TO THE MOTORCYCLE.

Consequence

THE PASSENGER FLOORBOARD MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR A CRASH.

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.

11V567000BrakesDecember 1, 2011 · 126,000 units

Defect

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 CYLINDER MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO DRAG.

Consequence

UNEXPECTED BRAKING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH, AND RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE WITH THE REAR BRAKE DRAGGING MAY GENERATE ENOUGH HEAT TO CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO CATCH FIRE.

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 CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-784-1870.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“1)- STEERING SHAKES AND EVENTUALLY (PROGRESSIVELY) WOBBLES AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 35 AND 45 MPH ON A 2005 HONDA GOLDWING GL1800 MOTORCYCLE. THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO KNOWN PROCEDURES TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. I HAPPENS EVERY TIME. AS IT GETS WORSE, IT CAN LEAD TO POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL LEADING TO INJURY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 1, 2006

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA GL1800. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INCREASED INTO THE HOT ZONE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IDLES AND THEN RETURNS TO ITS NORMAL TEMPERATURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 6, 2007

“EMAIL RE A DEFECT ON HIS 2005 HONDA GOLDWING GL 1800 MOTORCYCLE, THE RIGHT FOOT PEG BROKE OFF WHEN HE STOOD UP TO DISMOUNT THE BIKE, FEELS THERE MAY BE A CASTING DEFECT. *KB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 16, 2008

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKES WERE DRAGGING INTERMITTENTLY. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 14V472000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), AND 11V567000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 21, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA GL1800 MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK AND LUNGE. A DEALER WAS CALLED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED BUT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN CONTRIBUTED TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 23, 2012

2005 Honda Gl1800 — common questions

Is the 2005 Honda Gl1800 reliable?

The record is thin — 25 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2005 Gl1800 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (7 complaints), engine (5 complaints), body & structure (4 complaints).

Does the 2005 Honda Gl1800 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Honda Gl1800. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Honda Gl1800 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Honda Gl1800 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Gl1800 years to avoid are 2002, 2003, 2001, 2008, 2012, 2018. The cleanest record among Gl1800 years belongs to 2011.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.