VehicleVerdict

2013 Honda Gl1800 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 2013 Honda Gl1800 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

16

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Gl1800 years?

Gl1800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Gl1800 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Honda Gl1800 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System531%
Engine425%
Brakes319%
Electrical System16%
Speed Control16%
Suspension16%
Transmission16%

Does the 2013 Honda Gl1800 have recalls?

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

18V045000AirbagsJanuary 9, 2018 · 960 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2010 and 2012-2016 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycles. These motorcycles have air bag inflators assembled as part of the air bag module that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the rider resulting in serious injury or death.

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2013 HONDA GL1800G. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BAD GAS MILEAGE AND BRAKE PAD ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE ONLY GETS 28 MPG. ALSO, THE BAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 02/04/14 THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED TWICE, IN ONE YEAR. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED BRAKE FLUID…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 1, 2013

“THE ENGINE STUTTERS AND STALLS AT LOW SPEEDS RESULTING IN AN INABILITY TO MAINTAIN FORWARD MOMENTUM, CAUSING A FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN UPRIGHT POSITION WITHOUT EMERGENCY ACTION TO DISABLE DRIVE TRAIN, SUCH AS QUICKLY DISENGAGING CLUTCH IN ORDER TO ALLOW A SMOOTH COAST UNTIL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 2013

“2013 HONDA GL1800G. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BAD GAS MILEAGE AND BRAKE PAD ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE ONLY GETS 28 MPG. ALSO, THE BAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 02/04/14 THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED TWICE, IN ONE YEAR. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED BRAKE FLUID…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 1, 2013

“MOTORCYCLE EXHIBITS A COLD START STUMBLE. AT AROUND 1700-2200 RPM (IN ANY GEAR) THE ENGINE STUMBLES / NEAR-STALLS. THIS LOSS OF POWER IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS ON A MOTORCYCLE WHERE RELIABLE POWER / SPEED IS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN RIDING STABILITY ESPECIALLY IN LOW SPEED MANEUVERING. LOSS OF POWER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 16, 2014

2013 Honda Gl1800 — common questions

Is the 2013 Honda Gl1800 reliable?

The record is thin — 16 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2013 Gl1800 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (5 complaints), engine (4 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 2013 Honda Gl1800 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Honda Gl1800. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 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.