VehicleVerdict

2016 Honda Gl1800 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2016 Honda Gl1800 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

7

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Gl1800 years?

Gl1800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Gl1800 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Honda Gl1800 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine343%
Brakes229%
Electrical System114%
Fuel System114%

Does the 2016 Honda Gl1800 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WITH BIKE IN GEAR, SIDE STAND DOWN, KILL SWITCH IN KILL POSITION, AND NO KEY IN IGNITION, WHILE REPLACING THE BATTERY THE ENGINE STARTED AND THE BIKE ENGINE ENGAGED AND ROLLED FORWARD CAUSING IT TO FALL ON TOP OF ME, AND DAMAGING THE SADDLE BAG WHICH WAS LEFT OPEN BECAUSE THE COVER TO THE BATTERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 24, 2018 · crash

“The contact owns a 2016 Honda GL1800. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the rear brakes locked up, causing the motorcycle to abruptly stop. The contact pushed the motorcycle to a nearby parking lot and pumped the brake pedal several times until the brakes released. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 18, 2023

“WITH BIKE IN GEAR, SIDE STAND DOWN, KILL SWITCH IN KILL POSITION, AND NO KEY IN IGNITION, WHILE REPLACING THE BATTERY THE ENGINE STARTED AND THE BIKE ENGINE ENGAGED AND ROLLED FORWARD CAUSING IT TO FALL ON TOP OF ME, AND DAMAGING THE SADDLE BAG WHICH WAS LEFT OPEN BECAUSE THE COVER TO THE BATTERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 24, 2018 · crash

“I WAS JUST STARTING FROM MY HOUSE AND HAD SOME HESITATION IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR. I MADE A RIGHT TURN ABOUT A 1/4 MILE DOWN THE ROAD AND AGAIN I HAD HESITATION IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR. NOTE, I DO LET THE BIKE IDLE DOWN BEFORE TAKEN OFF. THIS 2016 WITH FUEL INJECTION THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. HONDA…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 7, 2016

2016 Honda Gl1800 — common questions

Is the 2016 Honda Gl1800 reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Honda Gl1800 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Honda Gl1800. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.