VehicleVerdict

2018 Honda Gl1800 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 46 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.5 times the median Gl1800 year — the 2018 model ranks #6 of 23 Gl1800 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (7), electrical system (7), and fuel system (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

46

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Gl1800 years?

Gl1800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Gl1800 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Honda Gl1800 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control715%
Electrical System715%
Engine511%
Fuel System511%
Transmission511%
Steering511%
Brakes37%
Other24%
Suspension24%
Lighting24%
Body & Structure12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Visibility & Wipers12%

Does the 2018 Honda Gl1800 have recalls?

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

24V820000EngineOctober 31, 2024 · 18,196 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021 GL1800 Goldwing motorcycles. The primary drive gear bolt on the crankshaft may break, which can result in an engine stall and lock up the rear wheel.

Consequence

An engine stall and rear wheel lockup can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the primary drive gear bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KQ9.

24V113000Fuel SystemFebruary 15, 2024 · 29,301 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2024 GL1800 (Goldwing), CBR600RR, and 2018-2019 CBR1000RR motorcycles. The fuel pump impellers may have been improperly molded, which can cause them to deform and result in fuel pump failure.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump module as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's numbers for this recall are KP8, KP9, KQ0, and KQ1.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Veh accelerated on its own into traffic was sitting at a stop sign it just took off i was t-boned in the incident no lights or warning lights were on”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 9, 2023 · crash

“I was pulling into the parking lot of a restaurant and stopped briefly to decide where to park. When lightly applying the throttle to pull into a parking space the engine revved up, the bike surged, and my wife and I crashed into a picnic area. This GL1800 DCT motorcycle has no clutch lever or foot…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 8, 2024 · crash

“Failure to restart after a 30 to 40 ride. Honda kept the bike for almost 3 months and said they could no duplicate issues. I rode bike the day after getting bike back and duplicated problem. I traced it to a defective fuel pump. I replaced fuel pump and problem was solved. Honda has refused to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 2, 2023

“THE FRONT WHEEL WOBBLES AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH AND GETS WORSE AS SPEED INCREASES. WHEN I TOOK IT BACK, THE DEALER SAID THEY INSPECTED THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, STEERING HEAD BEARINGS, AND CHECKED THE BALANCE OF THE TIRE. WOBBLE IS STILL THERE AND FEELS UNSAFE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ABOVE 60 MPH. BRAND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 3, 2018

“BIKE SURGES UNEXPECTEDLY AT LOW SPEED MOSTLY WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS AND ONCE FROM A DEAD STOP. BIKE SURGE FORWARD CAUSING A CRASH AT INTERSECTION. I WAS SITTIN AT A RED LIGHT BETWEEN TWO CARS WHEN BIKE UNEXPECTEDLY SHOT FORWARD RAPIDLY CAUSE BIKE TO HIT CAR IN FRONT. DAMAGING BOTH VEHICLES.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 31, 2019 · crash

2018 Honda Gl1800 — common questions

Is the 2018 Honda Gl1800 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 46 complaints put the 2018 model at #6 of 23 Gl1800 years. It is one of the Gl1800 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Gl1800 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (7 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), fuel system (5 complaints).

Does the 2018 Honda Gl1800 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 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.