VehicleVerdict

2021 Honda Gl1800 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 2021 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.

13

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Gl1800 years?

Gl1800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Gl1800 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Honda Gl1800 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control323%
Electrical System215%
Brakes215%
Steering215%
Engine18%
Suspension18%
Body & Structure18%
Fuel System18%

Does the 2021 Honda Gl1800 have recalls?

3 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.

22V449000EngineJune 23, 2022 · 1,740 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycles equipped with manual transmissions. An ignition timing software error for the engine control unit (ECU) may reduce engine performance, which can result in an engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 28, 2022. Owners may contact American Honda Motor Co 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.

“I was pulling into a parking spot to turn the bike around and back into the spot. While sitting sideways in a parking spot, I increased the throttle slightly to pull forward. The throttle acted as if it was stuck and the bike lurched forward after I released the throttle. I applied the front brake…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 30, 2022 · crash

“I was pulling into a parking spot to turn the bike around and back into the spot. While sitting sideways in a parking spot, I increased the throttle slightly to pull forward. The throttle acted as if it was stuck and the bike lurched forward after I released the throttle. I applied the front brake…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 30, 2022 · crash

“when just starting out using foot brake and handbrake , handbrake came in towards grip real far and throttle cut out but not off for a few seconds. Then abs and traction control lights came on along with mode selector lights until bike was shut down and restarted. Upon restarting all would be ok…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 12, 2021

“The contact owns a 2021 Honda GL1800 Motorcycle. The contact stated that while operating the motorcycle, the handlebars had become loose and were wobbly. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the nut used to secure the handlebars was loose. The contact tightened the steering nut, but…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 18, 2025

“The throttle is sticking open at low speeds that makes for a dangerous situation dealer could not duplicate at time of visit the throttle is sticky will not operate smooth no accident has happened at this time”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 11, 2021

2021 Honda Gl1800 — common questions

Is the 2021 Honda Gl1800 reliable?

The record is thin — 13 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 2021 Gl1800 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (3 complaints), steering (2 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 2021 Honda Gl1800 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 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.