VehicleVerdict

2001 Honda Gl1800a problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2001 Honda Gl1800a — 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.

15

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Gl1800a years?

Gl1800a NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted16 complaints2001: 15 complaints2002: 8 complaints2003: 16 complaints2004: 5 complaints2005: 0 complaints2008: 2 complaints2013: 15 complaints2015: 2 complaints
Gl1800a NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Gl1800a years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Honda Gl1800a problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure427%
Suspension427%
Electrical System320%
Speed Control17%
Transmission17%
Tires & Wheels17%
Engine17%

Does the 2001 Honda Gl1800a have recalls?

2 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.

05V027000Body & StructureJanuary 31, 2005 · 34,919 units

Defect

ON SOME MOTORCYCLES, CERTAIN FRAME WELDS DO NOT MEET MANUFACTURING SPECIFICATIONS. HIGH LOADS CREATED WHEN RIDING ON ROUGH ROAD SURFACES OR THROUGH POTHOLES CAN CAUSE THE AFFECTED WELDS TO CRACK.

Consequence

THE WELDED AREA COULD BREAK, RESULTING IN REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE OR LOWER CROSS MEMBER SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REINFORCE THE WELDS ON 2001-2002 MOTORCYCLES FREE OF CHARGE. ON 2003-2004 MOTORCYCLES, THE UNITS WILL BE REPAIRED, NO INSPECTION WILL BE NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE ANTI-DRIVE SYSTEM IS MAL-FUNCTIONING & HYDRAULICALLY LOCKING THE LEFT FRONT FORK SHOCK. THIS IS ALLOWS THE SHOCK TO OVER PRESSURE & FAIL THE SEALING LIP SEAL. THE OIL THEN IS PUMPED OUT DURING THE SHOCK OPERATION & THE OIL IS COVERING THE FRONT BRAKES & TIRES. THIS CREATES A LOSS OF TRACTION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 11, 2005 · crash

“I DISCOVERED THE FRAME ON MY 2001 HONDA GL1800A IS CRACKED. ITS LOCATION IS THE LEFT LOWER TUBE THAT IS BELOW THE BATTERY BOX. THIS PARTICULAR CRACK SITUATION HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED BY MANY CQNSUMERS.THIS CRACK WAS NOT DESCRIBED IN THE LAST HONDA MOTORCYCLE FRAME CRACK RECALL.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 11, 2008

“CONSUMER TOOK 2001 HONDA GL1800 TO THE DEALER FOR THE FRAME INSPECTION AND THE KILL SWITCH RECALL. CONSUMER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS HAVING THE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED.*MR THE VEHICLE RAN FINE PRIOR TO THE CONSUMER TAKING IT TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 26, 2005

“2001 GL1800 GOLDWING ENGINE SURGES FROM 1500 RPM TO 1000 RPM AND CONTINUES TO OSCILLATE UP AND DOWN UNTIL THE THROTTLE IS RELEASED OR RPM IS RAISED ABOVE 1500. *TS THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM STARTED AFTER SERVICE BULLETIN 1800A13 WAS COMPLETED. THE SB WAS FOR AN OVERHEATING PROBLEM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 1901

“TIRE LOSING AIR BETWEEN TIRE AND RIM. 6 TO 8 PSI IN A DAY. MULTIPLE LEAKS AROUND TIRE AND WHEEL ON BOTH SIDES OF TIRE. CHECKED FOR PROPER SEATING ON RIM. OK. RESET TIRE ON RIM. STILL LEAKS. RIM IS IN GOOD CONDITION. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 6, 2007

2001 Honda Gl1800a — common questions

Is the 2001 Honda Gl1800a reliable?

The record is thin — 15 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 2001 Gl1800a problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (4 complaints), body & structure (4 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2001 Honda Gl1800a have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Honda Gl1800a. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.