2004 Honda VTX1300 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 90 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median VTX1300 year — the 2004 model ranks #1 of 7 VTX1300 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Steering leads the complaint categories with 33 reports (37% of the total).
90
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2004 compare to other VTX1300 years?
What are the most common 2004 Honda VTX1300 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 33 | 37% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 25 | 28% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 9 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 6 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Other | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 2% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | new |
| Engine | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“STEERING PROBLEM - STEERING WHEEL/HANDLEBARS: FRONT HANDLEBARS WOBBLE TO THE POINT OF BEING UNCONTROLABLE AT BETWEEN SPEEDS OF 35 TO 45 MPH. THIS HAPPENED RECENTLY WHILE EXITING A HIGHWAY AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND END UP GOING OFF OF THE HIGHWAY. IT IS USUALLY NOT…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA VTX1300. WHILE DRIVING 40-70, THE HANDLE BAR WOULD SHAKE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRES CAUSED THE FAILURE. THEY REPLACED THE TIRES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000…”
“10% DIFFRENCE IN SPEEDOMETOR. I FEEL WHIL IT IS WRONG I WOULD BE INJURED BY LOOK AT IT WHILE RIDING AND TRYING TO CALCULATE THE DIFFRENCE IN SPEED...AM I GOING TO FAST FASTER THAN THE SPEED LIMIT ALLOWS...WILL IT RESULT IN A CRASH AS I TRY TO GIGURE THE DIFFRENCE OF SPEED ... THE DEALER IS…”
“I HAVE A 2004 HONDA VTX 1300C WITH 14,483 MILES ON IT. I CHECKED THE BEARINGS IN REAR WHEEL AS I WAS PUTTING A NEW TIRE ON. THE BEARINGS ARE SO BAD IT VERY HARD TO TURN THEM BY HAND. I'M 51 YEARS OLD AND PUT OVER 300,000 MILES ON BIKES. I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS IN SUCH A SHORT TIME. I'VE…”
“THE FRONT WHEEL STARTED TO WOBBLE AND VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THIS CAUSED THE MOTORCYCLE TO LOCK UP, GO STRAIGHT, AND END UP IN AN ACCIDENT AT 55 MPH. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME IN 48 HOURS THAT THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. TAKEN TO DEALER FOR CHECKUP, BUT THEIR RESULTS SHOWED THAT THE CAUSE WAS…”
2004 Honda VTX1300 — common questions
Is the 2004 Honda VTX1300 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 90 complaints put the 2004 model at #1 of 7 VTX1300 years. It is one of the VTX1300 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2004 VTX1300 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (33 complaints), suspension (25 complaints), speed control (9 complaints).
Does the 2004 Honda VTX1300 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 Honda VTX1300.
Which Honda VTX1300 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the VTX1300 years to avoid are 2004. The cleanest record among VTX1300 years belongs to 2009.
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.