2005 Honda VTX1300 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2005 Honda VTX1300 sits mid-pack among VTX1300 years: 54 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 43, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 59% of all reports (32 of 54), far ahead of fuel system at 6.
54
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2005 compare to other VTX1300 years?
What are the most common 2005 Honda VTX1300 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 32 | 59% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 6 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 5 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 3 | 6% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 3 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“EXPERIENCED A VIBRATION FROM THE STEERING AS I ENTERED A CURVE ON A PAVED ROAD CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND LEAVE THE PAVEMENT AND CRASH. APPROXIMATELY $1500.00 DOLLARS DAMAGE TO THE MOTORCYCLE . I WAS EJECTED OVER THE HANDLEBARS CAUSING A SEVERE LACERATION TO MY CHIN AND THE LOSS OF THREE LOWER…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA VTX1300 MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE DIAPHRAGM OF THE HEAD CAP. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE HEAD COCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE 2007 MODEL FOR THE EXACT SAME FAILURE BUT…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HONDA VTX1300. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT TIRE WAS UNEVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND FORKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES BEFOREHAND. THE CURRENT…”
“I HAVE A 2005 HONDA VTX MODEL RETRO MOTORCYCLE THAT HAS A DRIVE FLANGE BEARING FAILURE WITH ONLY 6400 MILE ON IT. FOUND IT WHILE DOING A TIRE CHANGE. THIS IS A REAL ISSUE, A BEARING SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 6400 MILES. *TR”
“THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2005 HONDA VTX1300C IS OFF BY APPROX. 10% AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN. FROM EVERYONE THAT I'VE TALKED TO, THAT HAS THE SAME MODEL, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND IS ONLY CORRECTABLE BY SHELLING OUT $150 FOR AN AFTER-MARKET FIX. *TR UPDATED 12-12-07. *KB UPDATED *JB”
2005 Honda VTX1300 — common questions
Is the 2005 Honda VTX1300 reliable?
It is close to typical for the VTX1300: 54 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2005 VTX1300 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (32 complaints), fuel system (6 complaints), suspension (5 complaints).
Does the 2005 Honda VTX1300 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2005 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.