VehicleVerdict

2002 Honda VTX1800 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 66 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.8 times the median VTX1800 year — the 2002 model ranks #1 of 6 VTX1800 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (16), transmission (13), and engine (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

66

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other VTX1800 years?

VTX1800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted66 complaints2002: 66 complaints2003: 61 complaints2004: 9 complaints2005: 4 complaints2007: 6 complaints2008: 3 complaints
VTX1800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all VTX1800 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Honda VTX1800 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1624%
Transmission1320%
Engine1015%
Tires & Wheels914%
Body & Structure812%
Other35%
Steering23%
Brakes23%
Latches & Locks12%
Fuel System12%
Electrical System12%

Does the 2002 Honda VTX1800 have recalls?

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

09V362000Body & StructureSeptember 17, 2009 · 688 units

Defect

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 VTX1800 MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 14 AND OCTOBER 4, 2001. THE SWINGARM MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY WELDED.

Consequence

THE SWINGARM COULD BREAK WHILE RIDINGCAUSING THE RIDER TO LOSE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN CRASH.

Remedy

HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELD AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SWINGARM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA MOTORCYCLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-784-1870.

04V564000Body & StructureNovember 30, 2004 · 12,866 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE WASHER FOR THE SIDE STAND SPRING BOLT DOES NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT HARNESS AND COULD DEFORM, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE BOLT TO FLEX AND EVENTUALLY BREAK DURING SIDE STAND OPERATION.

Consequence

A RETRACTED SIDE STAND COULD DROP WHILE RIDING, POSSIBLY ACTIVATING THE SIDE STAND IGNITION CUT-OFF SYSTEM. IF THE IGNITION IS CUT, THE ENGINE WILL STALL WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED WASHER AND A NEW SPRING BOLT AND NUT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.

01V134000TransmissionMay 9, 2001 · 70 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. A TRANSMISSION CIRCLIP WAS NOT SEATED CORRECTLY AND COULD ALLOW GEARS TO LOCK.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A REAR-WHEEL LOCKUP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION ON THESE MOTORCYCLES. ALL OWNERS WERE CONTACTED BY TELEPHONE AND ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED. THIS CAMPAIGN IS 100% COMPLETED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“HONDA 2002 VTX 1800RS DURING REAR TIRE REPLACEMENT AT 36K MILES DISCOVERED WHEEL BEARING ON THE RIGHT SIDE (BRAKE SIDE) WAS VERY BAD...HAD NO WARNING, NO WHEEL WOBBLE, WHEEL TURNED FREE, BUT WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN VERY LONG. AXLE SHAFT DISCOLORED, NO REASON FOR THIS FAILURE! ALL REAR BEARINGS REPLACED!…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 15, 2010

“BEARING FAILURE IN THE FINAL DRIVEN FLANGE ASSEMBLY APPROXIMATE DATE OF FAILURE: 12/4/2005 YEAR OF MANUFACTURE: 2002 MODEL PURCHASED JUNE 2001 MODEL: HONDA MC VTX 1800C BEARING CONDITION: DIFFICULTY TURNING BY HAND. CONDITION DISCOVERED WHEN REAR WHEEL REMOVED FOR TIRE CHANGE AT 7145 TOTAL MILES.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 4, 2005

“2002 HONDA VTX 1800 RIGHT SIDE OF THE RADIATOR PLASTIC TRIM MELTED THROUGH.*MR.....THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RADIATOR PLASTIC TRIM SHROUD MELTED THROUGH WHERE IT COMES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY WITH THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE TOP OF THE SHROUD IS APPROXIMATELY 8 FEET FROM THE FUEL TANK. CONSUMER IS AFRAID THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 4, 2005

“THE DUNLOP TIRES IN THE MOTORCYCLE ARE CUPPING CAUSING THE MOTORCYCLE TO VIBRATE AT HIGH SPEEDS AND WHEN MANUVERING AROUND TURNS, THE MANUFACTURER DECLINES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM ALTHOUGH THE MOTORCYCLE IS UNDER WARRANTY, MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE DEFECTIVE TIRES DO NOT POST ANY SAFETY RISK AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 19, 2002

“KICK STAND BROKE PT#HOOK SPRING50536-MCH-000 MOTOCYCLE KICK STAND SPRING HOLDER BROKE WITCH MEANS BIKE STALLS WILE RIDING IN GEAR BECAUSE KICK STAND DOWN AND BIKE FALLING OVER WILE PARKED.A SERIOUS HASARD WILE RIDING AND A COSTLY DAMADGE WILE PARKED OR COULD FALL OVER ON SOMEONE BIKE WEIGHS OVER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 10, 2004

2002 Honda VTX1800 — common questions

Is the 2002 Honda VTX1800 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 66 complaints put the 2002 model at #1 of 6 VTX1800 years. It is one of the VTX1800 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 VTX1800 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (16 complaints), transmission (13 complaints), engine (10 complaints).

Does the 2002 Honda VTX1800 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Honda VTX1800. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Honda VTX1800 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Honda VTX1800 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the VTX1800 years to avoid are 2002, 2003. The cleanest record among VTX1800 years belongs to 2008.

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.