There is a Service Bulletin on the steering handle bars. The dealership I take it to is Go Az Flagstaff, AZ (928)526-7959. On a recall service appointment I was advised by the service manager of the loose handle bar service bulletin. It was addressed at that time. I had my motorcycle in for another recall and told them that the handle bars are still loose and American Honda told them they wouldn't cover it. This seamed illogical to me. It is obvious that their problem that generated the steering SB was not fixed by the direction Honda has given them. I am asking for assistance in raising the issue with American Honda. I don't feel comfortable riding a motorcycle with loose handle bars that Honda has a Service Bulletin generated to the public.
The worst 2018 Honda GL1800 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Acceleration7
- Electrical6
- Engine5
- Fuel system5
- Steering5
- Transmission5
- Brakes3
- Lights2
- Suspension2
- Body1
- Visibility1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Honda GL1800
Recalls 2
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 24V820000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 24V113000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Honda GL1800 12
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 2018 Honda GL1800 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda GL1800 Motorcycle. The contact stated that while releasing the accelerator pedal at speeds of 40 MPH or higher, whether on cruise control or not, the motorcycle experienced the death wobble. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer and was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the bearings on the handlebar were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The motorcycle was taken to another dealer, Xtreme Machines (700 NJ-33, Millstone, NJ 08535); who did not diagnose the failure and confirmed that the motorcycle was not safe to ride. The dealer tightened the bolts on the 2nd set of bearings underneath the bearings on the handlebar; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Gold Wing GL 1800 Motorcycle. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V113000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The UBS bolt broke off ( according to honda mechanics who worked on the bike) causing the motorcycle to lose all power instantly. The engine basically fell apart. I was traveling 55 miles an hour on a two lane curvy mountain road with virtually no shoulder and traffic in both directions. With no power I tried to pull off the road But could not as my first reaction was to grab the brakes, causing traffic to come dangerously close behind me. with on coming traffic I had no choice but to try and get off the road. There was a 6 to 8 inch drop off onto the grass (no shoulder) at this point I lost control of the motorcycle and struggled to keep from falling over- injuring my left leg, right arm, and left neck. Honda dealers and Honda have told me this is a problem they are aware of and have had several other cases of failure in the same way. The vehicle has been with the Honda dealership since April 29, 2024 This is a very serious and life threatening problem of which Honda is aware. My injuries are still on going.
31300-KVZ-632 1.00 MOTOR, RATIO CONTROL - this is the part that failed. It is not available for inspection as the dealer has replaced the failed part under warranty. The safety risk is, if it breaks under acceleration, you are stuck in that gear so merging onto an interstate you could in fact be run over. Yes, the dealer confirmed and replaced the component. Yes, there were warning lamps including the check engine light. After starting and restarting the bike several times it cleared, and I rode the bike to the hotel (approx. 10 miles) and then it failed again. My assessment is as follows: This motor is mounted to the rear underside of the engine and moisture can infiltrate and cause intermittent or complete failure. Possibly from a bad gasket? I had ridden 260 miles that day in the rain while on a trip. After stopping for an hour then restarting the bike, the failure occurred. It wouldn't go into gear (it's a DCT - automatic) and the warning lamps were flashing (see attachments). I was able to eventually, after several restarts of the engine, to get the bike drivable and get to my hotel where it failed again. Fortunately, it didn't fail while in motion or under acceleration, but it can. In fact, Honda mentions that in the owner's manual, page 181.
The BOLT holding the Alternator/Starter or ISG unit BROKE. While this caused no injury as the Alternator stayed together, it could have caused the motorcycle to shut down while riding. The Honda Dealer replaced the Alternator under the Honda Extended Warranty. There were no symptoms, lights, or warnings.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda GL1800 Motorcycle. The contact stated that while the motorcycle was parked and the parking brake was activated, the parking brake failed, and the motorcycle rolled backwards. The contact fell off the motorcycle and sustained bruises and was checked out by the office nurse after the failure. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda GL1800 Motorcycle. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V113000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda GL1800 Motorcycle. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V113000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
There are quite a few 2018 and 2019 GL1800 that have had a failing UBS bolt that breaks and locks up the engine. I believe this is the case with my motorcycle. I am a [XXX] disabled vet who was riding my motorcycle down [XXX] in NJ going 60mph when I began slowing down for the exit onto [XXX]. Just about as I got to the exit the engine all of the sudden made a noise and locked up and pulling in the clutch made no difference so it cam to an abrupt stop and I fell over. Luckily the traffic was able to negotiate past me. If I had been in the center lane I do not know what would have happened. I have not taken it to a repair shop because I believe with uncertainty what is the failure after reading all of the forums online about these transmissions locking up due to an inferior bolt which has been replaced in the newer bikes with an upgraded part. There were no warnings, symptoms or lights prior to the failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Compare the 2018 Honda GL1800
Other model years
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Questions about the 2018 Honda GL1800
Is the 2018 Honda GL1800 reliable?
Owners have filed 34 complaints about the 2018 Honda GL1800, 3.4 times a typical GL1800 model year.
What is the 2018 Honda GL1800 year score?
The 2018 Honda GL1800 scores 21 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Honda GL1800: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Honda GL1800?
Acceleration and speed control, with 7 complaints. Next is electrical (6).
How many recalls does the 2018 Honda GL1800 have?
2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and fuel system, gasoline.
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