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2003 Honda GL1800A problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Honda GL1800A is body and structure, typically around 77,450 miles. It has 2.0 times the complaints of a typical GL1800A model year.

Typical year2.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
16
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
26
Worst area
Body

The worst 2003 Honda GL1800A problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Body
    10
  • Engine
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Body
    10
  • Engine
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 4

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderReported October 23, 2015 · 145,219 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 15V700000 · Recall details

Structure: frame and membersReported January 31, 2005 · 34,919 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 05V027000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulicReported January 24, 2005 · 36,046 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain motorcycles equipped with combined-brake systems have a proportioning control valve (pcv) that mechanically proportions brake force when the rear brake is applied. A seal in some pcvs is improperly shaped, and brake fluid leakage may occur.
Risk
If the motorcycle continues to be used after a leak occurs, the rear brake would eventually become inoperative. A loss of rear brake force could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear brake forleakage. If leakage is confirmed, the dealer will replace the pcv free of charge. The recall began on january 31, 2005. Owners may contact honda at 866‑784‑1870.

Recall number 05V010000 · Recall details

Structure: frame and members: underbody shieldsReported September 26, 2003 · 8,196 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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 reinforce the welds on all frames. Owner notification began during october 2003. Owners should contact honda at 1‑866‑784‑1870.

Recall number 03V350000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2003 Honda GL1800A

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Honda GL1800A 26

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 26 bulletins for the 2003 Honda GL1800A

What 2003 Honda GL1800A owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 7, 2016 · Body · 77,450 miles · CA

In :march, 2016, I purchased a 2003 honda goldwing 1800a from the original owner, a private party. I took the motorcycle in repairs, as it was damaged. The mechanic found a crack in the rear frame near a weld, and referred me to redlands honda. I spoke to wes in service who inspected the frame and called honda. Honda sent redlands honda a frame. On 6/23/2016, wes informed me I would have to pay for the labor to replace the frame, estimated to be over $2500. As a safety recall, I should not have to pay for any parts or labor to have the safety recall procedure performed. No failure has occurred to date. I have a picture of the crack.

Filed Jul 14, 2014 · Body · 89,600 miles · WI

Bought the bike july 9. Private party. I was going thru the bike checking everything out and found the frame is broke behind the passenger floorboards on both sides. I have done some research and this is very common.

Filed Jun 13, 2013 · Brakes · 131,000 miles · UT

If the rear foot pedal brake is applied without also using the front hand brake the bike shudders, sometimes violently, and the braking power is diminished .applying the front brake usually eliminates the shudder. The greater the ambient temperature the worse the problem gets. (over 105 degrees it becomes unrideable) all brake components have been check by the dealer and found to be in good working order. Honda tech denies there is a problem and tells their dealers to instruct riders to apply both brakes at the same time. All mc riders know that applying the front break in certain situations can cause a crash.

Filed Aug 28, 2009 · Body · 32,000 miles · DE

A friend on mine also riding a gl1800 found a frame tube cracked on his motorcycle. After checking many bulletin boards on the internet he found this to be an ongoing problem in the same model years of bikes that honda put out a recall on in 2005 because of defective welds. His entire frame was replace by honda. My motorcycle was one of the ones requiring re-welding of the frame. He came to my home yesterday and examined my bike and we found the same frame crack in my bike as was on his but mine is bigger. We have photos of this crack on the frame. Because of this crack I am now afraid to ride the bike for fear it may fail completely and possibly cause injury or death to myself or my wife. I only have 32000 miles on this bike. Of the dozen or so bikes my friend has examined mine has the lowest mileage of all of them. I want the frame replaced or provided with a new replacement bike.

Filed Oct 6, 2008 · Body · 153,100 miles · CA

Cracked subframe.

Filed Jul 18, 2008 · Body · 106,954 miles · OK

Located cracked frame (2)tubes on rear triangular area of the aluminum frame. The tube on each side of the bike is cracked. The left side is approximately half way through. The area supports the rear of the motorcycle and passenger.

Filed Jan 27, 2007 · Transmission · 55,749 miles · AK

Shift shaft seal dislodged from engine/transmission, causing engine oil to be dumped onto roadway ahead of rear tire. First occurrence-seal replaced under warranty. Second occurrence-owner charged for repair, even though vehicle is covered by extended warranty. Cause of problem not corrected, therefore safety hazard remains should problem recur.

Filed Aug 4, 2006 · Engine · 2,000 miles · OR

Engine appears to be overheating during slow speed operation. Temperature gauge enters the red danger zone during "parade mode riding" (heavy traffic). Cooling fan operation and brake (light) operation have dramatic impact on gauge indication when the engine is warm. According to honda's records the heating system recall has been performed on this motorcycle. Local dealer is not aware of this problem or its solution.

Filed Sep 9, 2005 · Steering · 700 miles · AZ

2003 gl 1800a excessive front end wobble beginning shortly after the purchase of the motorcycle of which honda has made clear is "normal" when in reality it's highly dangerous.

Filed Aug 24, 2005 · Body · OR

Notice of gl1800/a gold wing frame weld recall was received from the federal safety agency about march of 2005. Took notice and bike to dealer: bend recreation, of bend oregon. Appointment was made to repair welds. Appointment was cancelled by bend recreation because they did not have a "honda certified welder". When challenged on this matter after honda sent out another notice of recall, bend recreation service department stated that they would get to me as soon as they had the time. That was three months ago, and I do not believe they have any interest in doing the recall ordered work. They refused completely until I told them I bought the 2003 wing in their dealership. And have suggested I take it to portland, oregon for the required work.

Compare the 2003 Honda GL1800A

Other model years

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Questions about the 2003 Honda GL1800A

Is the 2003 Honda GL1800A reliable?

Owners have filed 16 complaints about the 2003 Honda GL1800A, 2.0 times a typical GL1800A model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Honda GL1800A?

Body and structure, with 10 complaints, typically around 77,450 miles. Next is engine (2).

How many recalls does the 2003 Honda GL1800A have?

4 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic and structure.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Honda GL1800A body?

Yes, 2 recalls: 05V027000, 03V350000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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