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2003 Honda GL1800A body problems

10 complaints (63% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 77,450.

owner complaints
10
of this car's complaints
63%
typical mileage
77,450
crashes
0
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Frame and members
    6
  • Frame and members: underbody shields
    2
  • Body
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Honda GL1800A body problems in other years

2001200220032013

Related recalls

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

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

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 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 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.

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Body · 9,300 miles · MA

The dealership indicated that the motorcycle's frame was not repairable. The frame cracked more that the frame weld recall stated (03v350000). *ak

Filed Jan 16, 2004 · Body · TX

Consumer had problems getting recall work performed on the motorcycle. *ph the dealer refuse to prove recall service for the consumer motorcycle because it was not purchased at that location.

Filed Dec 1, 2003 · Body · 1,600 miles · NH

Upon reinforcing the welds on the frame as stated in recall 03v350000 for the frame weld dealership noticed large crack in the frame. Manufacturer instructed the dealership to stuff cracks with metal instead of replacing the frame. This was a temporary fix, and the frame could crack again at anytime.

Filed Nov 21, 2003 · Body · 12,500 miles · NJ

I have a problem with the recall being done by american honda corp. (ahc) on their gold wing gl1800 to repair possible frame and weld damage. My motorcycle was purchased 4/24/03. It is less than 7 months old. My motorcycle was rejected for their 'normal' recalls service because the frame was too heavily damaged for it to be repaired in the field. Ahc wants to ship the bike back to the factory in ohio (from nj) and either repair the cracks they discovered or replace the frame on the bike. They are giving me no choices except to allow them to do that. My problem with them fixing it at the factory, is two fold: 1. The people at the factory are used to putting a bike together from scratch, on an assembly line, according to strict engineering guidelines, but probably have never taken one apart before and put it back together. I, do not wish to be the "guinea pig". 2. I have over $5000 in added accessories on my motorcycle and their sole representative (a "steve" who will not provide his last name but gives his id as mt56: a. Refuses to give me any written assurance that all my accessories will work when I get the bike back. B. Insists that the only way I may get that insurance in writing is to have a lawyer contact his companies legal dept. C. Will not give me a name to contact. D. Threatened me that if I did not have them do it now, that it "may take them a lot longer to do it later." e. Admitted that many other bikes had damage to the frame was much worse than they expected and are finding that many bikes will have to be shipped back to the factory to be repaired. This "steve-mt56" (whoever he is) will only give me 'his' word that everything will be handled correctly and that I must check out the bike fully before I pick it up after the repair, to have damage they do, covered by american honda. I am quite upset by their take it or leave it attitude and lack of written assurance. Do I have any recourse in this matter?

Questions about the 2003 Honda GL1800A body

Does the 2003 Honda GL1800A have body problems?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the body of the 2003 Honda GL1800A, 63% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2003 Honda GL1800A body problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 77,450 miles.

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.

Other 2003 Honda GL1800A problems

Engine 2Brakes 1Steering 1Transmission 1

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