Owners filed 31 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 5 times.
One of the better Honda GL1800 years: fewer complaints than most, without an unusual share of serious ones. Which Honda GL1800 years to avoid →
When it fails
0010001,000 milesMedian miles at failure
31 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.
Most common 2012 Honda GL1800 problems
13 of the 31 complaints (42%) are about the engine.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Engine
13
0
0
0
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system
10
0
0
0
Power Train · transmission
3
0
0
0
Suspension
2
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
1
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes
1
0
0
0
Service Brakes · brakes
1
0
0
0
5 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module18V045000
Filed Jan 9, 2018960 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2010 and 2012-2016 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycles. These motorcycles have air bag inflators assembled as part of the air bag module that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the rider resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Honda Motorcycle Customer Support at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KJ1.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module17V031000
Filed Jan 10, 2017882 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2006-2009 and 2012 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A," Honda is recalling certain 2006-2009 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in Zone A or Zone B above, Honda is recalling certain 2006-2008 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the operator resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Honda Motorcycle Customer Support at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KE5.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder15V700000
Filed Oct 23, 2015145,219 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. 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.
Filed Dec 12, 20117,446 vehiclesKuryakyn Holdings, LLC
Defect. KURYAKYN IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET PASSENGER FLOORBOARD MOUNTS, PART NUMBER 607005, SOLD AND INSTALLED FOR USE ON 2001-2012 HONDA GL 1800 (GOLDWING) MOTORCYCLES. THIS MOUNT WAS SOLD ON KURYAKYN 'TRANSFORMER' PASSENGER FLOORBOARD SETS, PART NUMBER 7005 FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, TO PRESENT. THE FLOORBOARD MOUNT MAY CRACK AND BREAK FREE FROM THE MOUNTING BOLTS THAT SECURE THE MOUNT TO THE MOTORCYCLE.
Risk. THE PASSENGER FLOORBOARD MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR A CRASH.
Remedy. KURYAKYN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE REPLACEMENT MOUNT KITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KURYAKYN AT 1-866-296-4728.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder11V567000
Filed Dec 1, 2011126,000 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2010, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 GL1800 GOLDWING MOTORCYCLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE COMBINED BRAKING SYSTEM'S SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO DRAG.
Risk. UNEXPECTED BRAKING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH, AND RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE WITH THE REAR BRAKE DRAGGING MAY GENERATE ENOUGH HEAT TO CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO CATCH FIRE.
Remedy. HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 6, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-784-1870.
All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 1, 201614,000 milesMS
I AM HAVING SLOW SPEED HESITATION WITH THE THROTTLE WHILE RIDING ON THE ROAD. WHEN I ROLL THE THROTTLE ON THE BIKE SOMETIMES HESITATES, DOES NOTHING SO WHEN I TRY MORE FUEL THE THROTTLE CONTROL FINALLY DECIDES TO START WORKING AND HAS MADE FOR SOME WILD RIDES ESPECIALLY IN TURNS. IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE TOO MUCH FUEL ADDED WHEN NOT EXPECTING IT. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW.
Engine
Filed Mar 3, 20161,685 milesIN
MY GOLDWING HAS THE HESITATION PROBLEM LIKE SO MANY OTHERS. I HAVE ALMOST DROPPED THE BIKE A COUPLE OF TIMES BECAUSE OF THE STUMBLE. IT WILL HESITATE AND THEN THE ENGINE WILL SUDDENLY GET FUEL AGAIN AND LUNGE FORWARD DANGEROUSLY. IF I WOULD HIT SAND OR GRAVEL OR BE ON A GRAVEL ROAD OR GRAVEL PARKING LOT IT WOULD BE A BAD SPIN OUT AND LOSE CONTROL AND GO DOWN WITH DAMAGE TO MYSELF , MY WIFE AND THE BIKE. IT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES SO ONE DATE LISTED DOWN BELOW IS NOT ACCURATE. BOUGHT THE BIKE ON DEC 12,2015 WITH ONLY 1685MILES ON IT. PREVIOUS OWNER SAID IT STUMBLED. MY 1988 HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAD A SAFETY RECALL TO FIX IT. WHY NOT THESE NEWER GOLDWINGS?
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 27, 20151,000 milesNC
MY HONDA GOLD WING 2012 HAS A DANGEROUS STUMBLE THAT FREQUENTLY CAUSES THE ENGINE TO STUTTER AND NEARLY STALL. MANY TIMES, I OPEN THE THROTTLE TO ENTER AN INTERSECTION, OR TO PULL AWAY FROM A STOP, AND THE POWER DROPS OFF TO NOTHING, THEN, WHEN I OPEN THE THROTTLE TO COMPENSATE, THE MOTORCYCLE SURGES FORWARD CAUSING THE BIKE TO LUNGE AHEAD. IN TRAFFIC, IT LUNGES TOWARD THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. AT A STOP SIGN IN THE COUNTRY, IT LUNGES TOWARD THE OUTSIDE OF THE TURN. THIS HAPPENS AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE IS STARTED. IT DOES NOT HELP TO WARM UP THE ENGINE. LET ME SAY THAT AGAIN AS NO ONE BELIEVES ME EVEN THOUGH IT IS TRUE: WARMING UP THE ENGINE DOES NOT HELP!!! ONLY TRAVELLING A MILE OR TWO DOWN THE ROAD, OR REVVING THE ENGINE REPEATEDLY BEFORE STARTING OFF, WILL TEMPORARILY "FIX" THE PROBLEM. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES TO HAVE TIS FIXED. THEY "RESET THE ECM." THIS KINDA SORTA WORKED A LITTLE AND FOR A VERY SHORT TOME, THEN THE PROBLEM COMES RIGHT BACK. ONCE THE BIKE HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR SEVERAL MILES (NOT JUST WARMED UP), THE STUMBLE WILL GO AWAY. IN ADDITION, IF THE ENGINE IS WARM FROM RIDING, BUT I STOP FOR AS LITTLE AS 20 MINUTES, THE STUMBLE OFTEN COMES BACK EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE IS WARM. BY THE WAY, MODERN FUEL INJECTED ENGINES SHOULD NOT NEED ANY WARM UP. THIS FUEL SYSTEM ERROR IS GOING TO GET SOMEONE HURT OR KILLED WHEN THEIR BIKE STUMBLES AND FALLS IN A BUSY INTERSECTION, OR LUNGES OFF THE ROAD OR INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS FAULT IS WELL
Engine
Filed Oct 25, 20157,000 milesFL
ON COLD START-UPS(EVEN IN THE SUMMER IN FLORIDA), THE MOTORCYCLE WILL STUMBLE OR HESITATE UNTIL WARMED UP. THIS CAUSES INCONSISTENT AND UNPREDICTABLE THROTTLE CONTROL IN SLOW TURNS. I HAVE NEARLY DROPPED THE MOTORCYCLE MULTIPLE TIMES AND ALSO HAVE ENCOUNTERED PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC AND NOT HAVING PREDICTABLE THROTTLE CONTROL TO GET GOING SAFELY. VERY DANGEROUS!
Engine
Filed Oct 17, 20157,000 milesOH
ENGINE HAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH SEVERE HESITATION TO A MOMENTARY LOSS OF COMPLETE POWER DURING COLD OPERATING TEMPERATURES AND SAME SEVERE PROBLEM ON HOT SHUT DOWN AND RESTART. ALSO HESITATES AT ALL TIMES WHILE DRIVING BUT NOT AS SEVERE AS FIRST TWO. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE IN TRAFFIC AND PULLING OUT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC IN CITY STREET AND HIGHWAY WHILE TURNING AND GOING STRAIGHT.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 20, 201519,500 milesIN
I OWN A MOTORCYCLE REPAIR SHOP. I HAVE DOCUMENTS SHOWING AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO. IS NOT COMPLYING WITH CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V472000. THEY STATE THERE IS NO REMEDY FOR THIS ISSUE BUT IN FACT THEY HAVE IMPLEMENTED ONE. I SEND CUSTOMERS TO DEALERS AND THE DEALER AND HONDA MOTOR CO. CUSTOMER SERVICE DENY THEIR CLAIM AND EITHER CHARGE THEM FOR REPAIRS OR I DO THE REPAIR. WHAT GOOD IS A RECALL IF YOU DON'T ENFORCE IT? SOMEONE WILL HAVE A BAD CRASH AND DIE. I WANT TO KNOW WHERE TO SEND MY PAPER WORK AND GET SOMEONE TO ACT ON THIS RECALL.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Dec 11, 20143,200 milesCO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA GOLDWING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR BRAKE ROTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,200. UPDATED 1/23/15*CN UPDATED 9/8/2017*CN
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 9, 2014200 milesAZ
2012 GOLDWING GL1800 MOTORCYCLE HAS HAD A PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING OFF WHEN FIRST STARTED. UNLESS YOU ALLOW IT TO WARM UP COMPLETELY BEFORE TRYING TO DRIVE OFF, IT WILL TRY TO STALL OR SPUTTER AND NOT HAVE ANY POWER AT LEAST MOMENTARILY. THIS SITUATION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND A TIP OVER ACCIDENT WITH THIS 950LB BIKE. WHEN IT OCCURS WHILE ENTERING TRAFFIC FLOW, IT CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR DEATH. THIS CONDITION HAS EXISTED SINCE I PURCHASED THE MOTORCYCLE NEW IN JUNE 2012. I HAVE DISCUSSED THIS WITH MANY OTHER GOLDWING OWNERS AND FOUND THAT THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT HAS CAUSED MANY OF THEM TO DROP THEIR BIKE WHILE TRYING TO DRIVE OFF. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO HONDA DEALERS WITH NO POSITIVE RESULTS. THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. MANY HAVE COMPLAINED DIRECTLY TO HONDA TO NO AVAIL. THIS PROBLEM WILL EVENTUALLY RESULT IN DEATHS IF NOT RESOLVED. THIS PROBLEM IS ALSO A HUGE TOPIC OF DISCUSSION ON GOLDWING ONLINE FORUMS. *TR
Power Train
Filed Oct 7, 20148,000 milesIA
THE ENGINE STUMBLES AND LOSES POWER AT APPROXIMATELY 1500RMP AND MAKES THE MOTORCYCLE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. *TR
Suspension
Filed Sep 30, 2014900 milesMN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE RODE ROUGHLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.
Engine
Filed Sep 27, 2014300 milesMI
AT LOW SPEED THE MOTORCYCLE SEEMS TO HAVE A DECREASE OF POWER FOR APPROXIMATELY 20-30 SECONDS THEN ITS OK. HAS GONE ON SINCE I OWNED THE MOTORCYCLE. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 26, 20146,000 milesTN
THIS BIKE HAS A BAD STUMBLE PROBLEM. IT WILL STUMBLE WHEN TRYING TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC CAUSING ME TO NEARLY FALL AND GET HIT SEVERAL TIMES. THIS HAPPENS AFTER YOU HAVE STOPPED FOR 15 TO 30 MINS AND YOU START TO GO AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN RIDING BIKES SINCE 1954 SO I AM NOT NEW TO RIDING BIKES. THIS IS GOING TO GET SOME ONE KILLED. I HAVE TRIED TO GET HONDA TO FIX IT BUT THEY SAY ITS NORMAL. THIS IS NOT NORMAL ITS DANGEROUS WHEN IT HAPPENS YOU GIVE IT MORE THROTTLE AND THEN IT LUNGES STRAIGHT AHEAD THE WAY YOU ARE POINTED. THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE FIXED. I HAVE BEEN RIDDING HONDA GOLDWINGS SINCE 1975 AND THEY DID NOT DO THIS. *TR
Engine
Filed Sep 15, 20145,500 milesTX
THE PROBLEM I'M ABOUT TO DESCRIBE IS COMMON ON THE 2012 AND NEWER GOLDWINGS. EARLIER GOLDWINGS DID NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM AS I HAVE HAD 3 AND I HAVE SEVERAL FRIENDS WHOSE OLDER GOLDWINGS DO NOT DO THIS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT UNLESS THE ENGINE HAS HAD TIME TO WARM UP WHICH TAKES ABOUT 5 MINUTES IT WILL NOT RUN PROPERLY. I FOUND THIS OUT THE HARD WAY AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY TURNING LEFT WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I ALMOST LAID IT DOWN. ANOTHER DANGEROUS INCIDENT WAS WHEN I WAS TURNING ONTO A MAJOR HIGHWAY WITH TRAFFIC COMING BUT I NORMALLY WOULD HAVE HAD ENOUGH TIME TO GET OUT OF THE WAY IT STALLED AGAIN. THE POWER KICKED IN JUST IN TIME TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, IT CONTINUES TO DO THIS AND FROM WHAT I READ AT GOLDWING WEBSITES MOST OTHERS HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. SOMEBODY IS GOING TO GET HURT IF THIS IS NOT FIXED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT HONDA DID TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN ON NEWER GOLDWING BUT IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED AND SO FAR HONDA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. I HOPE YOU WILL FORCE HONDA TO DEAL WITH THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. THANK YOU *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 11, 20144,000 milesMD
AT LOW OPERATING TEMPERATURE, AT LOW RPMS (ABOUT 1700) ACTS LIKE IT IS STARVED FOR FUEL (STUMBLES) AND ACTS LIKE IT WILL NOT TAKE FUEL. TRIED A HOT RESET OF THE ECM, LETTING THE BIKE WARM UP, STILL DOES IT. SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS ON THE GL1800.ORG WEBSITE ARE REPORTING THE SAME OR SIMILAR PROBLEM. *TR
Engine
Filed Sep 9, 201440 milesTX
EVERY DAY WHEN I START THE MOTORCYCLE AND PROCEED TO DRIVE, IT STUMBLE OR STALLS ALMOST FALLING OVER INTO THE STREET AS IF IT HAD CARBURETORS AND THE CHOKE WAS NOT ON. TO AVOID THIS HAPPENING I MUST TURN THE THROTTLE SEVERAL TIMES TO INCREASE THE ENGINE RPM'S AND THEN MANAGE TO KEEP THE MOTORCYCLE FROM OVER COMPENSATING AND CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE HONDA DEALER AND THEIR RESPONSE IS THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND OR THE MOTORCYCLE IS OPERATING WITHIN NORMAL PARAMETERS. THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON THAT A FUEL INJECTED, COMPUTER CONTROLLED ENGINE NEEDS TO IDLE 5 MINUTES BEFORE TAKING OFF. BASICALLY THIS FUEL INJECTED, COMPUTER CONTROLLED ENGINE IS THE SAME AS ANY AUTOMOBILE ENGINE AND NONE I AM FAMILIAR WITH EXHIBIT THIS PROBLEM. OVER 150 DOCUMENTED CASES ARE DISCLOSED AT IPETIONS.COM. *TR
Suspension
Filed Aug 18, 20147,500 milesMN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT TIRE FELT ABNORMAL WHILE RIDING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,500.
Engine
Filed Aug 9, 20141,300 milesPA
COLD STUMBLE HAPPENS WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE IS WARMED ABOVE THE COLD RIDE MARK SPECIFIED BY THE GL1800 OWNERS MANUAL BUT BEFORE THE ENGINE GETS TO THE FULLY WARM TEMPERATURE MARK, WHEN I STOP AT THE END OF MY DRIVEWAY AND GIVE THROTTLE TO THE MOTORCYCLE IT WILL STUMBLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN AND ALMOST CAUSE THE RIDER TO DROP THE MOTORCYCLE. WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE IS RIDDEN FOR AN HOUR AND PARKED AT A SHOPPING MALL FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES IN 75* WEATHER AND THE MOTORCYCLE IS STARTED UP STILL HOT, IF I RIDE ABOUT 10FEET TO 15 FEET TO A STOP SIGN, THEN GIVE THROTTLE THE ENGINE STUMBLES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN ALMOST CAUSING THE RIDER TO DROP THE MOTORCYCLE. PARTS AFFECTED "ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE'. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 4, 201435 milesWA
THE MOTORCYCLE HAD A HESITATION AT LOW SPEED. THIS RESULTED IN A LOSS OF BALANCE WHILE IN A TURN REQUIRING THE RIDER TO PUT THEIR FOOT DOWN TO PREVENT THE 900 LB MOTORCYCLE TRAVELING AT 8-10 MPH FROM FALLING IN ON A TURN. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS IN FIRST GEAR CLUTCH FULLY ENGAGED RPM 1250 WHICH PUTS THE SPEED ABOUT 8MPH. WHEN THE TROTTLE WAS INCREASES SLIGHTLY THE ENGINE WOULD HESITATE IN A ON -OFF FASHION. WHEN THIS OCCURED WHILE IN A SLOW SPEED TURN THE RESULTS WHERE THE MOTORCYCLE DID NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED POWER TO KEEP THE TURN GOING AND THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD FALL INTO THE INSIDE OF THE TURN. HONDA WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE HESITATION. WA LEMON LAW ARBITRATION FORCED HONDA TO REPURCHASE THE MOTOCYCLE FILE # 130066.
Engine
Filed Nov 1, 20135 milesPA
I OWN A 2012 HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE. THIS IS THE THIRD GOLDWING MODEL I HAVE OWNED SINCE 1978. I'VE BEEN RIDING MOTORCYCLES FOR ABOUT 46 YEARS NOW AND AM A SKILLED MECHANIC. MY REASON FOR THE COMPLAINT IS TO PROTECT MYSELF AND OTHER OWNERS FROM INJURY AND TO SEEK HELP WITH THE PROBLEM PLAGGING THE 2012/2013 MODEL GOLDWINGS. THERE IS A LOW END BOG WHEN ACCELERATING AND WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD CAUSING THE MOTORCYCLE TO BECOME UNSTABLE DURING THIS PERIOD OF TIME. MY MOTORCYCLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOUR TIMES FOR A TOTAL OF 12 WEEKS FOR THIS ISSUE WITHOUT RESOLVE. MY DEALER SENT MANY COMPUTER SCANS TO THE HONDA TECH DEPARTMENT, THE DEALER CAN SEE ON THESE GRAPHS THE GLITCH IN THE FUEL DELIVERY AND HONDA HAS TRIED SOME PARTS TO CORRECT THE GLITCH, SO THEY ARE ADMITTING THERE IS A PROBLEM PUT DON'T HAVE A FIX FOR IT. I RODE MY 2001 GOLDWING ACROSS COUNTRY IN ALL TEMPS AND ELEVATIONS WITHOUT THIS PROBLEM. MY DEALER TELLS ME THEY HAVE RIDDEN MULTIPLE 2012/2013 GOLDWINGS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, SOME WORSE THAT MINE. I SPOKE WITH MY DEALER TODAY AND WITH HONDA AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS BUT HONDA WILL DO NO MORE TO THE BIKE. HONDA SAYS IT'S A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE MOTORCYCLE BUT IF THAT IS THE CASE WHY DID THEY TRY TO FIX IT? SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE HURT OR WORSE YET KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS "CHARACTERISTIC". I'VE BEEN WORKING ON MOTORS AND RIDING LONG ENOUGH TO KNOW WHEN THERE IS A PROBLEM. OLDER MODELS OF THIS BIKE HAVE NONE OF THESE PROBLEMS SO I'M THINKING HONDA KNOWS THIS
Power Train
Filed Oct 28, 20131,000 milesTX
EVERY DAY WHEN LEAVING MY DRIVEWAY I START THE MOTORCYCLE. THEN DRIVE THE 50FT. TO THE STREET AND TURN LEFT. DURING THE TURN THE MOTORCYCLE BEGINS TO COUGH AND STUMBLE LOOKING FOR THE THROTTLE POSITION ALMOST FALLING OVER INTO THE STREET. TO AVOID THIS HAPPENING I MUST TURN THE THROTTLE SEVERAL TIMES TO INCREASE THE ENGINE RPM'S AND THEN MANAGE TO KEEP THE MOTORCYCLE FROM OVER COMPENSATING AND CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE HONDA DEALER AND THEIR RESPONSE IS THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND OR THE MOTORCYCLE IS OPERATING WITHIN NORMAL PARAMETERS. THEN STATING THAT ALL 2012 GOLDWING MOTORCYCLES ARE EXHIBITING THIS SAME CONDITION. BASICALLY THIS FUEL INJECTED, COMPUTER CONTROLLED ENGINE IS THE SAME AS ANY AUTOMOBILE ENGINE AND NONE I AM FAMILIAR WITH EXHIBIT THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Engine
Filed Oct 21, 2013100 milesGA
THE 2012 AND LATER GOLDWINGS STALL DURING ACCELERATION WHEN THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW FULL TEMPERATURE. THE STALLS CALL MOMENTARY LOSS OF CONTROL. OVER 150 DOCUMENTED CASES ARE DISCLOSED AT IPETIONS.COM. *TR
Engine
Filed Oct 19, 2013400 milesNC
ON LEAVING WHEN ENGINE IS COLD, LEANING DO LEFT LEAVING DRIVEWAY ENGINE HESITATES OR CUTS OUT CAUSING LOSS OF POWER, WHICH BIKE ALMOST TIPPING COMPLETELY OVER. *TR
Power Train
Filed Oct 5, 20134,700 milesIN
WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE ON THE HIGHWAY, AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE FRONT TIRE PICKED UP A SMALL, UNSEEN PIECE OF ROAD DEBRIS AND FLUNG IT INTO THE OIL FILTER LOCATED ON THE LOWER FRONT END OF THE MOTOR CYCLE BODY. THIS ACTION CAUSED THE FILTER TO BE PUNCTURED, RESULTING IN A LARGE QUANTITY OF OIL TO BE EJECTED FROM THE BIKE AND SLUNG ALONG THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF THE MOTORCYCLE INCLUDING THE EXHAUST, THE REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLY, AND THE REAR TIRE. I BECAME AWARE OF THE SITUATION WHEN I NOTICED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRRORS A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE BIKE. I THEN LOOKED DOWN AND SAW THE LOW OIL PRESSURE LAMP ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. LUCKILY, I WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT AND ALREADY STARTING TO SLOW DOWN. WHILE IN THE STOPPED POSITION I SAW A LARGE POOL OF OIL ON THE ROAD COMING FROM UNDER THE BIKE. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE AND MOVED THE BIKE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND THE HOLE IN THE OIL FILTER AND SAW THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE BIKE AND THE REAR WHEEL WERE COVERED IN THE OIL. I FEEL HONDA OWES IT TO ITS CUSTOMERS TO FIX THIS POTENTIALLY DEADLY SAFETY CONCERN BY SIMPLY INSTALLING AN INEXPENSIVE BELLY PAN ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE BIKE. THIS WOULD SERVE TO PROTECT BOTH THE EXPOSED OIL FILTER AND THE EXPOSED COOLANT RESERVOIR. EITHER OF THESE EXPOSED ITEMS COULD, AND HAVE, EASILY GET PUNCTURED BY A ROCK OR OTHER DEBRIS AND SHOWER THE REAR TIRE AND BRAKE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. I'VE CONTACTED HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND REPORTED THE IN
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 1, 201327,589 milesUT
THE DATE SHOWN ABOVE IS THE LAST INCIDENT. THIS IS A RE-OCCURRING ISSUE THAT FIRST STARTED IN AUGUST, 2011. WHENEVER THE GOLDWING IS RAN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 100 DEGREES OR HIGHER, WHEN YOU STOP AND PARK THE GOLDWING THE ISSUE OCCURS. AFTER SETTING FOR 10 - 15 MINUTES, IT BEGINS TO VENT GASOLINE FUMES. THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED, IT HAD BEEN SETTING IN MY CLOSED GARAGE FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES, WHEN I WENT OUT INTO THE GARAGE TO GET SOMETHING OUT OF THE FREEZER. ON OPENING THE DOOR INTO THE GARAGE, I WAS GREETED WITH VERY STRONG GASOLINE FUMES. IT WAS BAD ENOUGH THAT I DID NOT WANT TO CREATE A SPARK BY USING THE GARAGE DOOR OPENER, SO I RELEASED THE OPENER AND OPENED THE GARAGE DOOR BY HAND. I HAD TO LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN FOR SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE THE FUMES WERE COMPLETELY VENTED FROM THE GARAGE. I HAVE HAD THE GOLDWING TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE OR FIND ANY REASON FOR IT. I HAVE CALLED HONDA SUPPORT TWICE TO TRY AND GET A FIX. THE LAST TIME WAS JULY 24, 2013. THEY SUPPOSEDLY ESCALATED THE ISSUE TO A MODEL SPECIALIST AND I WAS SUPPOSED TO GET A RESPONSE BACK. I AM STILL WAITING. THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THE SAME RESULTS FROM HONDA. THEY JUST SAID IT WAS GAS IN THE TANK GETTING HOT AND VENTING AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. I ASKED THEM WHAT THE PURPOSE OF ALL OF THE EMISSION EQUIPMENT WAS AND WAS TOLD THAT IT SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE ISSUE. SINCE THE WEATHER HAS BEEN SO HOT, I HAVE ACTUALLY SMELLED GA
Engine
Filed Jul 31, 201327 milesNC
THERE IS A HESITATION BETWEEN THROTTLE APPLICATION AND ENGINE RESPONSE THAT CAUSES THE MOTORCYCLE TO LUNGE FORWARD THEN ALMOST COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I HAVE ALMOST DROPPED THE MOTORCYCLE SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED TWO GOLDWINGS PREVIOUS TO THIS ONE AND NEITHER HAD THIS HESITATION PROBLEM. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN MOVING OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM A COMPLETE STOP. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 30, 20131,000 milesTX
COLD ENGINE THROTTLE HESITATION. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 28, 201360 milesUT
THERE IS A PRONOUNCED HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. MOST OFTEN WHEN FIRST STARTING THE ENGINE AT THE START OF A RIDE, OR AFTER SITTING WITH THE ENGINE OFF FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE HESITATION 'CLEARS UP' AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE HAS BEEN RIDDEN FOR A FEW MILES. ADDITIONALLY, THE MILI-SECONDS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS HESITATION ARE FOLLOWED BY A SHARP SURGE OF ACCELERATION - AS THE ENGINE 'PUSHES THROUGH' THE MOMENTARY LACK OF POWER, JERKING THE RIDER'S HEAD BACKWARD AND ROCKETING THE VEHICLE FORWARD. THIS IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS IN WET CONDITIONS, OR IN SLOW SPEED TURNS, SUCH AS THOSE OCCURRING WHEN ONE IS JUST PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY, OR AWAY FROM SOME OTHER SUCH STOPPED CONDITION. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 24, 20134,400 milesMI
MOTORCYCLE HAS A HESITATION WHEN APPLYING THROTTLE. THIS HAPPENS FROM A COLD START AS WELL AS DURING ENGINE WARM-UP AND OCCASIONALLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS AT NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. I HAVE NOTICED THE HESITATION AT FROM TEMPERATURES STARTING AT 40 F AND UP. AT FIRST I WAS THINKING IT MAY BE RELATED TO SUMMER BLEND GASOLINE'S OR LOWER OCTANE FUELS, TESTING DIFFERENT GRADES OF FUEL DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THIS ENGINE HESITATION CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE STALL WHICH CAN RESULT IN A CRASH IF THE MOTORCYCLE IS IN A LOW SPEED TURN. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM EXISTS ON MOST 2012 AND 2013 HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLES. I CONSIDER THIS HESITATION TO BE A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT AFFECTS THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED IN VARIOUS GOLDWING ONLINE SITES. *TR
Engine
Filed Jul 9, 2013200 milesMA
MOTORCYCLE HAS A HESITATION WHEN APPLYING THROTTLE. THIS HAPPENS FROM A COLD START AS WELL AS DURING ENGINE WARM-UP AND OCCASIONALLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS AT NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. THIS ENGINE HESITATION CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE STALL WHICH CAN RESULT IN A CRASH IF THE MOTORCYCLE IS IN A LOW SPEED TURN. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM EXISTS ON MOST 2012 AND 2013 HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLES. I CONSIDER THIS HESITATION TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT. THE PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED IN VARIOUS GOLDWING ONLINE SITES. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 9, 20131,000 milesCA
VEHICLE APPEARS TO LOSE POWER BETWEEN 1500 AND 2000 RPM'S. BIKE WAS WARM. BIKE HESITATES UNDER ACCELERATION BETWEEN 1500 AND 2000 RPM'S POTENTIALLY CONTRIBUTING TO AN ACCIDENT DUE TO LOSS OF POWER UNDER NORMAL ACCELERATION. *TR
Engine
Filed Jul 7, 20139 milesVA
MOTORCYCLE HAS A HESITATION JUST OFF IDLE, FROM A COLD START, DURING AN ENGINE WARM-UP, AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES OF 50*F TO 90*F. THIS ENGINE HESITATION CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE STALL. AN ENGINE STALL ON A MOTORCYCLE, PARTICULARLY IF THE MOTORCYCLE IS ENGAGED IN A LOW SPEED TURN; AS A MOTORCYCLE IS LIKELY TO BE ENGAGED IN AFTER A COLD START, WILL RESULT IN A CRASH. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM TO HONDA MOTOR COMPANY. THIS PROBLEM EXISTS ON MOST 2012 AND 2013 HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLES. MY MOTORCYCLE DOES THIS. I CONSIDER IT A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT. MANY ON-LINE BLOGS HAVE MANY COMPLAINTS AND THERE ARE PETITIONS AS WELL. EX: HTTP://WWW.IPETITIONS.COM/PETITION/GL1800HESITATION/ *TR
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jan 9, 2018. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.