2001-2024 Honda Gold Wing Problems: 8 Known Issues
2001-2024 model years · Manufacturer-document summaries · US scope · Updated November 2026
These 8 manufacturer-document summaries cover specific US model/year combinations. They are not a list of common failures or a reliability rating. Read the exact applicability on each card and ask the dealer to confirm your VIN, equipment and previous repairs.
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All 8 Known Issues
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do these documents establish that my Honda Gold Wing is affected?
No. These are summaries of manufacturer documents for specific US model/year combinations. VIN, equipment and previous repairs determine applicability. A dealer must confirm eligibility. This selection is not a reliability ranking or failure-frequency estimate.
Handlebars can work loose up and down — bulletin GL1800 #1
Honda's bulletin says up-and-down handlebar looseness on a 2018 Gold Wing may come from the steering stem nut being improperly installed at the factory; if the nut loosens, the handlebars can move up and down. Front-to-rear handlebar movement is normal. Applies to: 2018 Honda Gold Wing GL1800/D/DA/B/BD with confirmed up-and-down handlebar looseness only. US applicability: Gold Wing: 2018 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); Gold Wing DCT: 2018 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); Gold Wing Tour: 2018 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); Gold Wing Tour DCT: 2018 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); Gold Wing Tour DCT Airbag: 2018 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.). Dealer VIN confirmation required. 2018 Honda Gold Wing GL1800/D/DA/B/BD with confirmed up-and-down handlebar looseness only. A Honda dealer checks the handlebars for up-and-down movement, inspects the steering stem, and replaces the stem if its threads are damaged; reassembly uses a new lock washer and the bulletin's grease and tightening procedure. Do not attempt this yourself. Normal warranty rules apply; this is not a recall or a promise of free repair. If stem-thread damage is confirmed, the bulletin also specifies two dust seals, an adjuster nut, a lock nut and the new lock washer with the replacement stem. If the threads are undamaged, the stem is retained and a new lock washer is still required.
Rear brake can drag and overheat — recall 15V700
Brake fluid deposits from age or lack of maintenance can block the check-valve opening in the secondary master cylinder of the combined braking system, so rear brake pressure may not release. Unexpected braking or dragging increases the risk of a crash, and riding on with the rear brake dragging may make it hot enough to catch fire. Applies to: 2001-2010 and 2012-2015 Honda Gold Wing GL1800, 2001-2005 GL1800A, and 2013-2015 GL1800B, in the listed VIN ranges (Honda campaign JV6 / NHTSA 15V700, which expands recall 14V472). Check your VIN. US applicability: GL1800: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); GL1800A: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); GL1800 Airbag: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); GL1800B F6B: 2013, 2014, 2015 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.). Dealer VIN confirmation required. 2001-2010 and 2012-2015 Honda Gold Wing GL1800, 2001-2005 GL1800A, and 2013-2015 GL1800B, in the listed VIN ranges (Honda campaign JV6 / NHTSA 15V700, which expands recall 14V472). Check your VIN. Honda's remedy: the dealer replaces the secondary master cylinder with one that has a modified check valve, replaces the rear master cylinder and flushes the brake fluid with an updated procedure, free of charge. Honda's notice also stresses following the recommended maintenance schedule. Have a Honda dealer confirm JV6 by VIN. The complete GL1800/GL1800A kit includes both cylinders, seven oil-bolt sealing washers, one 2 mm split pin and two 10 mm hex cap nuts; the procedure specifies Pro Honda DOT 4 brake fluid and the updated flush. Kit selection differs for 2013–2014 F6B without cruise control. Modified secondary-cylinder or trike configurations require the bulletin’s separate dealer guidance, not an assumed standard-kit fit.
Primary drive gear bolt can break, stalling and locking the engine — recall 24V820
On-off throttle use can put high load on the crankshaft and fatigue the bolt that holds the primary drive gear. If it breaks, the pulse rotor can fall off and the ignition signal fail, so the engine may not start, or may stall and lock; if it locks while riding, the rear wheel may lock, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Applies to: 2018-2021 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 built November 8, 2017 to July 7, 2021 (Honda campaign KQ9 / NHTSA 24V820). An improved bolt went into production in July 2021. Check your VIN. US applicability: Gold Wing: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); Gold Wing DCT: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); Gold Wing Tour: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); Gold Wing Tour DCT: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); Gold Wing Tour DCT Airbag: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.). Dealer VIN confirmation required. 2018-2021 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 built November 8, 2017 to July 7, 2021 (Honda campaign KQ9 / NHTSA 24V820). An improved bolt went into production in July 2021. Check your VIN. Honda's remedy: an authorized Honda Powersports dealer replaces the primary drive gear bolt with an improved part that has greater fatigue strength. Owners who already paid for this repair may be eligible for reimbursement.
Fuel pump can stop working and stall the engine — recall 24V113
The fuel pump impeller was improperly molded with low density; over time it can absorb fuel, deform and jam against the pump body, so the pump stops working. The engine may not start or can stall while riding, increasing the risk of a crash or injury; warnings may include intermittent loss of power, difficulty starting or stalling. Applies to: Certain 2018-2024 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 (GL1800/B/BD/D/DA) built November 2, 2017 to October 24, 2023 (NHTSA 24V113; Honda bulletins GL1800 #28 / campaign KQ0 for 2018-2019 and GL1800 #27 / campaign KQ1 for 2020-2024). Check your VIN. US applicability: Gold Wing: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); Gold Wing DCT: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); Gold Wing Tour: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); Gold Wing Tour DCT: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); Gold Wing Tour DCT Airbag: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.). Dealer VIN confirmation required. Certain 2018-2024 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 (GL1800/B/BD/D/DA) built November 2, 2017 to October 24, 2023 (NHTSA 24V113; Honda bulletins GL1800 #28 / campaign KQ0 for 2018-2019 and GL1800 #27 / campaign KQ1 for 2020-2024). Check your VIN. Honda's remedy: an authorized Honda Powersports dealer replaces the fuel pump on affected 2018-2019 bikes (GL1800 #28). Affected 2018-2019 bikes get a new pump cartridge/filter assembly within the retained housing, with the specified new packing and locking ring; this is not a recommendation to buy an entire tank or sender housing. On affected 2020-2024 bikes the pump's identification label and lot number are checked and the pump is replaced if required (GL1800 #27). The dealer verifies the VIN and follows the complete applicable bulletin procedure. Owners who already paid may be eligible for reimbursement.
Linked-brake proportioning valve can leak and the rear brake can stop working — recall 05V010
A seal in some proportioning control valves (PCV) of the linked braking system is improperly shaped and can leak brake fluid. If the motorcycle keeps being used after a leak starts, the rear brake system can lose all its fluid and the rear brake would eventually become inoperative; a loss of rear brake force could increase the risk of a crash. Applies to: Certain 2002 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 and GL1800A (VINs 1HFSC470*2A111443 through 2A113582 and 1HFSC474*2A102394 through 2A102823) and 2003-2004 GL1800 and GL1800A in the listed VIN ranges. Honda campaign P65 / NHTSA 05V010; check your VIN. US applicability: GL1800: 2002, 2003, 2004 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); GL1800A: 2002, 2003, 2004 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.). Dealer VIN confirmation required. Certain 2002 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 and GL1800A (VINs 1HFSC470*2A111443 through 2A113582 and 1HFSC474*2A102394 through 2A102823) and 2003-2004 GL1800 and GL1800A in the listed VIN ranges. Honda campaign P65 / NHTSA 05V010; check your VIN. Honda's remedy: the dealer inspects the rear brake for leakage and, if leakage is confirmed, replaces the PCV, free of charge. Ask a Honda dealer to confirm from the VIN whether the inspection was done. Do not attempt brake-system repair yourself.
Airbag inflator can rupture in a crash — recalls 16V347, 17V031 and 18V045
The airbag inflator on airbag-equipped Gold Wings may rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash, after propellant degradation from long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, heat and temperature cycling. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion and cause serious injury or death to the rider or passenger. Applies to: Airbag-equipped 2006-2010 and 2012-2016 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 in the recall populations: 16V347 (KA8, 2006-2010), 17V031 (KE5, 2006-2009 and 2012), and 18V045 (KJ1, 2009-2010 and 2012-2016). Some populations depend on where the bike was sold or registered. Check your VIN. US applicability: GL1800 Airbag: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 (Only motorcycles originally equipped with an airbag; campaign populations and registration regions differ.). Dealer VIN confirmation required. Airbag-equipped 2006-2010 and 2012-2016 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 in the recall populations: 16V347 (KA8, 2006-2010), 17V031 (KE5, 2006-2009 and 2012), and 18V045 (KJ1, 2009-2010 and 2012-2016). Some populations depend on where the bike was sold or registered. Check your VIN. Honda's remedy: a Honda motorcycle dealer replaces the airbag module, free of charge. Contact a dealer with your VIN. Do not try to inspect or remove the airbag yourself.
Engine can run hot in slow, hot-weather riding — bulletin GL1800/A #13
Honda's bulletin says a small number of 2001-2003 GL1800/A owners may see high engine coolant temperature readings during prolonged low-speed, low-gear riding in high ambient temperatures, such as parade riding. Honda's campaign replaced the engine control module (ECM) to reduce this. Applies to: All 2001-2003 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 and GL1800A (first-generation, US-built). A punch mark below the first letter of the engine number on the crankcase shows the campaign was done. US applicability: GL1800: 2001, 2002, 2003 (Historical campaign ended June 19, 2006. Check prior-completion punch mark; current overheating needs diagnosis.); GL1800A: 2001, 2002, 2003 (Historical campaign ended June 19, 2006. Check prior-completion punch mark; current overheating needs diagnosis.). Dealer VIN confirmation required. All 2001-2003 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 and GL1800A (first-generation, US-built). A punch mark below the first letter of the engine number on the crankcase shows the campaign was done. Honda's Product Improvement Campaign replaced the ECM and had the dealer inspect cylinder-head coolant capacity (some late 2003 units excluded), inspect the left radiator, inspect or install a coolant-gauge sub-harness and pressure-test the cooling system, at no cost to the owner. That campaign ended June 19, 2006, so it has expired; this is not a recall or a promise of free repair. Ask a Honda dealer to check for the punch mark and to diagnose any overheating you have now.
Engine stumbles when pulling away cold — NHTSA review PE15-014
NHTSA reviewed owner complaints of a pronounced engine stumble (near stall) when pulling away from a stop with a cold engine, usually in the first five minutes of riding at low speed and small throttle openings; riders worried it could cause a crash in a slow, sharp turn. NHTSA closed the review in November 2015, finding no safety-related defect trend and no crashes. Applies to: 2012-2014 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 (second-generation, Japan-built), the population NHTSA reviewed. US applicability: GL1800: 2012, 2013, 2014 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.); GL1800 Airbag: 2012, 2013, 2014 (Verify exact VIN, equipment and prior campaign completion.). Dealer VIN confirmation required. 2012-2014 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 (second-generation, Japan-built), the population NHTSA reviewed. NHTSA closed its review in November 2015 without finding a safety-related defect trend. If your engine stumbles or stalls, have a Honda dealer diagnose it and tell them when it happens (cold or warm, how soon after starting).
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public motorcycle data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.