2002 Honda Gold Wing Problems: 3 Known Issues
2002 model year · Manufacturer-document summaries · US scope · Updated November 2026
These 3 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 3 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.