2012 Honda Gold Wing Problems: 3 Known Issues
2012 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.
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 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.