2002 Honda GL1800 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 115about this part
- Share
- 63%of 182 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 4,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 115 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Honda GL1800, 63% of the 182 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 4,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2002 gl1800a has a cracked weld on the frame under the seat area and is not safe to ride. The motorcycle also overheats in slow traffic on warm days, causing me to have to pull over and let it cool down.”
NHTSA complaint #10030967, filed 2003-08, 2,590 miles“My 2002 Honda GL1800 has been into the dealer 6 times for repair of engine overheating. I have had the engine overheating recall work conducted twice on the bike. The first repair under the recall actually actually acerbated the overheating problem. The second recall repair only slightly improved the bike over its original delivered state. American Honda refuses to do any further repairs that could rectify the problem. It appears that some of the GL1800 motorcycles have this inherent defect and others do not. …”
NHTSA complaint #10059069, filed 2004-02, 400 miles“Engine overheating - I purchased the bike in july of 2002. I experienced overheating almost immediately. I took it to an authorized dealer in temecula california and had it checked out. They kept it for approximately one week and determined that there was no problem. I then contacted the Honda cooperation and was told to take it back in. I did. Again nothing. I am not overseas and have been here since oct 2002. I haven't ridden the bike and won't ride again as I am in the marine corps stationed abroad until 2005. …”
NHTSA complaint #10041622, filed 2003-10, 9,000 miles“The motorcycle overheats in stop and go traffic. Consumer has to pull of the road and turn the motorcycle off to let the engine cool off. Dealership indicated the switch that turns the fans on are not working properly, they are faulty, and don't come on when they are suppose to because of a factory defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10081961, filed 2004-07, 8,000 miles“Motorcycle overheat, dealer repair on several occasion consumer states the problem is recurring. Regional manufacturer has been notified, the manufacturer has not attempted to fix the problem, coolant spews on tires causing slick and dangerous driving conditions. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #8019992, filed 2002-10, 10,050 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10018124Jun 6, 2005Camshaft timing - gear noise after completing valve adjustment may be incorrect camshaft timing.
- 10016297May 1, 2005Proportional control valve (pcv) leakage recall reminder. Refer to bulletin gl1800a #16.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Honda GL1800
30 complaintsTires
11 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Honda GL1800
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology