2003 Honda GL1800 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 54about this part
- Share
- 53%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 19,010miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 54 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Honda GL1800, 53% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,010 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was riding my 2003 goldwing GL1800 motorcycle and came to an area of the road with construction, there where several signs indicating for motorcycles to use caution and bumps. After riding thru this area and getting back to what appeared to be normal road surfaces, I came across a cut out in the road about 2 feet wide with 3 small wash boards potholes. I had no choice but to ride thru this cut-out at a 90 degree angle as to be as smooth as possible and when I came out of this bump it was like I had a flat tire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10342495, filed 2010-07, 44,328 miles“I own a Honda motorcycle, goldwing 1800, with 8,153 miles on it. Prior to today's date 1 feb 06, I noticed that the inside of the trunk lid was being worn away, the inside of the trunk lid is sustaining noticeable indentations where this wearing away is occurring, by plastic tips on the outside of the trunk edge, which were also being worn away. If this continues there will be a hole in the trunk lid where this wearing is occurring. The Honda dealership insists that this is normal wear and tear. …”
NHTSA complaint #10149226, filed 2006-02, 8,153 miles“The frame on my 2003 Honda goldwing cracked april of 2008. The frame tubing broke completely on the left side, and the tubing on the right side was cracked 3/4 of the way around. I had a trike kit on the bike, and at first thought was the problem but after checking around, I found this has happened before to other bikes. So anyway the frame was replaced, and upon inspecting the new frame I found a nice good size gusset on the tube that was broken on my original frame. I also notice the part number of the frame had been changed from the original part number. I have pictures of both frames.”
NHTSA complaint #10230284, filed 2008-06, 46,622 miles“Told by Honda the frame recall was done in 2012. In 2020 I inspected the frame and there are cracks in the frame again where the recall stated they would be. The replacement frame is cracking. Both major cracks are at the welds at the rear passenger foot pegs”
NHTSA complaint #11354733, filed 2020-09, 90,000 miles“The vehicle was marked for recall. The recall notice indicated that the motorcycle's frame needed to be welded. The motorcycle has been at the dealer for over 1 yr awaiting repair. Please provide any further details. Consumer received a recall notice regarding the frame on the 2003 Honda goldwing. Dealer corrected recall repairs when the necessary parts were received.”
NHTSA complaint #10048693, filed 2003-11, 2,612 milesRelated recalls
- 05V027000Jan 31, 2005On some motorcycles, certain frame welds do not meet manufacturing specifications. High loads created when riding on rough road surfaces or through potholes…Covers: Honda GL1800 2001–2004, GL1800A 2001–2004
- 03V350000Sep 26, 2003On some motorcycles, certain frame welds do not meet manufacturing specifications. High loads created when riding on rough road surfaces or through potholes…Covers: Honda GL1800 2002–2003, GL1800A 2002–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10030268Mar 1, 2009Honda motorcycle: frame weld safety recall. Requires inspection or repair of lower cross member frame welds. The frame weld approval and documentation process is being changed by…
- 10018123Jun 1, 2005Frame welding tip - to ease fuel tank installation into the frame, apply a light coating of silicone spray to the sides and bottom right of the tank.
- 10016289May 1, 2005Frame welding tips.
- 10015342Feb 1, 2005Frame weld safety recall. Certain frame welds may not have sufficient strength resulting in lower cross member separation and rear suspension collapse.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 14% |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 5% |
| 2005 | 3 | 17% |
| 2004 | 1 | 10% |
| 2003 | 54 | 53% |
| 2002 | 30 | 16% |
| 2001 | 6 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2003 Honda GL1800
14 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsTires
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Honda GL1800
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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