2008 Honda GL1800 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 19%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 18,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Honda GL1800, 19% of the 47 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 18,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Drops in/out of 5th gear every 1-3 minutes. Gears 1-3 occasionally drop in/out and consistently make a light grinding sound, including neutral. This vehicle is out of warranty but I think Honda should be responsible for fixing it because I consider it a safety issue. If a rider should suddenly lose power on a busy interstate, there is a significant risk of a rear-end collision due to rapid and unexpected engine deceleration.”
NHTSA complaint #10838093, filed 2016-02, 51,000 miles“Insufficient radiator fan clearance results in a damaged radiator causing a coolant leak which results in an uncontrolled slide ending in a crash. Coolant leaking from the radiator that the fan damaged causes a loss of traction at the rear wheel. I noticed my left foot was wet and smelled engine coolant. I was making a left turn out of galveston getting on northbound i45. I turned the corner and the motorcycle went sideways. I rolled off the throttle slightly and rode out of the skid. …”
NHTSA complaint #10809480, filed 2015-12, 4,400 miles“V6 transmission started having problems getting stuck and popping out of 5th gear took to motorcycle factory woodbridge va where I bought it they said no problem later it is now completely wasted transmission and needs what everybody knows that it was a bad design and needs work at least 4-5 k to fix that may show up again”
NHTSA complaint #11185006, filed 2019-03, 20,000 miles“My 2008 Honda goldwing motorcycle experienced a bent shift fork in the transmission at 4,600 miles. This issue has been happening to a large number of late model Honda goldwing motorcycles. This issue is very dangerous as it could result in total failure at highway speeds.”
NHTSA complaint #10264248, filed 2009-04, 4,600 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Honda goldwing motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding approximately 60 MPH, the motorcycle jumped out of gear while shifting from fourth to fifth gear. The motorcycle was taken to a dealer however, they could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 27,400. Updated 04/21/14”
NHTSA complaint #10572899, filed 2014-03, 27,400 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 | 50% |
| 2018 | 5 | 15% |
| 2013 | 1 | 11% |
| 2012 | 5 | 16% |
| 2010 | 4 | 17% |
| 2008 | 9 | 19% |
| 2007 | 4 | 20% |
| 2006 | 5 | 23% |
| 2005 | 2 | 11% |
| 2004 | 3 | 30% |
| 2003 | 5 | 5% |
| 2002 | 4 | 2% |
| 2001 | 6 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2008 Honda GL1800
11 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsTires
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Honda GL1800
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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