2003 Honda GL1800A Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 63%of 16 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,725miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Honda GL1800A, 63% of the 16 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,725 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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.
“Bought the bike july 9. Private party. I was going thru the bike checking everything out and found the frame is broke behind the passenger floorboards on both sides. I have done some research and this is very common.”
NHTSA complaint #10610240, filed 2014-07, 89,600 miles“In :march, 2016, I purchased a 2003 Honda goldwing 1800a from the original owner, a private party. I took the motorcycle in repairs, as it was damaged. The mechanic found a crack in the rear frame near a weld, and referred me to redlands Honda. I spoke to wes in service who inspected the frame and called Honda. Honda sent redlands Honda a frame. On 6/23/2016, wes informed me I would have to pay for the labor to replace the frame, estimated to be over $2500. As a safety recall, I should not have to pay for any parts or labor to have the safety recall procedure performed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10883175, filed 2016-07, 77,450 miles“I have a problem with the recall being done by american Honda corp. (ahc) on their gold wing gl1800 to repair possible frame and weld damage. My motorcycle was purchased 4/24/03. It is less than 7 months old. My motorcycle was rejected for their 'normal' recalls service because the frame was too heavily damaged for it to be repaired in the field. Ahc wants to ship the bike back to the factory in ohio (from nj) and either repair the cracks they discovered or replace the frame on the bike. They are giving me no choices except to allow them to do that. …”
NHTSA complaint #10047328, filed 2003-11, 12,500 miles“Located cracked frame (2)tubes on rear triangular area of the aluminum frame. The tube on each side of the bike is cracked. The left side is approximately half way through. The area supports the rear of the motorcycle and passenger.”
NHTSA complaint #10234852, filed 2008-07, 106,954 miles“Upon reinforcing the welds on the frame as stated in recall 03v350000 for the frame weld dealership noticed large crack in the frame. Manufacturer instructed the dealership to stuff cracks with metal instead of replacing the frame. This was a temporary fix, and the frame could crack again at anytime.”
NHTSA complaint #10049800, filed 2003-12, 1,600 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 GL1800A 2001–2004, GL1800 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 GL1800A 2002–2003, GL1800 2002–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10108810May 30, 2017Technician newsletter - When troubleshooting it is good to have all of the tools at your disposal. If you are diagnosing a power trunk lock remote control issue on a GL1800…
- 10129823Feb 7, 2014Honda technician newsletter - TPMS sensors aren't waterproof.
- 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
Other parts of the 2003 Honda GL1800A
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Honda GL1800A
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