IllustrationTRANSMISSION FAILURE 4TH TO FIFTH GEAR. AFTER SHIFTING INTO 5TH GEAR THE TRANSMISSION WILL JUMP AS A RATCHET DOES ON A ROUNDED BOLT. THEN RUNS OK. STARTED AT AROUND 40,000 MILES AND WAS INTERMEDIATE BUT AT 47,000 MILES IT IS CONSTANT. LOCAL HONDA DEALER FEELS IT IS A BENT SHIFT FORK AND IS IN PROCESS OF REBUILDING. *TR
2006 Honda GL1800
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all GL1800 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 19 of 22 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
22 reportsTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA GL1800 GOLDWING. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING BETWEEN 4TH AND 5TH GEAR, WITHOUT WARNING THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SHIFT FORKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT OBSERVED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THAT THE CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT M…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA GL1800 GOLDWING. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING BETWEEN 4TH AND 5TH GEAR, WITHOUT WARNING THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SHIFT FORKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT OBSERVED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THAT THE CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS AT 80232.
INSTRUMENT GAUGE FACE PLATE MELTING DUE TO DIRECT SUN LIGHT. SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, AND FUEL/TEMP GAUGE ARE AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION WHICH RESULTS IN ERRATIC READINGS. THE MOTORCYCLE IS A 2006 AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER, THE COMPANY WILL NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE GAUGES YET. IN DECEMBER 2001 …
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INSTRUMENT GAUGE FACE PLATE MELTING DUE TO DIRECT SUN LIGHT. SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, AND FUEL/TEMP GAUGE ARE AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION WHICH RESULTS IN ERRATIC READINGS. THE MOTORCYCLE IS A 2006 AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER, THE COMPANY WILL NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE GAUGES YET. IN DECEMBER 2001 A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED FOR REPLACEMENT GAUGES FOR THIS SAME CONDITION (SERVICE BULLETIN GL1800 #8). I FIRST NOTICED THE TACHOMETER GIVING ERRATIC READINGS IN JULY 2008, AT WHICH TIME I CONTACTED THE REPAIR SHOP. I DO HAVE DIGITAL PICTURES OF THE AFFECTED GAUGES. THIS DEFECT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH. *TR
WHEN RIDING MY HONDA GOLDWING, A 2006 MODEL THE FRONT END WOBBLES WHEN DECELERATING AT AROUND 40 -45 MPH DOWN UNTIL THE BIKE IS GOING UNDER 30MPH. AT THAT POINT IT STOPS HAPPENING. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DECELERATE AND IS NOTICEABLE WHEN MY HANDS ARE ON THE GRIPS. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVER SINCE THE BIKE WAS NEW IN 2006. *TR
PREMATURE WEAR-OUT OF FRONT TIRE ON HONDA GL-1800, ALSO HANDLEBAR WOBBLE, "HEAD SHAKE" AT 45 MPH. *TR
MY HONDA GOLDWING 1800 SHAKES WHEN I USE MY BACK BRAKES AFTER IT IS HOT. THE DEALER AND HONDA CORP. STATE THEY KNOW ABOUT IT BUT OFFER NO ANSWERS ON HOW TO FIX IT. HONDA SAY'S TO USE BOTH BRAKES AT THE SAME TIME. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE. *JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA GL1800 GOLDWING. THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS FUMES WHEN RIDING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE O RINGS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW IF THIS HAS CORRECTED THE FAILURE BECAUSE HE HAS NOT RIDDEN THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE # OF C…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA GL1800 GOLDWING. THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS FUMES WHEN RIDING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE O RINGS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW IF THIS HAS CORRECTED THE FAILURE BECAUSE HE HAS NOT RIDDEN THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE # OF CYLINDERS AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 11,000.
FRONT TIRE UNUSUAL WEAR ON 2006 HONDA GOLDWING GL 1800, MANUFACTURED FOR HONDA BY DUNLOP TIRE. "CUPPING" OCCURRED AT 4,000-4,100 MILES ON THE FRONT TIRE. THIS SEEMED TO BE A ISSUE WITH GOLDWINGS ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP THE MOTORCYCLE WAS PURCHASED FROM. THE SERVICE MANAGER RECOMMENDED INFLATING BOTH FRONT AND REAR TIRE PRE…
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FRONT TIRE UNUSUAL WEAR ON 2006 HONDA GOLDWING GL 1800, MANUFACTURED FOR HONDA BY DUNLOP TIRE. "CUPPING" OCCURRED AT 4,000-4,100 MILES ON THE FRONT TIRE. THIS SEEMED TO BE A ISSUE WITH GOLDWINGS ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP THE MOTORCYCLE WAS PURCHASED FROM. THE SERVICE MANAGER RECOMMENDED INFLATING BOTH FRONT AND REAR TIRE PRESSURE 2-5 PSI ABOVE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS TO INCREASE LIFE OF TIRE. HONDA MOTORCYCLES OF AMERICA IS NOT BEING MADE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, AND CONSUMERS NEED TO CONTACT HONDA BEFORE THEY AGREE TO HAVE THE TIRE REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIPS SO THAT HONDA CAN START ASSESSING THIS ISSUE. HOPEFULLY, HONDA WILL CONSIDER AN ALTERNATIVE TIRE AND ISSUE A RECALL TO GOLDWING OWNERS FOR PROBLEMS WITH THESE TIRES.*AK
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE FRONT FORK OF THE MOTORCYCLE WOBBLED. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THERE WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THERE WAS A REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE STEERING HANDLE BARS WOBBLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY BUSHING IN THE STEERING COLUMN. UPDATED 9/5/2006 - *NM
Official recalls
517V031000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 10, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2006-2009 and 2012 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A," Honda is recalling certain 2006-2009 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in Zone A or Zone B above, Honda is recalling certain 2006-2008 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the operator resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Honda Motorcycle Customer Support at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KE5.
16V347000 · Air Bags
May 24, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor, Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Honda GL1800 (Gold Wing) motorcycles manufactured February 8, 2006, to May 14, 2009 originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 Honda GL 1800 (Gold Wing) motorcycles manufactured May 10, 2007, to May 14, 2009 originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Motorcycles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These motorcycles are equipped with an air bag inflator assembled as part of the air bag module, used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the rider resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module containing the inflator, free of charge. Honda distributed an interim notification to owners on July 19, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KA8.
15V700000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
Oct 23, 2015
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2010 and 2012-2015 GL1800, 2001-2005 GL1800A and 2013-2015 GL1800B motorcycles. The rear brakes of the affected motorcycles may drag after the brakes are released.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear brake that drags may increase the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, extended riding with the rear brake dragging could generate enough heat to result in a fire.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary brake master cylinder and the rear brake master cylinder, and flush the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on December 7, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is JV6. Note: This recall supercedes recall 14V-472.
11V567000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
Dec 1, 2011
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2010, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 GL1800 GOLDWING MOTORCYCLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE COMBINED BRAKING SYSTEM'S SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO DRAG.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: UNEXPECTED BRAKING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH, AND RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE WITH THE REAR BRAKE DRAGGING MAY GENERATE ENOUGH HEAT TO CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO CATCH FIRE.
Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 6, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-784-1870.
06V270000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual
Jul 26, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE LANGUAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUALS IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: HONDA WILL SEND A POSTCARD TO DEALERS AND OWNERS WITH THE CORRECT NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION AND WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO INSERT THE CARD INTO THE "REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS" SECTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009, ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 OR HONDA MOTORCYCLES AT 1-866-784-1870.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1AQ12001 · Southern Honda Powersports
Opened May 14, 2012 · Closed May 13, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
NHTSA opened Audit Query (AQ) 12-001 to determine whether Southern Honda Powersports (Southern Honda) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, had complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, as amended, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations. The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a motor vehicle or equipment manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and non-compliances with federal motor vehicle safety standards.In turn, a dealer may not sell and deliver a new vehicle subject to a recall unless the recall remedy has been performed.(see 49 U.S.C. 30120(i); 49 C.F.R. 573.11)NHTSA issued an information request to Southern Honda on May 14, 2012 to which they responded on July 6, 2012.NHTSA?s inquiry led it to believe that Southern Honda had failed to complete the requirements of five recalls that required inspections and/or repairs of motorcycles prior to their sale or delivery.NHTSA believes that 329 motorcycles affected by recalls had not been inspected and/or repaired prior to their sale and delivery between 2007 and 2012.The agency is unaware of any deaths or injuries involving these vehicles.NHTSA concluded that it had a potential civil penalty claim against Southern Honda for violations of the Safety Act.Southern Honda denied any violations of the Safety Act.In order to settle this matter, Southern Honda agreed to pay a civil penalty in the amount of $125,000, to be paid in five annual installments.This AQ is closed.