Honda Gl1800 Recalls

The Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has 17 recalls spanning 2001 through 2024, with the most serious recent issue being a fuel pump defect on 2018-2024 models where the impeller can deform and cause the engine to stall without warning while riding.

The 2018-2024 model years also share a separate powertrain concern: a primary drive gear bolt on the crankshaft can break on 2018-2021 models, stalling the engine and locking the rear wheel simultaneously, which can throw the motorcycle into an uncontrolled skid. Manual-transmission versions of the 2020-2022 models have an engine control unit software error that can cause an engine stall due to incorrect ignition timing, and 2020 manual-transmission models have an additional, related ECU programming issue that can cause stalling when the clutch is pulled in while in second gear or higher with the throttle closed.

The 2006-2016 model years carry airbag inflator recalls that are among the most consequential in this list. On 2009-2016 models, the airbag inflator propellant can degrade with long-term heat and humidity exposure, causing the inflator to rupture and send metal fragments toward the rider. A similar inflator rupture risk applies to 2006-2010 models, with geographic scoping on some filings focused on high-humidity regions including southern US states, Hawaii, and US territories, though other filings extend more broadly. The 2007 model year has its own airbag propellant degradation concern that can cause deployment with excessive force.

The rear brake dragging issue runs across a wide span of production. On 2001-2015 models, the combined braking system's secondary master cylinder can cause the rear brake to remain partially engaged after release, creating unexpected braking that can destabilize the motorcycle and, with extended riding, generate enough heat to start a fire at the rear brake.

Going back to the original 2001 model year, three additional issues were identified early in production: a frame weld that can crack under rough-road stress and, in the worst case, cause rear suspension collapse or the lower cross member to separate; an engine stop switch that can shut the engine off unintentionally; and a crankshaft pulse rotor that can fail and stall the engine.