The 2009 Honda GL1800 has 5 recalls, the most serious being a faulty airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the rider, with a risk of serious injury or death.
The airbag inflator concern appears across multiple filings but describes the same underlying problem: the inflator can degrade over time and explode rather than deploy cleanly. Some filings are limited to motorcycles originally sold or registered in high-humidity states and territories such as Hawaii, Florida, and Texas, where heat and moisture accelerate the degradation.
The brake recalls also describe the same defect across multiple filings. The combined braking system's secondary master cylinder can cause the rear brake to drag even after the rider releases the lever. A dragging rear brake raises the risk of a crash on its own, and if the condition persists over an extended ride, the heat buildup can be enough to start a fire at the rear brake.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The front air bag inflators may rupture during a crash due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag inflator may rupture during a crash when deployed. Propellant inside can degrade after prolonged exposure to humidity and temperature changes, weakening the inflator.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the air bag module free of charge. Contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870 for recall KA8.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear brakes may continue to drag even after you release the brake pedal, affecting stopping performance and control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the secondary and rear brake master cylinders and flush the brake fluid at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The secondary master cylinder in the combined braking system may cause the rear brake to drag under certain conditions.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the secondary master cylinder and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
