This page covers 3 recalls and 34 owner complaints for the 2018 Honda Gl1800.
Owners of the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing report a handful of distinct issues spread across steering, engine, and drivetrain. The most-reported steering complaint involves a high-speed wobble, sometimes called a death wobble, that owners describe occurring when releasing the throttle at highway speeds, with symptoms persisting even after handlebar bearing replacement. Engine complaints include at least one account of catastrophic internal failure attributed to a broken connecting bolt, described as causing sudden total power loss at speed. On the drivetrain side, multiple owners report failure of the ratio control motor in the automatic transmission system, where the part seizes and leaves the bike stuck in a fixed gear, a condition dealers have confirmed and addressed under warranty. The ratio control motor failure is the most consistent mechanical pattern across multiple reports.
34
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Honda GL1800 has 3 recalls, the most serious being a crankshaft bolt that can break without warning, causing the engine to stall and the rear wheel to lock up suddenly, which can throw the rider into a crash.
The fuel system carries a separate concern: the fuel pump impeller can deform due to a molding defect, causing the pump to fail and cut engine power while the motorcycle is moving. Like the crankshaft issue, this leaves the rider with a stalling engine at speed, raising the risk of a crash. Both the drivetrain and fuel pump problems represent a sudden loss of power, and either can occur without any prior warning sign to the rider.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt holding the primary drive gear may break, causing the engine to suddenly stall and the rear wheel to lock up while riding.
What the fix does
Honda will mail you instructions to bring your motorcycle to a dealership for replacement of the primary drive gear bolt.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt securing the primary drive gear to the crankshaft can break, causing the engine to stall and the rear wheel to lock up.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the primary drive gear bolt at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump impellers may have been improperly molded, causing them to deform and fail, which stops fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump module at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
