Honda Vtx1800 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Honda Vtx1800 options? We analyzed 7 model years (2002–2008) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Honda Vtx1800 has 132 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls across model years 2002–2008. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2002 drew the most complaints; 2005 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Vtx1800
- Model years analyzed
- 2002–2008 (7 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 132
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2002 (63 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2005 (3 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- POWER TRAIN
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
By model year
Honda Vtx1800: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
Below AverageThe HONDA VTX1800 has 132 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. 3 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 132 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 3 federal recall campaigns
- 3 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
3 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE:KICKSTAND/CENTER STAND
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2002–2008. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 132 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
132 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owns a 2007 Honda Motorcycle VTX1800. The contact stated while riding approximately 70 MPH and crossing a highway overpass, the motorcycle stalled. The contact stated that he pulled over while still on the overpass and had to wait about 15 minutes before he was able to restart the motorcycle. The contact stated that the oil warning light was illuminated. The contact had experienced a similar failure previously. The contact had not taken the motorcycle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and became aware of complaints regarding the failure for similar makes and models. The contact stated that the failure might be due to high outdoor temperatures. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
CARBURETOR LEAKS GASOLINE TO HOT ENGINE EXHAUST DUE TO DEFECTIVE CONSTRUCTION OF CARBURETOR SEALS. *TR
2007 HONDA VTX1800 REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS. *DT THE CLUTCH WAS REPLACED. *JB
TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA VTX1800 BC MOTORCYCLE. HIS MOTORCYCLE IS LEANING TO ONE SIDE DUE TO THE TIRES. THE TIRES ARE WORN AND UNEVEN. THE DRIVER IS REQUIRED TO PURCHASE TWO NEW TIRES EVERY TWO WEEKS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHY THE TIRE WEAR IS SO FREQUENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,700.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA GOLDWING (NA). WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS ON A SUNNY DAY, THE CONTACT SEES A RAINBOW OF COLORS ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ONCE AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT CONTINUES TO SEE THE RAINBOW OF COLORS ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA VTX18N28. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE FUEL PUMP AND INJECTORS WERE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,900. ....UPDATED 08-24-12 *BF UPDATED 08/31/2012 *JS
Read 14 more owner reports
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA VTX1800. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER BACKLIGHT WAS REFLECTING OFF THE WINDSHIELD, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO VIEW THE ROADWAY. THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY OCCUR WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,900. UPDATED 11/23/10 *BF UPDATED 11/21/10*JB
FINAL DRIVE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE FOUND DURING TIRE CHANGE. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS COMMOM FAILURE ON VTX1800. *TR
FLANGE BEARING FAILURE, TOTALLY DISINTEGRATED. NO ADVANCED WARNING. WAS IN PROCESS OF REPLACING REAR TIRE. 12,400 MILES ON A 2004 HONDA VTX TOOK HOURS TO REMOVE SHREDDED METAL. REPLACED WITH REPAIRED UNIT. *TR
CHANGE TIRE ON 2004 HONDA VTX1800. BAD BEARINGS IN REAR TIRE. THE BEARING FLANGE WAS COMPLETELY GONE. TRYING TO FIND THE BEST BEARINGS RIGHT NOW TO PUT BACK IN. THERE IS 22,000 MILES ON THE MOTORCYCLE, DID NOT NOTICE THE BAD BEARINGS THE LAST TIRE CHANGE. *TR
2004 HONDA VTX 1800C MOTORCYCLE WITH 57,000 MILES. WHILE REPLACING REAR TIRE, I INSPECTED REAR FLANGE BEARING AND BY SIMPLE OBSERVATION NOTED THAT ABOUT HALF THE BALL BEARINGS WERE MISSING. FIRST TIME FAILURE ON THIS MOTORCYCLE. HAVING THE FLANGE BEARINGS AND THE MAIN WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED WITH NEW BEARINGS. *TR
WHEN MY MOTORCYCLE REACHED 8,000 MILES IT HAD A HIGH SPEED WHINE, WHEN I HAD A NEW TIRE INSTALLED , I FOUND THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE IN PIECES. I NOW HAVE 18,000 MILES ON IT AND AGAIN THE BEARINGS ARE OUT. I BELIEVE THERE IS A PROBLEM THAT HONDA KNOWS ABOUT . IF ONE OF THESE MOTORCYCLES HAS A BEARING LOCK UP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT COULD BE FATAL. *TR
A COMMON PROBLEM NOT RECOGNIZED BY HONDA IN REFERENCE TO A FLANGE BEARING FAILURE IN THE REAR WHEEL OF 2004 VTX 1800C MOTORCYCLE. NOTICED WHEN REPLACING REAR TIRE DUE TO REGULAR TIRE WEAR. *TR
SUPERTRAPP/JARDINE IS AN OHIO COMPANY OFFERING MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES. I PURCHASED A 2005 HONDA VTX 1800 MOTORCYCLE WITH A JARDINE BACKREST INSTALLED. THIS BACKREST WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE, PREMIUM PRODUCT COSTING CONSIDERABLY MORE THAN THE COMPETITION. MY WIFE NOTICED FATIGUE CRACKS IN THE SIDE BRACKETS OF THIS BACKREST. I TOOK PHOTOS OF THE FATIGUE CRACKS AND SENT THEM TO SUPERTRAPP/JARDINE AND ASKED TO PURCHASE NEW BRACKETS AND SEND THE DEFECTIVE BRACKETS BACK FOR EVALUATION. THEY ASKED FOR PICTURES AND A RECEIPT FOR THIS BACKREST WHICH I NO LONGER HAVE. I SENT THE PICTURES AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THESE BRACKETS WOULD NOT BE A WARRANTY ITEM WITHOUT THE RECEIPT. THIS I BELIEVE IS A DESIGN FLAW NOT REQUIRING WARRANTY. THE BRACKET IF CONTINUED TO CRACK COULD FAIL AND EJECT A PASSENGER FROM THE REAR SEAT OF THE MOTORCYCLE ONTO THE GROUND THEREBY CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH. I AM APPALLED AT THE RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER BY NOT TAKING ANY ACTION TO ADDRESS THIS DEFECT. ALL BRACKETS MANUFACTURED BY THIS COMPANY SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED WITH HIGHER GAUGE METAL. I AM CONTACTING YOU FOR THE CONCERN OF THE MANY BRACKETS LIKE THIS THAT HAVE BEEN SOLD AND INSTALLED ON MOTORCYCLES WITHOUT BEING NOTICED BY THEIR OWNERS. *JS *AS *TR *LN*JB
2005 HONDA VTX 1800R REAR FLANGE BEARING LOCATED IN THE REAR TIRE HUB ASSEMBLY. AFTER SEEING MANY FAILURES OF THIS BEARING I INSPECT IT EVERY TIME THE REAR TIRE IS REMOVED. BIKE HAS ONLY 22000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS THE 3RD ONE I HAVE PERSONALLY SEEN ON A VTX BIKE. THE CAGE OF THE BEARING HAD FULLY DESINIGRATED AND WAS NOT MUCH MORE THEN METAL STRIPS AND POWDER. I AM A MECHANIC BY TRADE AND WAS ABLE TO MAKE THER REPAIR MYSELF.
HONDA 2005 VTX 1800R1- REAR WHEEL BEARING FLANGE, AT 39774 MILES WHILE REPLACING REAR TIRE FOUND FLANGE BEARINGS TO BE FLATTENING ON ABOUT A THIRD OF BEARINGS, IT WAS FOUND BEFORE ANY DAMAGING FAILURE OCCURRED, NOT YET REPAIRED ,REPLACEMENT OF PART FORTHCOMING. *TR
JUST HAD REAR TIRE REPLACED ON MY VTX 1800R AT HONDA DEALER. WAS INFORMED BY TECHNICIAN THAT MY REAR BEARING NEEDS REPLACED. THE BIKE ONLY HAS 13,500 ORIGINAL MILES ON IT. THIS SEEMS WAY TO EARLY FOR THIS TO HAVE WORN OUT ALREADY. I SEE ON THIS FORUM THAT THIS PROBLEM IS ENORMOUSLY COMMON ON THE 1800S. PRETTY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS. ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS AND HOPING THE BEARINGS HAVE BEEN UPGRADED IN THE LAST 13 YEARS.
NOTICED ODD TIRE WEAR ON THE REAR TIRE OF THE MOTORCYCLE WHILE AWAY FROM HOME. TIRE SEEMED TO HAVE WORN DOWN VERY QUICKLY. AFTER ANOTHER 100 MILES RIDDEN, NOTICED TREAD ON LEFT SIDE OF TIRE WAS WORN DOWN TO THE CORDS OF THE TIRE AND VERY CLOSE TO HAVING A BLOW OUT. REMOVED TIRE AND WHEEL TO REPLACE TIRE. DISCOVERED THAT THE BEARING IN THE FLANGE WAS DESTROYED, THIS BEARING WAS ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE TIRE THAT HAD WORN DOWN TO THE CORDS. BEARING HAD METAL PIECES LOOSE INSIDE AND BALL BEARINGS WERE LOOSE AND SCATTERED AROUND BEARING. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND HAVE FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF PREVIOUS FAILURE. *TR
THE REAR WHEEL FLANGE BEARINGS WERE FOUND DAMAGED AND MISSING. *TR
MAJOR FRONT END WOBBLE (ESPECIALLY IF NOT GRIPPING WITH BOTH HANDS) BETWEEN 35-50MPH. SEVERAL HUNDRED COMPLAINTS ONLINE, BUT NOBODY HAS A 100% FIX. ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT DURING A TURN WITH THE WOBBLE. ALMOST FEELS LIKE YOU'RE GOING TO LOSE CONTROL. BROUGHT IT TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE ALSO BROUGHT IN THERE BIKES WITH THE SAME ISSUE, BUT NO KNOWN FIXES. *TR
Showing 20 of 132 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Honda Vtx1800
These pages show model-year patterns across 7 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Honda Vtx1800, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Honda Vtx1800 has 132 complaints on record across 7 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Honda Vtx1800 has 3 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 3 of the Honda Vtx1800's 132 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Honda Vtx1800 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Honda Vtx1800 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Honda Vtx1800 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Check a Honda Vtx1800 by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Honda Vtx1800.
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Honda Vtx1800 reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Honda Vtx1800 reliable?
Below Average. The Honda Vtx1800 has 132 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Honda Vtx1800 years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2002 (63 complaints), 2003 (53 complaints), 2004 (6 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Honda Vtx1800 problems?
Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (37 complaints); SUSPENSION (34 complaints); WHEELS (21 complaints).
Does the Honda Vtx1800 have recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Honda Vtx1800. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.