2003 Honda Vtx1800 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension:rear (8) · Wheels (7) · Power Train:driveline (5)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Honda Vtx1800 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
41 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (9)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Air Bags 2014-08-06 · DLR MSG - Honda · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
dealer message - on monday, june 23, 2014, american honda announced three recalls for various 2001-11 honda models. as of august 4, 2014, affected vins have been identified, and vin status inquiry has been updated.
Air Bags 2014-07-23 · DLR MSG - Stop S · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
dealer message - on monday, june 23, 2014, american honda announced three recalls for various 2001-11 honda models. as of july 23, 2014, affected vins have been identified, and service bulletins 14-040, safety recall: accord, civic, and others ? front passenger?s airbag inflator can be over-pressur
Equipment:other:labels 2008-05-31 · 08-040 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
load carrying capacity reduced label for all honda vehicles. *pe
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel 2008-05-09 · SB-06-085 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
honda: warranty extension-vehicle warranty mileage. class action lawsuit alleging that the odometers on certain 2002-2006 honda models were overstating mileage. federal court provided final approval of settlement on 12/29/07. no models listed. *pe
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump 2005-07-01 · 07012005 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
stuck fuel pump. honda. the wrench. *tt
Engine And Engine Cooling 2005-05-01 · 05012005 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
no start condition. to include honda vtx1800 2004. *tt
Showing the 6 most recent of 9 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2017-03-28 · Suspension“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 replacem…”
2014-10-29 · Wheels · 36,897 mi“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…”
2013-08-09 · Wheels · 32,000 mi“the rear wheel flange bearings were found damaged and missing. *tr…”
2013-04-05 · Wheels · 10,000 mi“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 …”
2012-08-06 · Wheels · 26,429 mi“i heard a noise when turning or cornerig both directions. removed rear wheel and found drive flange bearing had failed breaking apart into small pieces. *tr…”
2012-03-30 · Power Train · 4,000 mi“rear drive side flange bearing total failure 4 times before 30000 miles. bearings totally ground down and rough. t $220.00 a pop, it is becoming expensive and an imminent danger to all riders. *js…”
2011-06-25 · Suspension · 14,200 mi“when changing rear tire checked flange bearing and noticed bearing was coming apart. seal gone and metal pieces present along with rough and loose bearings. 14,000 miles on 03 1800 vtx c. *tr…”
2011-03-05 · Tires · 11,000 mi“flange bearing worn at only 11,000 miles...luckily i had to replace the rear tire for a 1200 mile trip i was getting ready to take or else it could of made for a really bad trip for something that i believe shouldn't happen after only this many miles...spent 35 bucks and got them replaced.. *tr…”
2010-09-20 · Wheels · 23,000 mi“the rear flange bearing on my 2003 honda vtx 1800c failed resulting in a very scary driving situation for me. it hasn't happened since the initial failure on or about september 2 of last year, but the rear wheel is starting to turn a little harder again recently and i am looking into replacing the bearing soon. the dealership (honda/yahama of savan…”
2010-05-31 · Suspension:rear · 11,000 mi“while removing the rear tire for replacement i noticed the flange bearing has failed. 11,000 miles, first time inspecting the bearing. will replace with new bearings and possibly machine the flange for better fit. *tr…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.