2002 Honda VTX1800 recalls and problems

The 2002 Honda VTX1800 has 3 safety recalls and 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
63
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Honda VTX1800 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Honda VTX1800 recalls

Recall 09V-362: Structure

Reported Sep 17, 2009 · 688 vehicles affected · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

Problem: Honda is recalling certain model year 2002 vtx1800 motorcycles manufactured between august 14 and october 4, 2001. The swingarm may not have been properly welded.

Risk: The swingarm could break while ridingcausing the rider to lose control, possibly resulting in crash.

Fix: Honda will notify owners and dealers will inspect the weld and, if necessary, replace the swingarm free of charge. The safety recall began on september 25, 2009. Owners may contact honda motorcycle customer service at 1-866-784-1870.

Recall 04V-564: Structure

Reported Nov 30, 2004 · 12,866 vehicles affected · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the washer for the side stand spring bolt does not have sufficient harness and could deform, which could cause the bolt to flex and eventually break during side stand operation.

Risk: A retracted side stand could drop while riding, possibly activating the side stand ignition cut-off system. If the ignition is cut, the engine will stall without warning, which could cause a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install an improved washer and a new spring bolt and nut. The recall began on november 30, 2004. Owners should contact honda at 1-866-784-1870.

Recall 01V-134: Power Train

Reported May 9, 2001 · 70 vehicles affected · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. A transmission circlip was not seated correctly and could allow gears to lock.

Risk: This condition could result in a rear-wheel lockup, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will repair the transmission on these motorcycles. All owners were contacted by telephone and all vehicles have been repaired. This campaign is 100% completed.

2002 Honda VTX1800 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension16
Power Train13
Engine and Engine Cooling9
Structure8
Wheels6
Tires3
Unknown or Other3
Steering2
Fuel System, Other1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Parking Brake1
Electrical System1

Most reported parts

  • Suspension › Rear — 9
  • Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/Center Stand — 7
  • Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing — 5
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
  • Power Train › Axle Assembly — 4
  • Power Train › Driveline › Center Support Bearing — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 15,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Honda VTX1800 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · at 39,000 miles · reported Jul 13, 2015
The contact owned a 2002 honda vtx1800. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the brakes seized without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into a wall and was thrown off the vehicle. The passenger sustained a fractured arm, a head injury, and a knee injury. The driver sustained a road rash over the left side of the body. Both the driver and passenger required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000. The VIN was not available.
Wheels · reported Mar 22, 2015
I have replaced the final drive flange bearings 3 times now. I heard that there were some issues with this flange. First time I replaced it, I replaced the whole flange. The second and third time I replaced the bearings only. On the third time I replaced the wheel dampener inside the rear wheel. I now have 96,000 miles on my bike and check these bearings every time I change the rear tire. All three times the plastic seal was gone and a few balls out of the bearing. The cage that holds the balls in the bearing was destroyed all three times.
Engine · at 9,000 miles · reported Apr 25, 2013
The contact owns a 2002 honda vtx 1800. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the crank shaft had fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated that the crank shaft would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 9,000.
Unknown or Other · at 27,371 miles · reported Feb 21, 2011
Removed rear wheel to perform maintenance and check rear wheel flange bearings as advised by many other owners discussions on vtxoa.com, who've experienced this identical problem. The bearings were in very rough shape and needed to be replaced. This appears to be attributed to incorrectly dimensioned honda parts, for which they've never provided an acceptable, engineered solution, or acknowledged it for that matter. Failed component: qty of 2 bearings in item described as flange set, pn 42630-mch-000.
Suspension · at 36,000 miles · reported May 20, 2010
Honda 2002 vtx 1800rs during rear tire replacement at 36k miles discovered wheel bearing on the right side (Brake side) was very bad...had no warning, no wheel wobble, wheel turned free, but wouldn't have been very long. Axle shaft discolored, no reason for this failure! All rear bearings replaced! Front bearings replaced for safety!

Other Honda VTX1800 years

Compare all Honda VTX1800 years · All Honda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Honda VTX1800 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Honda VTX1800: 09V-362 (structure), 04V-564 (structure), 01V-134 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Honda VTX1800?

Owners report suspension problems most often (16 reports), followed by power train (13). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 15,000 miles.

Are Honda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Honda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.