2002 Honda VTX1800 problems
The 2002 Honda VTX1800 has 66 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (24%) concerns suspension. Next are drivetrain & axles (21%) and engine (12%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 66 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Suspension 24% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 2 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 3 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 15,000 miles 50 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 31 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 15 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 1 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 0 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 50 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 15,000 miles. For suspension specifically, the median reported mileage is about 22,000 miles (16 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 2 complaints mention a crash; 3 injuries reported.
It is also covered by 3 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Tl* 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.
Radiator on motorcycle keeps burning out. Contacted dealer, and dealer replaced radiator, but problem still occurring. Solution was not yet found.
Vehicle is less than a year old. Vehicle stalled in heavy traffic when spark plugs failed. The engine could not be restarted. Spark plugs were wet with fuel, somewhat carbonized. The engine at times runs on one cylinder.
Sidestand rod on motorcycle broke during normal operation causing the tension spring to fall off, leaving the sidestand in a state where it would not stay in the raised position. I replaced the spring rod with an identical part.
Read drive flange bearing failure was found during routine maintenence. Being aware of this problem, I had the dealer inspect the bearing. It was found to be very rough, and needs to be replaced. For more information vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=62787.
Other model years of the VTX1800
- 2003
- 2002