Recall 15V700 affects 145,219 Honda GL1800, GL1800A, and GL1800B motorcycles from 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 for rear brake drag. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
Honda is recalling 145,219 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 GL1800, GL1800A, and GL1800B motorcycles because the rear brake can drag after the rider releases it. A dragging rear brake raises crash risk and, with extended riding, generates enough heat to start a fire; Honda dealers will complete the free recall repair.
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What's wrong?
On 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 Honda GL1800B, GL1800, and GL1800A motorcycles in recall 15V700, the issue is in the rear brake hydraulic system. The secondary master cylinder is part of that system, helping move brake fluid pressure so the rear brake applies and then releases when the rider lets go.
The failure starts inside a small check valve passage in that secondary master cylinder. Brake fluid deposits can build up from age or lack of maintenance, then block the passage. When that happens, hydraulic pressure does not release cleanly after braking. The rear brake can keep dragging against the wheel after the rider has released the brake.
There is no warning sign before failure. A rider who feels the motorcycle resisting movement or smells hot brake material should stop riding and have the brake system checked.
Who's affected?
GL1800, GL1800A, and GL1800B motorcycles share the same hydraulic brake system component in this scope.
| 2014 Honda GL1800B | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2009 Honda GL1800 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2004 Honda GL1800A | hydraulic brake system |
| 2005 Honda GL1800 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2007 Honda GL1800 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2003 Honda GL1800A | hydraulic brake system |
| 2005 Honda GL1800A | hydraulic brake system |
| 2001 Honda GL1800 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2008 Honda GL1800 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2015 Honda GL1800B | hydraulic brake system |
| 2004 Honda GL1800 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2015 Honda GL1800 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2013 Honda GL1800B | hydraulic brake system |
| 2012 Honda GL1800 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2010 Honda GL1800 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2002 Honda GL1800A | hydraulic brake system |
| 2014 Honda GL1800 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2001 Honda GL1800A | hydraulic brake system |
| 2006 Honda GL1800 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2002 Honda GL1800 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2003 Honda GL1800 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2013 Honda GL1800 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 145,219 |
The listed year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A rear brake that drags raises crash risk because the wheel is fighting the brake while you ride. Extended riding with the brake dragging can build enough heat to start a fire. Stop riding if the rear brake feels stuck, smells hot, or the motorcycle does not roll freely. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, or 2015 Honda GL1800B, GL1800, or GL1800A motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the free repair for rear brake drag.
- Ask the dealer to replace the secondary brake master cylinder and rear brake master cylinder, and flush the brake fluid, to correct the dragging rear brake.
- Bring the recall notice if Honda mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V700 and Honda recall JV6 when you call.
- Avoid extended riding if the rear brake drags after release; stop riding and call the dealer if the brake does not release normally.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Honda technician replaces the secondary brake master cylinder and the rear brake master cylinder, then flushes the brake fluid. The replacement parts, fluid service, and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for this brake repair, Honda has a general reimbursement plan on file for prior repair costs. Bring prior repair paperwork to the service desk, or ask Honda customer service how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 16, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| October 23, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| November 30, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 7, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V700?
Recall 15V700 covers 145,219 Honda GL1800B, GL1800, and GL1800A motorcycles with rear brakes that can drag after release. That brake drag can increase crash risk, and extended riding with the brake dragging can generate enough heat to cause a fire.
What should I do if my 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 Honda GL1800B, GL1800, or GL1800A is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 15V700. If it is, contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule replacement of the secondary brake master cylinder and rear brake master cylinder, plus a brake fluid flush. Reference Honda recall number JV6 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Honda dealers will replace the secondary brake master cylinder and rear brake master cylinder, then flush the brake fluid, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is rear brake drag after the brakes are released. A dragging rear brake can raise crash risk, and extended riding with the brake dragging can create enough heat to cause a fire. If your motorcycle feels restricted or smells hot, stop riding and call a Honda dealer.
What if I bought this Honda motorcycle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your GL1800B, GL1800, or GL1800A is included, then contact a franchised Honda dealer and reference recall 15V700 or Honda recall number JV6.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V700000 |
|---|---|
| Honda customer service | 1-866-784-1870 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V700 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V700000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →