American Honda is recalling 2018 through 2021 Gold Wings made between specific production dates because of a potential issue with the primary drive gear bolt on the crankshaft. Because all possible operating conditions were not considered when crafting this part, says Honda, it could break in operation and either cause the engine to stall, not start, or lock up unexpectedly. This could increase the risk of a crash.
Approximately 18,196 Gold Wings may potentially be affected by this recall, which represents an estimated one percent of the population. Affected bikes were produced between November 8, 2017 and July 7, 2021. No VIN range has been specified in the official Safety Recall Report that American Honda filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Please note, this is a separate recall from one that Honda issued in 2022 regarding certain 2020 through 2022 Gold Wings with manual transmissions that could stall due to improper ignition timing. If you have received recall service for that issue, you will still need to schedule recall service for this new safety recall, which is unrelated.
According to Honda's chronology of the issue, it received initial reports that something might be wrong in March 2020 and began investigation. Since that time, it's been gathering data, analyzing, and investigating to try to determine the cause of the problem.
But on August 12, 2024, it heard from NHTSA about a vehicle stalling and a rider falling from the vehicle. By September 2024, it received additional reports, including one regarding a rider injury. On September 18, 2024, the report says, NHTSA urged Honda to issue a safety recall. By October 24, 2024, Honda reported receiving a total of 51 warranty claims, a single report of an injury, and no reports of deaths related to this issue through October 11, 2024.
An improved primary drive gear bolt began use on the production line in July 2021, which is why only the specified date range of Gold Wings is affected. According to Honda, this new and improved part has greater fatigue strength than the recalled part.
American Honda notified its dealer network about this recall on October 24, 2024. It will notify registered owners of affected Gold Wings on or about December 20, 2024. Owners will be instructed to take their Gold Wings to an authorized Honda Powersports dealer for recall service. Technicians will replace the primary drive gear bolt with the new and improved part at no charge to the customer.
Owners who may already have paid to have this service performed may be eligible for reimbursement from Honda, as long as they have the appropriate proof to back their claims. Owners may contact American Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870 regarding recall number KQ9. Additionally, owners may contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 24V-820.
