2002 Honda VTX1800 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
63 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
15,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2002 model year. Data snapshot: . 48 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Suspension:Rear is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 63 complaints (14.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine operation | 5 | 7.9% |
| Braking behavior | 3 | 4.8% |
| Fuel system concerns | 2 | 3.2% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 1.6% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 1.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Suspension:Rear | 9 |
| Structure:Motorcycle:Kickstand/Center Stand | 7 |
| Wheels | 6 |
| Suspension:Front:Wheel Bearing | 5 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 4 |
| Power Train:Axle Assembly | 4 |
| Power Train:Driveline:Center Support Bearing | 3 |
| Tires | 3 |
Suspension:Rear: 9; Structure:Motorcycle:Kickstand/Center Stand: 7; Wheels: 6; Suspension:Front:Wheel Bearing: 5; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 4; Power Train:Axle Assembly: 4; Power Train:Driveline:Center Support Bearing: 3; Tires: 3
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 33 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 10 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 4 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 33; 25,000 to 49,999: 10; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 1
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (33). 15 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 10 |
| 2005 | 13 |
| 2006 | 10 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 6 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 1 |
2002: 7; 2003: 4; 2004: 10; 2005: 13; 2006: 10; 2007: 2; 2008: 6; 2009: 1; 2010: 2; 2011: 3; 2013: 1; 2015: 2; 2017: 1; 2018: 1
Pattern summary
Suspension:Rear leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 5 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10088108 · 2004-08-17 (August 17, 2004)
THE SIDE STAND SPRING MOUNT ON 2002, HONDA VTX, 1800 C FELL OFF ALONG WITH THE SPRINGS AS CONSUMER WAS GETTING OFF THE MOTORCYCLE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM HAD IT HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC AS THE ENGINE WOULD STALL AS THE STAND CAME DOWN. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 27,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10088108 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10091083 · 2004-09-15 (September 15, 2004)
KICK STAND BROKE PT#HOOK SPRING50536-MCH-000 MOTOCYCLE KICK STAND SPRING HOLDER BROKE WITCH MEANS BIKE STALLS WILE RIDING IN GEAR BECAUSE KICK STAND DOWN AND BIKE FALLING OVER WILE PARKED.A SERIOUS HASARD WILE RIDING AND A COSTLY DAMADGE WILE PARKED OR COULD FALL OVER ON SOMEONE BIKE WEIGHS OVER 700 LPS. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 8,051 miles reported. Look up ODI 10091083 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10331363 · 2010-05-20 (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! *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 36,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10331363 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10733573 · 2015-07-13 (July 13, 2015)
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. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Owner-reported narrative. 39,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10733573 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10121466 · 2005-05-19 (May 19, 2005)
2002 HONDA VTX 1800 RIGHT SIDE OF THE RADIATOR PLASTIC TRIM MELTED THROUGH.*MR.....THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RADIATOR PLASTIC TRIM SHROUD MELTED THROUGH WHERE IT COMES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY WITH THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE TOP OF THE SHROUD IS APPROXIMATELY 8 FEET FROM THE FUEL TANK. CONSUMER IS AFRAID THAT PLASTIC SHROUD WILL CATCH ON FIRE. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10121466 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 567493 · 2002-09-17 (September 17, 2002)
THE VEHICLE ENGINE IS FOULING ITS SPARK PLUGS AFTER SOME SMALL PERIOD OF RIDING TIME CAUSING AN EXTENSIVE INCREASE IN BAD EXHAUST EMISSIONS. THERE IS A GASOLINE SMELL BEHIND THE MOTORCYCLE. AS WELL AS DEGRADED FUEL MILEAGE AND OVERALL PRODUCT PERFORMANCE. THE PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE THAT THE HONDA ASSEMBLY LINE INSTALLED THE ENGINE CAMSHAFTS OFF BY ONE TOOTH, WHICH WAS IDENTIFIED AS THE PRIMARY REASON FOR THE ENGINE TO FOUL. *JG
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 567493 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10151998 · 2006-03-06 (March 6, 2006)
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE STARTER ENGAGED AND THE MOTORCYCLE LURCHED FORWARD. THE KILL SWITCH AND STARTER WAS NOT ENGAGED, BUT THE FORWARD MOTION CONTINUED. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO FORCE THE KICKSTAND DOWNWARD AND ENGAGE THE CLUTCH. THE MOTORCYCLE STOPPED, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED RUNNING. AFTER THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED, THE ENGINE STOPPED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.
Owner-reported narrative. 6,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10151998 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 8020755 · 2002-10-15 (October 15, 2002)
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN LEANING THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE LEFT THERE IS A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING HANDLE. CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. MR PROBLEM IS U-JOINTS IN THE DRIVE SHAFT.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 8020755 at NHTSA ↗