The Honda GOLDWING spans 1981–2026 with 4 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1993, 1989, 1988 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1982, 1983. It delivers up to 33 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Honda GOLDWING is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Honda GOLDWING VIN — every digit explained
Every Honda GOLDWING carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Honda and the country it was built in (real Honda codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this GOLDWING.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA19U · 19V · 19X · 1HF · 1HG · 478
- Canada2HG · 2HH · 2HJ · 2HK · 2HN · 2HU
- Mexico3CZ · 3DH · 3H1 · 3HD · 3HG
- JapanJH2 · JH3 · JR2
- ChinaLAL · LWB
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your GOLDWING, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Honda GOLDWING have?
The Honda GOLDWING has 4 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Honda GOLDWING
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 46 tracked years, the worst years are 1993, 1989, 1988 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1982, 1983.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 GOLDWING | — | Best | |
| 1982 GOLDWING | — | Best | |
| 1983 GOLDWING | — | Best | |
| 1984 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 1985 GOLDWING | Electrical System | Average | |
| 1986 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 1987 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 1988 GOLDWING | Exterior Lighting | Avoid | |
| 1989 GOLDWING | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 1990 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 1991 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 1992 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 1993 GOLDWING | Vehicle Speed Control | Avoid | |
| 1994 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 1995 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 1996 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 1997 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 1998 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 1999 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2000 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2001 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2002 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2003 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2004 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2005 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2006 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2007 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2008 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2009 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2010 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2011 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2012 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2013 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2014 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2015 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2016 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2017 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2018 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2019 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2020 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2021 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2022 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2023 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2024 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2025 GOLDWING | — | Average | |
| 2026 GOLDWING | — | Average |
What are the most common Honda GOLDWING problems?
The most-reported Honda GOLDWING problems are Tires (2 reports), Wheels (1 reports) and Gasoline (3 reports) — out of 16 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Honda GOLDWING specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Honda GOLDWING. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Honda GOLDWING window sticker.
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Honda GOLDWING cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the GOLDWING holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 106 cu ft of passenger volume and 19 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Honda GOLDWING tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Honda GOLDWING get?
The Honda GOLDWING returns up to 33 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $1,900/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2017 Honda GOLDWING (3.5L 6-cyl) gets 25 mpg combined and costs about $2,500/yr to fuel, emitting 350 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 5/10, smog 9/10) — about $1,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 GOLDWING | 21 | 33 | $2,500 | 350 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2016 GOLDWING | 21 | 33 | $2,500 | 350 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2015 GOLDWING | 21 | 34 | $2,500 | 350 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2014 GOLDWING | 21 | 34 | $2,500 | 350 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2013 GOLDWING | 21 | 33 | $2,500 | 353 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2012 GOLDWING | 20 | 30 | $2,700 | 386 | 6/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2011 GOLDWING | 20 | 30 | $2,700 | 386 | 6/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2010 GOLDWING | 19 | 29 | $2,700 | 386 | 6/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2009 GOLDWING | 19 | 29 | $2,850 | 404 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2008 GOLDWING | 19 | 29 | $2,850 | 404 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2007 GOLDWING | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2006 GOLDWING | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2005 GOLDWING | 19 | 28 | $2,850 | 404 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2004 GOLDWING | 18 | 27 | $2,850 | 404 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2003 GOLDWING | 19 | 27 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2002 GOLDWING | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2001 GOLDWING | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2000 GOLDWING | 18 | 25 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1999 GOLDWING | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1998 GOLDWING | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1997 GOLDWING | 17 | 23 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 2.7L 6-cyl | |
| 1996 GOLDWING | 17 | 23 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 2.7L 6-cyl | |
| 1995 GOLDWING | 17 | 23 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 2.7L 6-cyl |
The 2026 Honda GOLDWING (1.5L 4-cyl) gets 32 mpg combined and costs about $1,950/yr to fuel, emitting 276 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 6/10) — that's about $1,250 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 GOLDWING | 29 | 37 | $1,950 | 276 | — | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2025 GOLDWING | 29 | 37 | $1,950 | 277 | 6/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2024 GOLDWING | 29 | 37 | $1,950 | 277 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2023 GOLDWING | 29 | 37 | $1,950 | 277 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2022 GOLDWING | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 268 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2021 GOLDWING | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 268 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2020 GOLDWING | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 266 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2019 GOLDWING | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 266 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2018 GOLDWING | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 266 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2017 GOLDWING | 27 | 36 | $2,100 | 292 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2016 GOLDWING | 27 | 36 | $2,100 | 292 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2015 GOLDWING | 27 | 35 | $2,100 | 296 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2014 GOLDWING | 26 | 35 | $2,100 | 300 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2013 GOLDWING | 26 | 35 | $2,100 | 300 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2012 GOLDWING | 23 | 33 | $2,300 | 329 | 6/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2011 GOLDWING | 22 | 33 | $2,400 | 342 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2010 GOLDWING | 21 | 31 | $2,500 | 355 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2009 GOLDWING | 22 | 31 | $2,500 | 355 | 6/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2008 GOLDWING | 22 | 31 | $2,500 | 355 | 6/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2007 GOLDWING | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2006 GOLDWING | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2005 GOLDWING | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2004 GOLDWING | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2003 GOLDWING | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2002 GOLDWING | 22 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.3L 4-cyl | |
| 2001 GOLDWING | 22 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.3L 4-cyl | |
| 2000 GOLDWING | 22 | 29 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 2.3L 4-cyl | |
| 1999 GOLDWING | 21 | 28 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 2.3L 4-cyl | |
| 1998 GOLDWING | 21 | 28 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 2.3L 4-cyl | |
| 1997 GOLDWING | 22 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1996 GOLDWING | 22 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1995 GOLDWING | 22 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1994 GOLDWING | 22 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1993 GOLDWING | 21 | 29 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1992 GOLDWING | 21 | 28 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1991 GOLDWING | 21 | 27 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1990 GOLDWING | 21 | 27 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1989 GOLDWING | 22 | 28 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 GOLDWING | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 GOLDWING | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 GOLDWING | 23 | 30 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 GOLDWING | 23 | 30 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 GOLDWING | 25 | 32 | $2,200 | 317 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the GOLDWING stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this GOLDWING's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Honda GOLDWING have? Power & range
The Honda GOLDWING is offered with 2 powertrains — 3.5L 6-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.5L · 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | FWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 1.5L · 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Honda GOLDWING cost to own?
A Honda GOLDWING holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this GOLDWING loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $9,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the GOLDWING ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Honda GOLDWING safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the GOLDWING yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Honda GOLDWING last?
A well-maintained Honda GOLDWING typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Honda GOLDWING’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this GOLDWING’s VIN free →All Honda GOLDWING model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Honda GOLDWING — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2025 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2024 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2023 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2022 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2021 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2020 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2019 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2018 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2017 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2016 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2015 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2014 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2013 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2012 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2011 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2010 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2009 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2008 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2007 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2006 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2005 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2004 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2003 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2002 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2001 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 2000 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 1999 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 1998 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 1997 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 1996 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 1995 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 1994 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 1993 GOLDWING | 1 recall | — | |
| 1992 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 1991 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 1990 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 1989 GOLDWING | 1 recall | — | |
| 1988 GOLDWING | 1 recall | — | |
| 1987 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 1986 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 1985 GOLDWING | 1 recall | — | |
| 1984 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 1983 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 1982 GOLDWING | 0 | — | |
| 1981 GOLDWING | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the GOLDWING?
By owner-complaint volume, 1993, 1989, 1988 drew the most reports. 1981, 1982, 1983 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the GOLDWING have?
4 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Honda recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the GOLDWING get?
Up to 33 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a GOLDWING last?
A well-maintained GOLDWING typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the GOLDWING reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the GOLDWING is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Honda GOLDWING warranty?
New Honda models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Honda dealer.
Where is the Honda GOLDWING made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your GOLDWING's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Honda may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the GOLDWING have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.