BestCarRank
Honda

2010 Honda VFR1200F

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2010 Honda VFR1200F has 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 20. The most common issue is electrical problems (40% of all complaints), specifically: rear brake light is in-operable due to front brake switch failure. rider must use foot brake for vehicles behind him to see he is braking at 65 mph. rider can only determine brake switch is operable when motorcycle is initially checked at start-up. problem is intermittent when switch begins to fa. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

20

Total Complaints

2

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

ELECTRICAL

8 complaints
40%
  • • REAR BRAKE LIGHT IS IN-OPERABLE DUE TO FRONT BRAKE SWITCH FAILURE. RIDER MUST USE FOOT BRAKE FOR VEHICLES BEHIND HIM TO SEE HE IS BRAKING AT 65 MPH. RIDER CAN ONLY DETERMINE BRAKE SWITCH IS OPERABLE WHEN MOTORCYCLE IS INITIALLY CHECKED AT START-UP. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT WHEN SWITCH BEGINS TO FA
  • • REAR BRAKE LIGHT IS IN-OPERABLE DUE TO FRONT BRAKE SWITCH FAILURE. RIDER MUST USE FOOT BRAKE FOR VEHICLES BEHIND HIM TO SEE HE IS BRAKING AT 65 MPH. RIDER CAN ONLY DETERMINE BRAKE SWITCH IS OPERABLE WHEN MOTORCYCLE IS INITIALLY CHECKED AT START-UP. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT WHEN SWITCH BEGINS TO FA
  • • REAR BRAKE LIGHT IS IN-OPERABLE DUE TO FRONT BRAKE SWITCH FAILURE. RIDER MUST USE FOOT BRAKE FOR VEHICLES BEHIND HIM TO SEE HE IS BRAKING AT 65 MPH. RIDER CAN ONLY DETERMINE BRAKE SWITCH IS OPERABLE WHEN MOTORCYCLE IS INITIALLY CHECKED AT START-UP. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT WHEN SWITCH BEGINS TO FA
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“REAR BRAKE LIGHT IS IN-OPERABLE DUE TO FRONT BRAKE SWITCH FAILURE. RIDER MUST USE FOOT BRAKE FOR VEHICLES BEHIND HIM TO SEE HE IS BRAKING AT 65 MPH. RIDER CAN ONLY DETERMINE BRAKE SWITCH IS OPERABLE WHEN MOTORCYCLE IS INITIALLY CHECKED AT START-UP. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT WHEN SWITCH BEGINS TO FA”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2010 Honda VFR1200F

Based on 18 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 20K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
12
30-60K
6
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 32K mi · 6 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
3
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 32K mi · 6 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
3
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:UNIVERSAL JOINT07/12/2015

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2010, 2012 and 2013 VFR1200F and VFR1200FD motorcycles. Manufacturing or assembly errors may result in the affected motorcycles having driveshaft universal joint bearings that may prematurely wear which can cause the universal joint to separate or break.

Risk: If the universal joint separates, the motorcycle would stall. If the universal joint breaks, it may interfere with the swing arm and lock the rear wheel. Either condition could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Honda will be notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on December 29, 2015, however parts may not be available until mid-2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's number for this recall is JW2.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Honda VFR1200F

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,366
Full coverage / month
$114
Liability only / year
$611
vs US avg
-18%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age0.85x
= Full coverage estimate$1366

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Honda VFR1200F Service Intervals

Oil change
8K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
8K mi
Brake fluid
36 months
Transmission fluid
30K mi
Engine coolant
60K mi
Spark plugs
100K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
30K mi

Maintenance Minder shows exact intervals based on your driving. CVT-equipped models (Civic, HR-V, Accord Hybrid) need CVT fluid service, not conventional ATF.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Honda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
5 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Honda. If you're buying a used 2010 VFR1200F, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Honda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 20 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ☐
    ELECTRICAL: REAR BRAKE LIGHT IS IN-OPERABLE DUE TO FRONT BRAKE SWITCH FAILURE. RIDER MUST USE FOOT BRAKE FOR VEHICLES BEHIND HIM TO SEE HE IS BRAKING AT 65 MPH. RIDER CAN ONLY DETERMINE BRAKE SWITCH IS OPERABLE WHEN MOTORCYCLE IS INITIALLY CHECKED AT START-UP. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT WHEN SWITCH BEGINS TO FA

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    BRAKES: REAR BRAKE LIGHT IS IN-OPERABLE DUE TO FRONT BRAKE SWITCH FAILURE. RIDER MUST USE FOOT BRAKE FOR VEHICLES BEHIND HIM TO SEE HE IS BRAKING AT 65 MPH. RIDER CAN ONLY DETERMINE BRAKE SWITCH IS OPERABLE WHEN MOTORCYCLE IS INITIALLY CHECKED AT START-UP. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT WHEN SWITCH BEGINS TO FA

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HONDA VFR1200F MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH, THE MOTORCYCLE APPEARED TO LOOSE POWER BEFORE ACCELERATING RAPIDLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER COMPLETING A TURN THE MOTORCYCLE STALLED. THE CONTACT RESOLVED THE FAILURE TEMPORARI

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    TRANSMISSION: STUMBLING AND THEN SUDDEN SURGING IRRESPECTIVE OF THROTTLE POSITION HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER OVER SIX TIMES TO GET THIS CORRECTED AND HAVE SPOKEN TO HONDA USA MOTORCYCLE DIVISION. FINAL RESULT IS THAT THEY CAN OR WILL DO NOTHING UNTIL DEALER CAN HAVE IT HAPPEN TO THEM. AREA REP RODE BIKE FOR 40 MILE

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
  • ☐
    General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Honda VFR1200F — Year Comparison

How does 2010 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

2010
20Below Average
Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
20
Recalls
2
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
0
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
20

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2010 Honda VFR1200F

Compare With

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