Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 R 1200 GS | 9 | 1 |
| 2013 R 1200 GS | 7 | 2 |
| 2012 R 1200 GS | 10 | 1 |
| 2011 R 1200 GS | 6 | 2 |
| 2010 | 2 | 2 |
| 2009 R 1200 GS | 12 | 3 |
| 2008 R 1200 GS | 14 | 3 |
| 2007 R 1200 GS | 16 | 3 |
| 2006 R 1200 GS | 5 | 2 |
| 2005 R 1200 GS | 14 | 2 |
| 2004 | 0 | 1 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Fuel/propulsion system29
- Fuel system, gasoline22
- Power train18
- Suspension7
- Engine7
- Wheels6
- Structure4
- Service brakes, hydraulic4
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 31 R 1200 GS vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died, and 28 people died inside them. These are counts, not crash rates: a model with more cars on the road shows up more often, and people killed outside the vehicle are not counted here.
| Model year | Vehicles in fatal crashes | Deaths in the vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 3 | 2 |
| 2017 | 4 | 4 |
| 2016 | 1 | 1 |
| 2015 | 2 | 2 |
| 2014 | 3 | 3 |
| 2012 | 2 | 2 |
| 2010 | 1 | 1 |
| 2009 | 3 | 3 |
| 2008 | 2 | 1 |
| 2007 | 5 | 4 |
| 2006 | 2 | 2 |
| 2005 | 3 | 3 |
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain) · how we count
EU safety alerts
Safety Gate, the European Union's rapid alert system, names the R 1200 GS in 2 alerts. European versions can differ from the North American car.
Due to pulsating oil pressure, the sealing ring at the transmission output may be pushed out of the transmission housing. As a result, oil may leak out onto the rear tyre. This could lead to a risk of crashing causing injuries.
Owing to a possibly defective seal on the side stand switch, water may penetrate and cause the side stand switch to malfunction. An engine cut-out while the motorcycle is being ridden cannot be ruled out.
Safety Gate (European Commission) · CC0
Recalls
6 campaigns cover the R 1200 GS.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 R 1200 GS motorcycles manufactured November 2012 through August 2013. Pressure inside the transmission may cause the transmission output seal to be pushed out of place.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2009 R 1200 AND K 1200 SERIES MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 2006 THROUGH MAY 2009. DUE TO THE CURRENT ROUTING OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DURING RIDING, AND THEREFORE ASSOCIATED VIBRATION. THE BRAKE LINES COULD BE UNDER STRAIN. IF THE VIBRATION/STRAIN IS SIGNIFICANT, THE BRAKE LINE COULD SPLIT AND START TO DEVELOP A LEAK.
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE DEFECT INVOLVES A WATER LEAK AROUND THE FUEL PUMP THAT IS INTEGRATED WITHIN THE FUEL TANK. AN O-RING SEAL ATTACHED TO THE PUMP'S ELECTRONIC HOUSING DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS AND WATER CAN BYPASS THIS SEAL AND CONTACT THE PUMP ELECTRONICS.
NHTSA recalls