Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2023 BMW R 1250 GS peaked in 2023, with 1 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2023 BMW R 1250 GS
Motorcycle, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Dec 11, 2023 to Jul 1, 2025.
Recall campaigns covering this model year119k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints22.0 times the median 2023 motorcycle
Severity index50.02023 motorcycles average 7.9
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Components
50% of complaints about the 2023 BMW R 1250 GS name powertrain
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
One recall campaign covers the 2023 BMW R 1250 GS
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V-011 | Jan 18, 2023 | In certain engine operating and riding conditions, the gearbox input shaft may become damaged or break, possibly resulting in a blocked rear wheel | Powertrain | 18,534 | Software update |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2023 BMW R 1250 GS
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
2 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Jul 1, 2025Failure Jun 30, 2025Bayonne, NJPower train
Driving on the Parkway, (65-70mph) my rear wheel without warning locked up and I skidded across 2 a joining lanes, including the fast lane. multiple cars almost rear ended me and other cars nearly rear ending them, which could of caused a major accident. I had just a full service done on the motorcycle by BMW dealership over a month ago, after I received the motorcycle back from the service, I notice the motorcycle was vibrating more than usual, especially at highway speeds. I reported it to the BMW dealership where I got the service done. I was told the nearest date they could book me in for an appointment date to check the motorcycle would be in a few weeks. When my motorcycle was bought in for the appointment I received the motorcycle back 6 days later, I was told there mechanic took my motorcycle for a test drive, he said he did notice some vibrating but felt it wasn't warrant enough for concern. 4 days later the incident occurred. After the incident the motorcycle was towed back to the BMW dealership. After their inspection I was told the Final drive had completely failed. The dealership said they are replacing the whole driveshaft assembly, including the rear tire. I would like to add when I originally received my motorcycle back after they said they couldn't find anything wrong, I asked did they check the driveshaft, I was told yes and it was good! The motorcycle is available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint 11670653 - Filed Dec 11, 2023Failure Dec 11, 20235,079 milesRohnert Park, CAKickstand/center stand1 injured
The contact owns a 2023 BMW R 1250 GS designed with a Center Stand. The contact stated that while the motorcycle was parked and resting on the center stand, he stood on the left side of the motorcycle and started moving the motorcycle from its parked position and the center stand foot pedal struck his right kneecap while the center stand was folding into the stored position. The contact stated that he sustained a swollen kneecap and had made an appointment to receive medical assistance. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,079.
NHTSA complaint 11559580
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
9 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- MCAS1726 Feb 11, 2026 · Other
Return Combination Switch - MC330423 Aug 31, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Driveshaft Maintenance Schedule Change - B611305 Jan 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âdisc… - MCAS4023 Sep 29, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW AG has requested the inspection of all dealer stock of the following part number(s) listed below to ensure the spacer is conformed to drawing. - MC160323 Aug 14, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Vehicle goes into emergency operation mode and a warning light illuminates on the instrument cluster. - SIB630122 Apr 24, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
LED headlights were temporarily unavailable from the Factory and some R 1250 GS and R 1250 GSAdventure units were built with the halogen headlight in order to ensure safe use. - SIB330222 Apr 24, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts ofthe driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic conditions. - SIB460123 Mar 8, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Frame and mounting parts - MC000222 Nov 8, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW Motorrad is aware of a number of cases in which the screw connections of the Paralever link and/or the rear brake caliper have loosened in customer vehicles while driving.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.