Model year

2019 BMW R 1250 RT

Motorcycle, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Jul 11, 2019 to May 15, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year428k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints99.0 times the median 2019 motorcycle
Severity index0.02019 motorcycles average 3.9
First 24 months4Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2019 BMW R 1250 RT peaked in 2021, with 4 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

01234201920202021420222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

78% of complaints about the 2019 BMW R 1250 RT name brakes

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Brakes
7
Engine and cooling
1
Structure
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

4 recall campaigns cover the 2019 BMW R 1250 RT

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2019 BMW R 1250 RT
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
23V-011Jan 18, 2023In certain engine operating and riding conditions, the gearbox input shaft may become damaged or break, possibly resulting in a blocked rear wheelPowertrain18,534Software update
20V-476Aug 13, 2020Front brake calipers may leak brake fluid when parkedBrakes9,392Part replacement
20V-166Mar 19, 2020Brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid and the process for filling the reservoir, possibly leading to an…Brakes365Part replacement
20E-013Mar 19, 2020Brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid and the process for filling the reservoir, possibly leading to an…Brakes49Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2019 BMW R 1250 RT

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.

9 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed May 15, 2026Failure May 15, 2026O'falllon, ILBody

    When I purchased the motorcycle as a demo the front fender was loose from the fittings/placement. I repaired it and reported it to the BMW dealer. In the years that I have owned this motorcycle I have had to repair the same issue at least three times. I believe the dealer has also repaired it at least once after my complaint. Please see pictures attached. This is a serious safety issue as the Fender may come loose and interfere with the rotation of the front tire, resulting in an accident, or worse, injury.

    NHTSA complaint 11738171
  2. Filed Oct 18, 2021Failure Feb 1, 2020san gabriel, CAService brakes

    Hill Start Control malfunction this feature Hold the bike when it comes to a stop uphill or downhill of 5' degree gradient or more for max 2.5 minute, when auto mode on the brake will automatically hold the bike when it comes to a stop on a gradient and release when cultch lever release bike take off, when hill hold suddenly release without warning the bike roll backward or forward depending on the situation cause crash because your hand or foot are not on the brake you rely on HSC. My 2019 BMW R1250RT HSC stop working at 15000 miles at that time intermittently once or twice a month as time goes on it getting more frequently now happen every time at any gradient and random time will release the brake suddenly from 2,3,5,10,15,20,25 seconds very annoying and scary when I'm on a uphill, at 30000 miles I bring my bike in for repair for the first time, dealer program it works for two week and stop working, second time program again I could not make it home HSC not working, 3rd time they bleed the brake system and told me the bike works as design no fault in abs system because I had the auto HSC on cause this complaint. The fact is HSC not working with auto mode turn on or off, when I pickup my bike the manager rode test and verified HSC not working in both mode, the next day dealer call me they going to order the ABS module it took two months. Fourth repair 10/13/21 replace the ABS module/pump I pickup the bike did not make it home HSC not working. I almost crash/drop my bike many times, No warring light on dash, I ride my bike seven days a week now 42000 miles on the odometer.

    NHTSA complaint 11437250
  3. Filed Jun 11, 2021Failure Dec 23, 2020Roseville, CAService brakes

    Purchased 2019 BMW R1250RT on August 1, 2019. Noticed brake fluid leaking from day one but really didn't think anything of it at first. Fast forward to December 2020 and was doing a routine search on another vehicle and I thought I should check for recalls on my bike. Thats when I found Recall Campaign No: 20V-476. Bike has been sitting in garage ever since with 920 miles on it. I paid over 27,000.00 grand total. I took the bike to the dealer yesterday and asked about repairs and owner told me BMW are replacing brake rotors with Brembo brakes. Ok, great do it! Owner states that they are not available. I asked him if he and BMW were going to buy my bike back given that I cant ride it or sell it. He stated that I would have to take it up with BMW Corporation. I finally decided to just sell it to him at $17000.00. So now I am going after BMW for the other $10,000.00.

    NHTSA complaint 11420550
  4. Filed Mar 4, 2021Failure Oct 31, 20203,662 milesDallas, GAService brakes

    EXISTING NHTSA RECALL NUMBER IS 20V476 RECALL WAS STARTED AUG 2020. BMW ISSUED STOP SALE ON MY MODEL AND RELATED MODELS. FOUND OUT DURING SERVICE OCT 2020 THAT MY BIKE WAS AFFECTED. BMW TODAY MARCH 4TH 2021 TOLD ME THEY DON'T HAVE A DATE FOR REPLACEMENT BRAKE PARTS. I CANNOT TRADE OR SELL THIS BIKE WITH THIS RECALL AND BMW HAS NO REMEDY. BMW HAS HAD MORE THAN ENOUGH TIME TO FIX THIS RECALL PERMANENTLY AND AS SUCH I THINK THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO BUY BACK CUSTOMER'S MOTORCYCLES. EXISTING NHTSA RECALL NUMBER IS 20V476

    NHTSA complaint 11399085
  5. Filed Feb 17, 2021Failure Nov 4, 2020Phoenix, AZService brakes, Hydraulic

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 BMW R 1250 RT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V476000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, SERVICE BRAKES) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GO AZ MOTORCYCLES (15500 N HAYDEN RD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260; (480)609-1800) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

    NHTSA complaint 11396660
  6. Filed Mar 28, 2020Failure Feb 29, 2020618 milesSAN Marcos, CAService brakes

    LEAKING BREAK CALIPERS AFTER 618 MILES. THE ISSUE WAS DISCOVERED DURING MY INITIAL 600 MILE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. BMW IS SELLING THESE BIKES WITH KNOW BREAK ISSUE THAT AFFECTS THE R1250RT AND R1250GS MODELS. BMW HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN, BUT HAS NOT SELLING THESE BIKE OR ISSUED A RECALL. NEW REPLACEMENT CALIPERS HAVE BEEN ORDER FOR 30 DAY NOW. NEW CALIPERS WILL HAVE DIFFERENT PART NUMBER DUE TO THE ORIGINAL PART HAVING A FAULTING DESIGN AS I UNDERSTAND IT.

    NHTSA complaint 11319565
  7. Filed Mar 27, 2020Failure Mar 22, 20206,300 milesFairfield, CAService brakes

    I PURCHASED THE MOTORCYCLE IN EARLY MARCH 2020. I LEFT THE MOTORCYCLE ON ITS CENTER AT MY RELATIVE'S RESIDENCE, IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. TWO AND A HALF WEEKS LATER I RETURNED TO MY RELATIVE'S RESIDENCE TO RETRIEVE IT AND NOTICED AN ACCUMULATION OF BRAKE FLUID ON THE FRONT WHEEL, AT THE 6 O'CLOCK POSITION. I CLEANED THE FLUID AND INSPECTED THE BRAKE CALIPER. I DID NOT THINK OF TAKING PHOTOS OF MY FINDINGS AT THE TIME. I RETURNED HOME WITH THE MOTORCYCLE. ON 3-27-2020 I RODE THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE BMW MOTORCYCLES OF CONCORD, CA. THE TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS AND CONFIRMED BOTH CALIPERS HAD EVIDENCE OF FLUID LEAKAGE. I WAS TOLD BY BECKY, A SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, BMW IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT DOESN'T HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM AT THIS MOMENT. FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS, IT IS IMPERATIVE THE POWERS THAT BE, WHETHER BMW OR NHTSA, LAUNCH AN OFFICIAL RECALL FOR THIS POTENTIAL GRAVE DEFECT.

    NHTSA complaint 11319554
  8. Filed Mar 4, 2020Failure Feb 8, 2020300 milesRohnert Park, CAService brakes

    IN JANUARY 2020, I WAS ADDING SOME ACCESSORIES TO MY BIKE IN THE GARAGE AND NOTICED BRAKE FLUID ON THE BOTTOMS OF THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE BRAKE MOUNTING BRACKETS AT THE END OF THE FORKS WERE STAINED FROM LEAKING FLUID. I REPORTED IT TO THE DEALER, EUROCYCLES OF SONOMA. THEY HAD ME BRING IN THE BIKE ON FEBRUARY 8TH. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE TECH, THEY TOOK THE CALIPERS APART AND REPLACED SEALS AND PISTONS FOLLOWED BY PRESSURE TESTING. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE FRONT CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS TOLD THE REPLACEMENTS WOULD ARRIVE IN THE 9TH WEEK OF 2020. I JUST FOLLOWED UP(3-4-20) WITH THE SERVICE DEPT AND THEY ARE STILL ON BACK ORDER WITH A NEW ETA OF THE 2ND WEEK OF MARCH. ON THE BMW RIDERS FORUMS, MANY 2019 R SERIES OWNERS ARE REPORTING LEAKING BRAKES.

    NHTSA complaint 11316146
  9. Filed Jul 11, 2019Failure Dec 20, 20187 milesBoynton Beach, FLEngine

    ENGINE STALLS WHEN TRYING TO LEAVE A RED LIGHT AFTER THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN AND MOVES A FEW FEET.

    NHTSA complaint 11230958
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on file

  • PE20002 Preliminary evaluation, Brakes
    Brake fluid leak at front brake caliper
    Opened Apr 1, 2020, closed Sep 21, 2020 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

13 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • 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…
  • MC160323 Aug 14, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicle goes into emergency operation mode and a warning light illuminates on the instrument cluster.
  • 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.
  • SIB330222 Jul 28, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts of the driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic conditions.
  • SIB610321 May 13, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BATTERY EMPTY DESPITE CHARGER.
  • MC610321 Mar 18, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The motorcycle will not start. The vehicle battery is empty even though the battery charger was permanently connected to the 12V power socket.
  • MC620421 Sep 22, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    In an effort to continuously improve Motorrad connectivity capabilities, an important software update for the new 10.25? TFT display is scheduled.
  • MC650421 Sep 24, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    R 1250 RT Motorcycles built on or after March 1, 2021 and equipped with option: ?269A - Preparation Audio System? can be retrofitted with the audio module.
  • MC610821 Jul 13, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    When diagnosing fault codes (0x3A13D7, 0x3A13D9), technicians erroneously condemn the electronic throttle grip, which analyses show is rarely the culprit.
  • MC610121 May 5, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Special vehicles, Police, for example, should be configured/encoded with ISTA.
  • B330319 Dec 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE ACTION: CHECKING THE THRUST WASHER AND THE REAR AXLE ANTI-ROLL BAR. On vehicles with an incorrect setting of the thrust washer contact between the thrust washer and the sway bar may occur over time. This can lead to corrosion and breakage of the ant…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.