Model year

2015 BMW R1200 GS

Motorcycle, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Aug 10, 2015 to Dec 14, 2024.

Recall campaigns covering this model year473k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints105.0 times the median 2015 motorcycle
Severity index10.02015 motorcycles average 12.7
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2015 BMW R1200 GS peaked in 2017, with 4 filed

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

012342015201620174201820192020202120222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

40% of complaints about the 2015 BMW R1200 GS name brakes

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

Brakes
4
Suspension
3
Speed control
2
Electrical system
1
Stability and traction control
1
Engine and cooling
1
Steering
1
Wheels
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 2015 BMW R1200 GS

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 2015 BMW R1200 GS
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
18E-016Mar 21, 2018Specifically being recalled is Windscreen model number 8531917, sold for use on model year 2012-2018 F700GS motorcycles, Windscreen model number…Equipment1,571Part replacement
17E-052Aug 21, 2017As designed, these accessory turn signals may be insufficiently visible to other drivers, and, as such, fail to comply with the requirements of…Lighting9,000Part replacement
17V-481Jul 28, 2017When equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blockedEquipment47,775Repair or modification
17V-438Jul 10, 2017Motorcycle fixed fork tube may separate from the pressed in seal plug that secures the tube to the upper triple clampSuspension14,626Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2015 BMW R1200 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.

10 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Dec 14, 2024Failure Dec 14, 2024La Grande, ORService brakes

    It is not clear which brake component is failing. It seems to be either the master cylinder or the ABS control module, but nothing seems to be conclusive. The failure alters the power of and force required to apply the rear brakes, changing the riding characteristics of the motorcycle that could lead to serious injury or miscalculations in application of both front a rear brakes to minimize stopping distance. Apparently the component has been inspected by the manufacturer, however there has been no concrete solution that would guarantee a permanent solution. There are no warning lamps or visual indicators to prepare riders that the rear brakes may be compromised or dysfunctional. There have been multiple incidents of this failure from new.

    NHTSA complaint 11630748
  2. Filed Aug 10, 2023Failure Jul 10, 2023Leesburg, VAService brakes, Wheels

    While riding the 1200GS yesterday, the rear brake calliper somehow came off! Has anyone encountered such a problem before. After the caliper came off, it got stuck in the wheel spokes and completely shattered the spokes and wheels. I was very lucky not sure how the wheels did not completely jam or freeze as this would have been deadly. I as was on a freeway with cars travelling over 70-MPH! Luckily enough motorists behind me and in other lanes observed what had happened and provided me space to pull over.

    NHTSA complaint 11537784
  3. Filed Apr 10, 2023Failure Jan 1, 2023Scotts Valley, CAService brakes

    Rear brake pedal gets soft and braking performance is lost. Feels like air is getting into the system. Bleeding the brake fixes the problem, but it comes back after a few thousand miles. Seems this isn't an isolated icindent based on forum information: https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/bmw-r1200gs-lc-rear-brake-failures.1264712/ https://www.gs-forum.eu/threads/umfrage-wer-ist-von-luft-im-hinteren-bremskreis-betroffen.153022/

    NHTSA complaint 11516417
  4. Filed Jul 10, 2018Failure Sep 30, 20157,000 milesMorganton, GAService brakes

    REAR BRAKE REQUIRES MORE AND MORE TRAVEL UNTILL IT HIT THE STOP..NO REAR BRAKE. BLEEDING BRAKE SOLVES FOR A MONTH OR TWO, THEN CYCLE BEGINS AGAIN. BMW SAYS BLEED BRAKES EVERY 2 YEARS, I HAVE TO DO IT AT LEAST EVERY OIL CHANGE (6000 MILES). DEALER IS AWARE OF PROBLEM, HAS NO SOLUTION

    NHTSA complaint 11110571
  5. Filed Jun 5, 2018Failure Apr 1, 201821,200 milesMartinez, CAElectronic stability control (esc), Suspension, Vehicle speed control

    CONTROL BUTTONS ON LEFT HANDLEBAR FAILING AFFECTING CRUISE CONTROL, SUSPENSION SETTINGS, AND RIDE MODE WHICH AFFECTS ENGINE PERFORMANCE. BUTTON FAILURES OCCUR JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND WHEN MOTORCYCLE IS IN OPERATION AND SUSPENSION AND ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEMS ARE OPERATIONAL.

    NHTSA complaint 11100023
  6. Filed Sep 26, 2017Failure Sep 9, 20175,000 milesWhite Hall, VASuspension

    BMW MOTORCYCLE RECALL CAMPAIGN 17V-438 - FRONT FORK. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM BMW IN AUGUST 2017 AND SENT THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE WARRANTY/RECALL REPAIR CONDUCTED. THE MOTORCYCLE HAS BEEN AT MORTON'S BMW IN FREDERICKSBURG, VA SINCE 09 SEPTEMBER AND BMW HAS STILL NOT SENT THE DEALER THE REPAIR PARTS. I SENT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA A DETAILED EMAIL ON 24 SEPTEMBER AND THEY HAVE YET TO RESPOND AND EXPLAIN WHY THEY WILL NOT FIX MY MOTORCYCLE WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME.

    NHTSA complaint 11030033
  7. Filed Sep 6, 2017Failure Aug 1, 2017Scarsdale, NYSuspension

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW R1200 GS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V438000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN BMW DEALER OF MANHATTAN, NEW YORK WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

    NHTSA complaint 11021750
  8. Filed Jun 23, 2017Failure Sep 1, 2016Lilly, PASteeringCrash1 injured

    WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON A NATIONAL FOREST ROAD THE FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSED CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND CRASH AND CAUSING INJURY MANUFACTURE REPLACED EVERYTHING UNDER WARRANTY NO DEFINITION TOO WHY PART FAILED

    NHTSA complaint 11000810
  9. Filed May 27, 2017Failure May 26, 201752,500 milesSAN Anselmo, CAVehicle speed control

    CRUISE CONTROL SAFETY FEATURES DO NOT WORK AS REQUIRED. WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND THE CLUTCH IS OPERATED TO DOWNSHIFT, THE CRUISE CONTROL REMAINS ENGAGED. THIS CAUSES THE ENGINE TO RACE AND, IF RIDER THEN RELEASES THE CLUTCH, IT CAN PROPEL MOTORCYCLE FORWARD IN A DANGEROUS AND UNCONTROLLED MANNER. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWICE, ONCE AT 70 MPH AND A SECOND TIME AT 45 MPH. BOTH TIMES I WAS INITIATING A DOWNSHIFT.

    NHTSA complaint 10991957
  10. Filed Aug 10, 2015Failure Oct 20, 2014500 milesAustin, TXElectrical system, Engine

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW R1200 GS ADVENTURER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER EVERY THREE MONTHS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE A REMEDY TO PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM RECURRING. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

    NHTSA complaint 10747595
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

41 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…
  • MC330423 Dec 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Since October 2023, a new maintenance schedule is valid for all K5x models. For the first time, maintenance positions for the cardan shaft (Driveshaft) are included. NOTICE: 1. The new maintenance schedule is not limited to vehicles affected by the SI 33…
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • MC460521 Nov 3, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Stress corrosion cracks may occur on the studs of certain milled footrests from the BMW Motorrad special accessories catalog for the GS models.
  • MC55297495 Jul 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicle battery not charged despite the battery charger being connected to the on-board socket (manufactured before 2009)Headlights and rear lights light up intermittently despite the ignition being switched off and the battery charger being connected to th…
  • MC64465398 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The hill start control operation may be sporadic.
  • MC620117 May 24, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service distance cannot be set in miles in ISTA for TFT-type instrument clusters
  • MC340121 May 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    During operation of the rear wheel foot brake lever, the rider feels a soft pressure point or perceptibly longer lever travel
  • MC130113 May 10, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW Motorrad has ascertained that vehicles fitted with option code 0190 "Enduro ASC + BMW Motorrad has ascertained that vehicles fitted with option code 0190 "Enduro ASC + Riding Modes" can experience functional problems in the Enduro PRO mode. Effective …
  • MC660118 Jun 17, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The bike does not shut down with a short press of the keyless ride button. The keyless Ride button must be pressed for several seconds to shut the bike down
  • MC310421 Apr 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The complaint of leaking telescopic forks is the top warranty claim in many current models,
  • MC64011504 Aug 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Ticking noises from the cylinder hood.
  • MC64011504 Aug 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Ticking noises from the cylinder hood.
  • MC3600118 Apr 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    During the course of quality analysis, it was determined by BMW Motorrad that in the production period from February 2018 to end of June 2018, cross-spoked wheels with reduced spoke tension have been produced.
  • MC64606814 Mar 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Which charger should be used to charge the Li-ion HP and/or M batteries.
  • MC6192247601 Aug 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Shift assist does not function after performing SIB 23 001 15 (017) DME software upgrade. This is due to a progrm fault in ISTA/p version 3.56.0.
  • MC2100116 Jun 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW Motorrad has determiend in th ecourse of quality observation that in a few cases clutch fluid may leak between the clutch slave cylinder and the braided stainless steel clutch line. The cause is a burr in the clutch slave cylinder which may damage the …
  • MC62571524_03 Apr 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    During programming ith ISTA/P software version3.58.2.001. a programming abort occurred. Afterwards the vehicle is inoperative and can no longer be started. Repeated programming is not possible with this tversion. Software bug.
  • MC55250630_03 Apr 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Grinding noises from rear drive - individual cover screws on rear drive are coming undone,screw chafes against the brake disk and makes noises.
  • MC2100116 Mar 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW Motorrad has determined in the course of quality observation that in a few cases clutch fluid may leak between the clutch slave cylinder and the braided stainless steel clutch line. The cause is a burr in the clutch slave cylinder which may damage the g…
  • MC5382624201 Mar 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Swinging arm gaiter to gearbox is split or collapsed.
  • MC56005564 Oct 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Heated handlebar grips intermittently not working
  • MC55813536 Oct 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Navigator V maintains a Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone for a short period.
  • MC63353852 May 1, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    During the course of the quality analysis carried out by BMW Motorrad, it has been determined that for the R 1200 models with the gearshift assistant (SA X222A) OE, a few faulty gearshift assistants have been installed in the production period from 09/02/20…
  • MC2300117 May 1, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Customer complains about an operating failure on the left or right multifunction switch.
  • MC55685466 Oct 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The cruise control system is not working in the Enduro/Pro mode
  • MC54883210 Oct 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    When the throttle is closed, the engine goes into emergency mode.
  • MC54812349 Oct 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    It is not possible to calibrate the ESA suspension strut.
  • MC54810671 Oct 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Incorrect road speed indicated.
  • MC57452661 Mar 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Difficulty retrofitting the gear shift Assistant Pro. Early prodction and incorrect integration level.
  • MC57256786 Mar 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Seat locking barrel - repair kit not permitted. After the seat lock cylinder has been replaced with a repair kit, the cylinder does not always stay securely installed.
  • MC54812349 Jan 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ESA spring strut cannot be calibrated / additional models added
  • MC57005523 Jan 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The rear SAF (Dynamic ESA) spring strut is able to twist by a few degrees.
  • MC61326053 Oct 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    After activation of the alarm system, the turn indicators remain on for 1 minute with integration levels higher than k001-15-03-510.
  • MC61461571 Jun 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Mist forms in the headlight. This is due to condensation and goes away again.
  • MC6132605 Jun 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    After activation of th ealarm system, the turn signals remain on for 1 minute. Previously they turned off automatically. Software malfunction.
  • MC6100315 May 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW Motorrad has ascertained that in isolated cases the fuse for the voltage regulator is not correctly secured in the holder by the threaded fasteners. This can prevent the battery from being charged while the motorcycle is being ridden. If this happens th…
  • MC57194556 May 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Heated handlebar grips with low output . Due to thicker aluminum handlebar.
  • MC64010520 Jan 29, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Incorrect tire pressure appears in the instrument cluster. Contamination or obstruction of the RDC sensor.
  • MC54075516 Feb 5, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    After a few days of beingparked, the battery discharges, off-load current is too high
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.