Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2018 BMW R1200 GS peaked in 2020, with 2 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
2018 BMW R1200 GS
Motorcycle, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Oct 8, 2020 to May 15, 2025.
Recall campaigns covering this model year249k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints42.0 times the median 2018 motorcycle
Severity index25.02018 motorcycles average 6.0
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
50% of complaints about the 2018 BMW R1200 GS name engine and cooling
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
2 recall campaigns cover the 2018 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.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18E-016 | Mar 21, 2018 | Specifically being recalled is Windscreen model number 8531917, sold for use on model year 2012-2018 F700GS motorcycles, Windscreen model number… | Equipment | 1,571 | Part replacement |
| 17V-481 | Jul 28, 2017 | When equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blocked | Equipment | 47,775 | Repair or modification |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2018 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.
4 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed May 15, 2025Failure Mar 11, 202511,500 milesTucson, AZElectrical system
The contact owns a 2018 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact stated while riding the motorcycle at an undisclosed speed, the RPM's decreased and the motorcycle lost motive power. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with corrosion on the Dynamic Motor Engine (DME) connector pins. The contact was informed that the DME connector pins needed to be cleaned. The motorcycle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,500.
NHTSA complaint 11661315 - Filed Aug 21, 2021Failure Aug 20, 2021Mound, MNEngine
Vehicle reported engine fault and cut engine power while on freeway (commonly known as "limp mode"). It was extremely dangerous trying to find somewhere to pull over with very little engine power. It has happened several times now. Vehicle is now longer safe for freeway use. It also happened once mid corner which upsets the chassis and is quite dangerous on a motorcycle. Dealer performed a software update and cleared codes on 10/29/2020 which clearly did not fix anything. No warning is given. Power is just suddenly removed.
NHTSA complaint 11429961 - Filed Nov 6, 2020Failure Sep 5, 20208,000 milesSAN Clemente, CASteeringCrash1 injured
WITHOUT WARNING THE MOTORCYCLE STEERING WENT INTO WHAT IS COMMONLY KNOW AS "DEATH WOBBLE" OR "TANK SLAPPING" WITH THE STEERING UNCONTROLLABLE RAPIDLY MOVING RIGHT TO LEFT AND IMMEDIATELY CRASHING CAUSING SEVERE INJURIES TO DRIVER.
NHTSA complaint 11373443 - Filed Oct 8, 2020Failure Oct 8, 202012,100 milesNibley, UTEngine
THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO TICKET # 11363230. RELATED TO THIS SAME VEHICLE. I WENT FOR A RIDE TODAY AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED, WITH THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUTTING ALMOST COMPLETELY DOWN. LUCKILY, IT WAS ON A DESERTED COUNTRY ROAD AND NOT IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I AM ATTACHING A PDF OF THE OBD SCAN I TOOK UPON RETURNING HOME TODAY. ALSO, PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS DEFECT IS SHOWING UP ON A NUMBER OF THESE BIKES--THERE IS A THREAD DISCUSSING THE ISSUE AT: HTTPS://FORUMS.BMWMOA.ORG/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?98612-2018-R1200RT-WITH-INTERMITTENT-CHECK-ENGINE-LIGHT&P=1223053#POST1223053
NHTSA complaint 11363484
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
43 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- 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… - 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. - MC63473054 Feb 16, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Engine is placed into emergency operation mode and max rpm is reduced due to a deviation in throttle signals. Signal evaluation software has been reworked and should be installed. - 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.