U.S. public vehicle records

Bmw R 1200 GS ADVENTURE problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

32 owner complaints analyzed

8 distinct recall campaigns

18,246 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2005 to 2017 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 26 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Fuel/Propulsion System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 11 of 32 complaints (34.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Fuel system concerns	11	34.4%
Braking behavior	7	21.9%
Electrical and battery issues	2	6.3%
Engine operation	1	3.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Fuel/Propulsion System

Fuel System, Gasoline

Service Brakes

Power Train

Suspension

Electrical System

Fuel System, Other

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Fuel/Propulsion System: 11; Fuel System, Gasoline: 8; Service Brakes: 4; Power Train: 2; Suspension: 2; Electrical System: 1; Fuel System, Other: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 15; 25,000 to 49,999: 9; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (15). 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2017

2018

2019

2020

2022

2023

2025

2010: 3; 2011: 6; 2012: 5; 2013: 4; 2014: 5; 2017: 2; 2018: 1; 2019: 1; 2020: 2; 2022: 1; 2023: 1; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Fuel/Propulsion System leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns appears in 11 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10575852 · 2014-03-31 (March 31, 2014)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW ADVENTURE 1200GS MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH, THERE WAS A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10575852 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10354202 · 2010-09-07 (September 7, 2010)

PLASTIC QUICK CONNECT ON TOP OF GAS TANK FUEL PUMP PLATE CRACKED. FUEL UNDER PRESSURE SPRAYED OUT, RUNNING ONTO HOT EXHAUST PIPE. COULD RESULT IN MAJOR FIRE. PLASTIC SEEMS NOT SUITABLE FOR ETHANOL BLENDED FUEL WHICH CAUSES IT TO GET BRITTLE AND CRACK. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 32,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10354202 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10622155 · 2014-08-13 (August 13, 2014)

REAR BRAKE DISC ROTOR CARRIER FAILED LETTING THE REAR ROTOR FALL AND LOCK UP THE REAR WHEEL AND LOST ALL BRAKING CONTROL . I REPLACED THE FAILED PART NEW ONE WAS MADE OUT OF STEAL OLD PART WAS MADE OUT OF ALUMINUN THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED BY QUITE A FEW RIDERS . I AM STILL IN POCESSION OF OLD CARRIER IF YOU NEED TO EXAMINE IT. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 49,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10622155 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10547946 · 2013-10-15 (October 15, 2013)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW R1200 GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRONICS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,300.

Owner-reported narrative. 3,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10547946 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10561438 · 2014-01-25 (January 25, 2014)

THE GAS TANK HAS QUICK DISCONNECT FITTINGS THAT SCREW INTO A PLASTIC FLANGE ON EACH SIDE OF THE TANK. THE FITTING THREADS ARE SIMILAR TO NPT PIPE THREADS WHICH OVER STRESS THE PLASTIC AND RESULT IN CRACKING, FUEL THEN LEAKS FROM THE TANK UNDER THE FAIRING ASSEMBLY ON TO ELECTRICAL WIRING, ENGINE PARTS AND HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS. THIS COULD RESULT IN FIRE OR UNEXPECTED STOPPAGE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT OR FATALITY FROM A WRECK IN TRAFFIC. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 42,567 miles reported. Look up ODI 10561438 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10567602 · 2014-03-06 (March 6, 2014)

I HAVE HAD ISSUE WITH A LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE (LIFEPO4) BATTERY FROM BALLISTIC PERFORMANCE COMPONENTS (MODEL - 16 CELL HD BALLISTIC BATTERY) IN A MOTORCYCLE. THE DESIGN OF THE BATTERY CAN ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THROUGH THE TOP OF THE BATTERY THUS RESULTING IN THE BATTERY SHORTING OUT. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS OCCURRENCE SIMPLY BY RIDING THE BIKE IN THE RAIN. WITH THE BATTERY LOCATION DIRECTLY BELOW THE BACK OF THE FUEL TANK AND UNDER THE RIDER'S CROTCH, THE INHERENT SAFETY OF A BALLISTIC PERFORMANCE COMPONENTS BATTERY IS QUESTIONABLE. I WAS LUCKY…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10567602 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10396903 · 2011-04-20 (April 20, 2011)

FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR EXTREMELY INACCURATE LEADING TO EXHAUSTION OF FUEL SUPPLY CAUSING STALL IN TRAFFIC. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!! *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 30,985 miles reported. Look up ODI 10396903 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2017

2005: 2; 2006: 3; 2007: 4; 2008: 3; 2009: 3; 2010: 2; 2011: 2; 2012: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 3; 2017: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Bmw R 1200 GS ADVENTURE model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
2005	0	2	Not available
2006	3	3	+1
2007	7	4	+1
2008	5	3	-1
2009	7	3	0
2010	1	2	-1
2011	0	2	0
2012	3	1	-1
2013	0	1	0
2014	2	3	+2
2017	4	0	Not available

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

32 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

81.3%Usable mileage26 / 32 records

100.0%Valid incident date32 / 32 records

100.0%Valid filing date32 / 32 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates32 / 32 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2017
Fuel/Propulsion System	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10575852 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW ADVENTURE 1200GS MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH, THERE WAS A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. Look up ODI 10575852 at NHTSA ↗	342.9% ODI 10492342 · 63,000 mi CRACKS DEVELOPED IN THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK ON THE ENGINE. *TR Look up ODI 10492342 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 10547946 · 3,300 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW R1200 GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRONICS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,300. Look up ODI 10547946 at NHTSA ↗	342.9% ODI 10466424 · 39,320 mi WHILE RIDING ALONG A TWISTY RURAL ROAD WITH A PASSENGER THE ENGINE QUIT WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO THE RURAL NATURE OF THE ROADWAY AND THE PREVAILING TERRAIN, THERE WERE FEW SAFE PLACES TO PULL OVER. FORTUNATELY I WAS ON A DOWNHILL SLOPE AND WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY REGAIN BALANCE OF THE MACHINE AND COAST UNTIL A SAFE PULLOUT COULD BE REACHED. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THE FUEL INDICATING SYSTEM WAS FAULTY INDICATING ABOUT 1/3 OF A TANK OF FUEL REMAINING WHEN THE TANK WAS EMPTY, ALSO, THE LOW FUEL LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE OR THE RANGE TO E… Look up ODI 10466424 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	3100.0% ODI 11204226 · 13,000 mi THE FUEL TANK QUICK CONNECT COUPLING CRACKED, LEAKED FUEL AND NEARLY CAUSED A FIRE ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE ON A ROADWAY AND WHEN I STOPPED THE FUEL DRIPPED ONTO THE HOT ENGINE. THE FUEL STARTED TO SMOKE BECAUSE I REACTED QUICKLY AND SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE I WAS ABLE TO PREVENT A FIRE FROM STARTING. Look up ODI 11204226 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel System, Gasoline	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10456143 · 15,000 mi FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYING 1/2 TANK OF FUEL WHEN TANK WAS ACTUALLY EMPTY. MOTORCYCLE RAN OUT OF FUEL ON BUSY FREEWAY WITH LIMITED SHOULDER ACCESS. WAS ALMOST HIT BY NUMEROUS CARS GETTING TO A SAFE PLACE. FUEL LEVEL STRIP HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND IS AGAIN NOT WORKING. THIS IS VERY COMMON ON THESE MOTORCYCLES, AND DANGEROUS AS YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU WILL BE OUT OF GAS. *TR Look up ODI 10456143 at NHTSA ↗	228.6% ODI 10341946 · 17,000 mi THE FUEL GAUGE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE UNDER WARRANTY AND DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY. MY BIGGEST COMPLAINT IS THAT THE "MASTER CAUTION" FLASHES FOR 3/4 OF A TANK WITH THE WORDS "FUEL" FLASHING ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER TELLING ME I'M OUT OF GAS. I AM CONCERNED THAT I WILL GET SO USE TO A FLASHING YELLOW TRIANGLE THAT I WILL IGNORE IT. *TR Look up ODI 10341946 at NHTSA ↗	360.0% ODI 10396887 · 19,491 mi THE FUEL STRIP ON MY MOTORCYCLE HAS FAILED TWICE RESULTING IN FALSE READINGS ON THE FUEL GAUGE (SHOWING MORE FUEL THEN IS ACTUALLY PRESENT). BMW IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT HAS SO FAR ISSUED NO RECALLS OR DEVELOPED A SOLUTION. *TR Look up ODI 10396887 at NHTSA ↗	228.6% ODI 10396903 · 30,985 mi FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR EXTREMELY INACCURATE LEADING TO EXHAUSTION OF FUEL SUPPLY CAUSING STALL IN TRAFFIC. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!! *TR Look up ODI 10396903 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10622155 · 49,000 mi REAR BRAKE DISC ROTOR CARRIER FAILED LETTING THE REAR ROTOR FALL AND LOCK UP THE REAR WHEEL AND LOST ALL BRAKING CONTROL . I REPLACED THE FAILED PART NEW ONE WAS MADE OUT OF STEAL OLD PART WAS MADE OUT OF ALUMINUN THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED BY QUITE A FEW RIDERS . I AM STILL IN POCESSION OF OLD CARRIER IF YOU NEED TO EXAMINE IT. *TR Look up ODI 10622155 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	375.0% ODI 11097641 · 5,800 mi I HAD LESS THAN 6000 MILES ON MY BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE AND NOTICED THAT I HAD NO REAR BAKE AT ALL WHEN I WAS RIDING OFF ROAD WITH MY "ENDURO PRO" MODE ENGAGED. THIS ALLOWS ME TO USE THE REAR BRAKE IN AN OFF ROAD MODE AND SHUTS DOWN ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL.. I NOTICED THAT A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THIS MOTORCYCLE. SEE ADVRIDER.COM AND SEARCH REAR BRAKE FAILURE ON BMW R1200GS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY BLED THE BRAKES. THEY NOW WORK FINE. IT HAD BEEN SUGGESTED BY OTHERS THAT THE BREMBO REAR MASTER CYLINDER IS T… Look up ODI 11097641 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	228.6% ODI 10446648 · 46,789 mi FINAL DRIVE FAILURE, COMMON TO THE SINGLE SIDED SWING ARM. REPLACED CROWN BEARING, NEEDLE SLEEVE, SEAL, AND O RING. THIS IS MY THIRD FAILURE ON THREE DIFFERENT BMW SINGLE SIDED SWING ARM MOTORCYCLES. $625.15 *KB Look up ODI 10446648 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Suspension	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	2100.0% ODI 11033434 RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 17V-438: FRONT FORK RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL IN AUGUST 2017 CONTACTED MY BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WHERE NOT EXPECTING THE PART FROM BMW ANY TIME SOON TO DO THE REPAIR? MID OCTOBRE KNOW AND STILL NO RESULTS! HOW IMPORTANT MUST THIS BE FOR BMW TO TAKE ACTION? THANKS FOR LOOKING INTO THIS. Look up ODI 11033434 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10567602 I HAVE HAD ISSUE WITH A LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE (LIFEPO4) BATTERY FROM BALLISTIC PERFORMANCE COMPONENTS (MODEL - 16 CELL HD BALLISTIC BATTERY) IN A MOTORCYCLE. THE DESIGN OF THE BATTERY CAN ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THROUGH THE TOP OF THE BATTERY THUS RESULTING IN THE BATTERY SHORTING OUT. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS OCCURRENCE SIMPLY BY RIDING THE BIKE IN THE RAIN. WITH THE BATTERY LOCATION DIRECTLY BELOW THE BACK OF THE FUEL TANK AND UNDER THE RIDER'S CROTCH, THE INHERENT SAFETY OF A BALLISTIC PERFORMANCE COMPONENTS BATTERY IS QUESTIONABLE. I WAS LUCKY… Look up ODI 10567602 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel System, Other	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 10396996 · 11,967 mi FUEL GAUGE SENSOR DISPLAYS INACCURATE READINGS (NO/LOW FUEL WHEN TANK IS FULL OR WORSE, DISPLAYS FULL TANK WHEN THERE IS LOW/NO FUEL). THIS HAS LED TO ME BEING STRANDED TWICE. THE FUEL SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE ALREADY BY THE DEALERSHIP. THAT ADDS UP TO ALMOST ONE REPLACEMENT A YEAR. *TR Look up ODI 10396996 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 10396739 · 9,951 mi I WAS RIDING MY 2009 BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH IN THE CARPOOL LANE. IT BEGAN TO RAIN SO I WENT TO PULL ONTO THE SHOULDER TO DON MY RAIN GEAR. I PULLED THE BRAKE LEVER TO SLOW, ONLY TO FIND I HAD NO BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY SLOW THE VEHICLE USING THE REAR BRAKE. INSPECTION OF THE FRONT BRAKES SHOWED THE RIGHT FRONT CALIPER WAS HANGING FREELY, ONLY CONNECTED BY THE HYDRAULIC LINE. THE TWO BOLTS THAT HOLD THE CALIPER TO THE FORK MOUNTS WERE MISSING. INSPECTION OF THE TWO BOLT HOLES ON THE FORK SHOWED THAT THEY WE… Look up ODI 10396739 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Fuel/Propulsion System	5,725–41,755 mi	28,500 mi	10	ODI 10492342 · 63,000 mi CRACKS DEVELOPED IN THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK ON THE ENGINE. *TR Look up ODI 10492342 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10549250 · 45,000 mi BIKE STARTED LEAKING FUEL.. WAS GETTING ON TO RIDER CLOTHING. WHEN DISASSEMBLED IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL WAS COMING FROM CRACK IN PLASTIC PIECE ON FUEL FLANGE. BMW REQUIRED A COMPLETE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY (2 PARTS FLANGE AND PUMP) TO BE PURCHASED TO THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.. BUT YOU CAN PURCHASE JUST THE PUMP WITHOUT THE FLANGE SEPARATELY. ACCORDING TO LOCAL BMW SHOP NUMEROUS BIKES ARE COMING IN WITH THIS PROBLEM.. YEARS 2005 TO 2010.. BMW REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE PART WITH METAL RING ON NEW BIKES BUT ARE NOT TAKING CARE OF EXISTING PR… Look up ODI 10549250 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10568870 · 875 mi UPON STARTING THE MOTORCYCLE GAS BEGIN SQUIRTING OUT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE GAS TANK - APPROXIMATELY 1 QUART WITHIN A MINUTE OR TWO, COVERING MY PANT LEG AND FLOOR. UPON REMOVAL OF THE RIGHT SIDE TANK COVER IT WAS APPARENT THAT THE QUICK RELEASE COUPLING WAS SPLIT OR CRACKED AND WOULD SPEW GAS ANYTIME THE IGNITION WAS TURNED ON. THIS IS A VERY LOW MILEAGE HIGHLY MAINTAINED MOTORCYCLE KEPT IN A TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED GARAGE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS SITUATION HAD I BEEN RIDING AT SPEED AND THE GAS IGNITED. MY BMW REPAIR FACILITY INDICATED T… Look up ODI 10568870 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	13,100–31,239 mi	18,246 mi	8	ODI 10456143 · 15,000 mi FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYING 1/2 TANK OF FUEL WHEN TANK WAS ACTUALLY EMPTY. MOTORCYCLE RAN OUT OF FUEL ON BUSY FREEWAY WITH LIMITED SHOULDER ACCESS. WAS ALMOST HIT BY NUMEROUS CARS GETTING TO A SAFE PLACE. FUEL LEVEL STRIP HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND IS AGAIN NOT WORKING. THIS IS VERY COMMON ON THESE MOTORCYCLES, AND DANGEROUS AS YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU WILL BE OUT OF GAS. TR Look up ODI 10456143 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10341946 · 17,000 mi THE FUEL GAUGE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE UNDER WARRANTY AND DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY. MY BIGGEST COMPLAINT IS THAT THE "MASTER CAUTION" FLASHES FOR 3/4 OF A TANK WITH THE WORDS "FUEL" FLASHING ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER TELLING ME I'M OUT OF GAS. I AM CONCERNED THAT I WILL GET SO USE TO A FLASHING YELLOW TRIANGLE THAT I WILL IGNORE IT. TR Look up ODI 10341946 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10354202 · 32,000 mi PLASTIC QUICK CONNECT ON TOP OF GAS TANK FUEL PUMP PLATE CRACKED. FUEL UNDER PRESSURE SPRAYED OUT, RUNNING ONTO HOT EXHAUST PIPE. COULD RESULT IN MAJOR FIRE. PLASTIC SEEMS NOT SUITABLE FOR ETHANOL BLENDED FUEL WHICH CAUSES IT TO GET BRITTLE AND CRACK. *TR Look up ODI 10354202 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes	Too few reports for a range	27,400 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10622155 · 49,000 mi REAR BRAKE DISC ROTOR CARRIER FAILED LETTING THE REAR ROTOR FALL AND LOCK UP THE REAR WHEEL AND LOST ALL BRAKING CONTROL . I REPLACED THE FAILED PART NEW ONE WAS MADE OUT OF STEAL OLD PART WAS MADE OUT OF ALUMINUN THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED BY QUITE A FEW RIDERS . I AM STILL IN POCESSION OF OLD CARRIER IF YOU NEED TO EXAMINE IT. *TR Look up ODI 10622155 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11097641 · 5,800 mi I HAD LESS THAN 6000 MILES ON MY BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE AND NOTICED THAT I HAD NO REAR BAKE AT ALL WHEN I WAS RIDING OFF ROAD WITH MY "ENDURO PRO" MODE ENGAGED. THIS ALLOWS ME TO USE THE REAR BRAKE IN AN OFF ROAD MODE AND SHUTS DOWN ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL.. I NOTICED THAT A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THIS MOTORCYCLE. SEE ADVRIDER.COM AND SEARCH REAR BRAKE FAILURE ON BMW R1200GS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY BLED THE BRAKES. THEY NOW WORK FINE. IT HAD BEEN SUGGESTED BY OTHERS THAT THE BREMBO REAR MASTER CYLINDER IS T… Look up ODI 11097641 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	53,595 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10446648 · 46,789 mi FINAL DRIVE FAILURE, COMMON TO THE SINGLE SIDED SWING ARM. REPLACED CROWN BEARING, NEEDLE SLEEVE, SEAL, AND O RING. THIS IS MY THIRD FAILURE ON THREE DIFFERENT BMW SINGLE SIDED SWING ARM MOTORCYCLES. $625.15 KB Look up ODI 10446648 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10501443 · 60,400 mi I WAS GETTING AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE REAR WHEEL LOCKED ABRUPTLY. TR Look up ODI 10501443 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Other	Too few reports for a range	11,967 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10396996 · 11,967 mi FUEL GAUGE SENSOR DISPLAYS INACCURATE READINGS (NO/LOW FUEL WHEN TANK IS FULL OR WORSE, DISPLAYS FULL TANK WHEN THERE IS LOW/NO FUEL). THIS HAS LED TO ME BEING STRANDED TWICE. THE FUEL SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE ALREADY BY THE DEALERSHIP. THAT ADDS UP TO ALMOST ONE REPLACEMENT A YEAR. *TR Look up ODI 10396996 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Too few reports for a range	9,951 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10396739 · 9,951 mi I WAS RIDING MY 2009 BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH IN THE CARPOOL LANE. IT BEGAN TO RAIN SO I WENT TO PULL ONTO THE SHOULDER TO DON MY RAIN GEAR. I PULLED THE BRAKE LEVER TO SLOW, ONLY TO FIND I HAD NO BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY SLOW THE VEHICLE USING THE REAR BRAKE. INSPECTION OF THE FRONT BRAKES SHOWED THE RIGHT FRONT CALIPER WAS HANGING FREELY, ONLY CONNECTED BY THE HYDRAULIC LINE. THE TWO BOLTS THAT HOLD THE CALIPER TO THE FORK MOUNTS WERE MISSING. INSPECTION OF THE TWO BOLT HOLES ON THE FORK SHOWED THAT THEY WE… Look up ODI 10396739 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	1	None	ODI 11662904 It is not clear which rear 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 the rear brake to minimize stopping distance. Apparently the component has been inspected by the manufacturer, however there has been no concrete solution that would guarantee a permanen… Look up ODI 11662904 at NHTSA ↗
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2014: 0 complaints · 2017: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2014	0	0	0
2017	0	1	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2014	2	0	0
2017	4	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Fuel/Propulsion System	Fuel System, Gasoline	Service Brakes	Power Train	Suspension	Electrical System	Fuel System, Other	Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Fuel/Propulsion System	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Power Train	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Suspension	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Electrical System	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Fuel System, Other	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

4 patterns with matching reports.

Fuel smell or leak mentions

3 mentions · 9.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 33,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10575852

Look up ODI 10575852 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10549250 · 45,000 mi

BIKE STARTED LEAKING FUEL.. WAS GETTING ON TO RIDER CLOTHING. WHEN DISASSEMBLED IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL WAS COMING FROM CRACK IN PLASTIC PIECE ON FUEL FLANGE. BMW REQUIRED A COMPLETE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY (2 PARTS FLANGE AND PUMP) TO BE PURCHASED TO THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.. BUT YOU CAN PURCHASE JUST THE PUMP WITHOUT THE FLANGE SEPARATELY. ACCORDING TO LOCAL BMW SHOP NUMEROUS BIKES ARE COMING IN WITH THIS PROBLEM.. YEARS 2005 TO 2010.. BMW REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE PART WITH METAL RING ON NEW BIKES BUT ARE NOT TAKING CARE OF EXISTING PR…

Look up ODI 10549250 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11351040 · 21,000 mi

AFTER REFUELING MY MOTORCYCLE, AND DRIVE OFF THE GAS STATION, I STARTED TO NOTICE A STRONG GAS SMELL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. I RODE FOR AROUND 10 MILES WITH IT. AFTER I PULLED OVER TO MY HOME'S DRIVEWAY, AND KEPT THE MOTOR RUNNING WITH THE BIKE IN THE SIDE STAND, I NOTICE A STRONGER SMELL AND SOME SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPES. WHEN I LOOKED INTO THE LEFT SIDE PANEL OF THE BIKE, I NOTICE FUEL LEAKING OUT FROM THE QUICK DISCONNECT COUPLING AND DRIPPING OVER THE GAS PUMP FLANGE, ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE EXHAUST PIPE. I IMMEDIATE…

Look up ODI 11351040 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 6.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 4,600 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 11097641 · 5,800 mi

I HAD LESS THAN 6000 MILES ON MY BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE AND NOTICED THAT I HAD NO REAR BAKE AT ALL WHEN I WAS RIDING OFF ROAD WITH MY "ENDURO PRO" MODE ENGAGED. THIS ALLOWS ME TO USE THE REAR BRAKE IN AN OFF ROAD MODE AND SHUTS DOWN ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL.. I NOTICED THAT A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THIS MOTORCYCLE. SEE ADVRIDER.COM AND SEARCH REAR BRAKE FAILURE ON BMW R1200GS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY BLED THE BRAKES. THEY NOW WORK FINE. IT HAD BEEN SUGGESTED BY OTHERS THAT THE BREMBO REAR MASTER CYLINDER IS T…

Look up ODI 11097641 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11491067 · 3,400 mi

The contact owns a 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure motorcycle. The contact stated while riding 65 MPH, while attempting to stop the motorcycle, the brakes failed to operate properly causing a delay in stopping the motorcycle. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that they aware of the failure. The mechanic bled the brake lines and the motorcycle remained at the dealer overnight; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 3,400.

Look up ODI 11491067 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 6.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 5,350 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10413111 · 7,400 mi

FUEL LEVEL SENSOR STRIP HAS FAILED FOR THE FOURTH TIME IN THE LAST TWO YEARS. THIS CAUSES A WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE ON THE DASH AND A "FUEL!" WARNING TO FLASH ON THE COMPUTER. IT IS DISTRACTING AND DECREASES THE RIDER'S ABILITY TO JUDGE WHEN THE BIKE IS ACTUALLY LOW ON FUEL. *TT

Look up ODI 10413111 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10547946 · 3,300 mi

Look up ODI 10547946 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 3.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 30,985 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10396903 · 30,985 mi

FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR EXTREMELY INACCURATE LEADING TO EXHAUSTION OF FUEL SUPPLY CAUSING STALL IN TRAFFIC. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!! *TR

Look up ODI 10396903 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b