U.S. public vehicle records

Bmw R SERIES problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

26 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

20,450 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1985 to 2007 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 18 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Wheels:Rim is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 26 complaints (19.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Transmission and shifting	4	15.4%
Braking behavior	4	15.4%
Fuel system concerns	3	11.5%
Engine operation	1	3.8%

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.

Wheels:Rim

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Wheels

Fuel System, Gasoline

Fuel/Propulsion System

Power Train

Power Train:Driveline

Power Train:Manual Transmission

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Wheels:Rim	5
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings	3
Wheels	3
Fuel System, Gasoline	2
Fuel/Propulsion System	2
Power Train	2
Power Train:Driveline	2
Power Train:Manual Transmission	2

Wheels:Rim: 5; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings: 3; Wheels: 3; Fuel System, Gasoline: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2; Power Train: 2; Power Train:Driveline: 2; Power Train:Manual Transmission: 2

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: 10; 25,000 to 49,999: 7; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 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 (10). 8 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.

1996

2000

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

1996: 6; 2000: 1; 2004: 1; 2005: 1; 2006: 1; 2007: 2; 2008: 2; 2009: 1; 2010: 5; 2011: 2; 2012: 4

Pattern summary

Wheels:Rim leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 4 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 3 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 10296924 · 2009-12-24 (December 24, 2009)

CLUTCH TO TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT SPLINES FAILED ON MY 2002 BMW R1150RT MOTORCYCLE. SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER DUE TO FAILURE OF THE SPLINES WHICH CONNECT THE CLUTCH PLATE TO THE TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT. FORTUNATELY I WAS ON A SIDE STREET WHICH WASN'T BUSY AND NEAR HOME. NO ACCIDENT RESULTED DUE TO LOCATION WHERE FAILURE OCCURRED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 43,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10296924 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10447569 · 2012-02-05 (February 5, 2012)

OPERATING UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITION AT SPEED BELOW 40 MPH. VEHICLE LOSS ALL POWER FROM ENGINE TO TRANSMISSION. ENGINE STILL OPERATES AND REVS NORMALLY, BUT NO ENGINE POWER IS TRANSFERRED TO TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION STILL SHIFT PROPER INTO EACH GEAR IN THE GEARBOX. VEHICLE TOWED TO MAIN LINE BMW MOTORCYCLE, DIAGNOSED WITH FAILURE OF CLUTCH AND DRIVE SHAFT SPLINE INTERFACE. CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT REPLACED, TRANSMISSION REBUILT UNDER VEHICLE FACTORY WARRANTY (2 YEAR/30,000 MI.).

Owner-reported narrative. 28,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10447569 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10411089 · 2011-06-30 (June 30, 2011)

EARLIER IN THE WEEK THE ABS FAILURE LIGHTS CAME ON AND THEN THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING EFFECTIVELY. THERE IS A BACKUP "RESIDUAL BRAKING" OF ABOUT 15%. I SURVIVED BECAUSE I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC AND DID NOT NEED A SERIOUS STOP. I HAD IT "FIXED" AT THE DEALER ON SATURDAY. THE LIGHTS WERE OUT AND THE BRAKES WORKED FOR ABOUT 4 ON OFF CYCLES. THEN THEY FAILED AGAIN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. IT HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT SINCE. I THEN RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND IT IS RAMPANT. PEOPLE HAVE BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED. MOTORCYCLES HAVE CRAS…

Owner-reported narrative. 43,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10411089 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10346214 · 2010-07-29 (July 29, 2010)

BMW MOTORCYCLE FINAL DRIVE FAILURES. IN 2001 I PURCHASED A NEW BMW R1100RT. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR INTO OWNERSHIP 25K MILES THE FINAL DRIVE FAILED WHILE I WAS RIDING. I THOUGHT THE REAR WHEEL WAS FALLING OFF. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE BIKE STOPPED WITHOUT INCIDENT. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, NOT ONLY WAS THE REAR WHEEL LEANING TO ONE SIDE THE WHOLE REAR HALF OF THE MOTORCYCLE WAS COVERED WITH OIL, RESULTING IN NON WORKING REAR BRAKE AND A OIL COVERED TIRE AND WHEEL. BIKE WAS REPAIRED . BUY THE TIME I …

Owner-reported narrative. 74,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10346214 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10135594 · 2005-08-26 (August 26, 2005)

2002 BMW R1150R FUEL LEAK PROBLEM/ FUEL LINE RECALL.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE MOTORCYCLE DEVELOPED A FUEL LEAK DURING OPERATION THAT RESULTED IN GASOLINE BEING SPRAYED ONTO THE ENGINE BLOCK AS WELL AS THE CONSUMER LEG. THE CONSUMER HAD THE MOTORCYCLE TOWED AND UPON INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE MALE END OF ONE OF THE QUICK DISCONNECTS ON THE FUEL HAD CRACKED. THE CONSUMER HAD RECALL 04V028000 PERFORM ON THE MOTORCYCLE IN 2004. THE REPAIR WORK WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT O…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10135594 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10485434 · 2012-11-21 (November 21, 2012)

CRACK IN THE FUEL PUMP CONTROLLER HOUSING RESULTING IN MINOR FUEL LEAK. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 31,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10485434 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.

1994

1995

1996

2000

2001

2002

2004

2005

2007

1994: 0; 1995: 0; 1996: 0; 2000: 1; 2001: 1; 2002: 1; 2004: 1; 2005: 0; 2007: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Bmw R SERIES model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
1985	0	1	Not available
1986	0	1	0
1987	0	1	0
1988	0	1	0
1989	0	1	0
1994	3	0	Not available
1995	3	0	0
1996	1	0	0
2000	0	1	Not available
2001	0	1	0
2002	8	1	0
2004	4	1	Not available
2005	3	0	-1
2007	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

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

69.2%Usable mileage18 / 26 records

100.0%Valid incident date26 / 26 records

100.0%Valid filing date26 / 26 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates26 / 26 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	1994	1995	1996	2000	2001	2002	2004	2005	2007
Wheels:Rim	3100.0% ODI 505532 WHEEL RIMS ON BMW R100RS/RT/R ARE PRONE TO BENDING/DEFORMATION UPON CONTACT WITH MINOR POTHOLES OR RAILROAD TRACKS. *AK Look up ODI 505532 at NHTSA ↗	266.7% ODI 505596 FRONT AND REAR ALLOY WHEEL RIMS BENT UNDER NORMAL RIDING CONDITIONS, ESPECIALLY WHEN ENCOUNTERING A POTHOLE/BROKEN PAVEMENT/RAILROAD TRACKS Look up ODI 505596 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable 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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings	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.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	225.0% ODI 10135594 2002 BMW R1150R FUEL LEAK PROBLEM/ FUEL LINE RECALL.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE MOTORCYCLE DEVELOPED A FUEL LEAK DURING OPERATION THAT RESULTED IN GASOLINE BEING SPRAYED ONTO THE ENGINE BLOCK AS WELL AS THE CONSUMER LEG. THE CONSUMER HAD THE MOTORCYCLE TOWED AND UPON INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE MALE END OF ONE OF THE QUICK DISCONNECTS ON THE FUEL HAD CRACKED. THE CONSUMER HAD RECALL 04V028000 PERFORM ON THE MOTORCYCLE IN 2004. THE REPAIR WORK WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT O… Look up ODI 10135594 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 10483202 · 20,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW R-SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SMELLED FUEL BEING EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE O-RING IN THE FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLING WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V028000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT… Look up ODI 10483202 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Wheels	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 730038 NO SUMMARY Look up ODI 730038 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 508035 WHEELS ARE TOO SOFT, THEY GET BENT JUST BY DRIVING OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT AT LOW SPEED. AT HIGH SPEED, WHEELS COULD HAVE BENT ENOUGH TO CAUSE CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF PRESSURE. *AK Look up ODI 508035 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable 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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10229199 · 10 mi MOTORCYCLE SHIFTED FROM 1ST GEAR TO NEUTRAL AND CLUTCH RELEASED WHILE WAITING FOR LIGHT TO CHANGE. TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT INTO 1ST GEAR TO MOVE OFF WITH DEPARTING TRAFFIC, RESULTED IN TWO NEAR REAR END COLLISIONS WITH FOLLOWING CARS. RETURNED TO DEALER FOR 600MI RUN IN SERVICE, FAILURE OF MECHANIC TO PROPERLY REINSTALL THE ABS BRAKE SENSOR IN THE REAR WHEEL, PINCHED O-RING, CAUSED FINAL DRIVE OIL TO COAT REAR WHEEL, CAUSING PARTIAL LOSS OF CONTROL IN CORNER, NEAR HEAD ON IMPACT WITH OPPOSIT FLOW OF TRAFFIC. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER OWN… Look up ODI 10229199 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	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.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	112.5% ODI 10346910 · 20,600 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW R1150RT MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE CONNECTING SLEEVE TO THE FLUID LINE. IN ADDITION, FUEL BEGAN LEAKING ONTO THE HOT CYLINDER. THIS WAS THE SECOND INSTANCE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 25,300. UPDATED 10/21/10. *LJ UPDATED 10/26/10 Look up ODI 10346910 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 10415941 · 6,964 mi WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (IN A WORK ZONE), FUEL BEGAN SPRAYING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. AFTER PULLING TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, GASOLINE CONTINUED TO LEAK ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST PIPES AND VAPORIZED INTO A CLOUD OF SMOKE. FORTUNATELY, THE LEAKING FUEL DID NOT IGNITE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED BMW REPAIR FACILITY WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE "MALE" SIDE OF THE FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLING HAD CRACKED. THE ORIGINAL PART IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC BUT … Look up ODI 10415941 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel/Propulsion System	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.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10485434 · 31,000 mi CRACK IN THE FUEL PUMP CONTROLLER HOUSING RESULTING IN MINOR FUEL LEAK. *TR Look up ODI 10485434 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 10485355 · 32,914 mi PROMPTED BY AN ARTICLE RELEASED REGARDING THIS VEHICLE MODEL'S FUEL PUMP/PUMP COVER OUTLET BOSS AND FITTING ASSEMBLY FRACTURING AND LEAKING FUEL I INSPECTED MINE. ABOUT 3/4 OF THE BOSS IS VISIBLE FOR INSPECTION. IT IS CRACKED IN SEVEN PLACES. CRACKS ARE VERTICAL, STARTING AT THE BOSS BASE TERMINATING AT IT'S RIM. THIS BIKE HAS ALWAYS HAD A SLIGHT SMELL OF FUEL THOUGH I'VE NEVER LOCATED THE SOURCE. AT THIS TIME I DON'T THINK I HAVE A LEAK AT THE PUMP BOSS (YET). THE LIGHT COAT OF DUST DOES NOT SHOW DISRUPTION BY FUEL RESIDUE. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT… Look up ODI 10485355 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	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.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	225.0% ODI 10296924 · 43,000 mi CLUTCH TO TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT SPLINES FAILED ON MY 2002 BMW R1150RT MOTORCYCLE. SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER DUE TO FAILURE OF THE SPLINES WHICH CONNECT THE CLUTCH PLATE TO THE TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT. FORTUNATELY I WAS ON A SIDE STREET WHICH WASN'T BUSY AND NEAR HOME. NO ACCIDENT RESULTED DUE TO LOCATION WHERE FAILURE OCCURRED. *TR Look up ODI 10296924 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.
Power Train:Driveline	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.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10346214 · 74,000 mi BMW MOTORCYCLE FINAL DRIVE FAILURES. IN 2001 I PURCHASED A NEW BMW R1100RT. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR INTO OWNERSHIP 25K MILES THE FINAL DRIVE FAILED WHILE I WAS RIDING. I THOUGHT THE REAR WHEEL WAS FALLING OFF. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE BIKE STOPPED WITHOUT INCIDENT. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, NOT ONLY WAS THE REAR WHEEL LEANING TO ONE SIDE THE WHOLE REAR HALF OF THE MOTORCYCLE WAS COVERED WITH OIL, RESULTING IN NON WORKING REAR BRAKE AND A OIL COVERED TIRE AND WHEEL. BIKE WAS REPAIRED . BUY THE TIME I … Look up ODI 10346214 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 10353703 · 20,300 mi WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT IN TRAFFIC ON A HIGHWAY, I PULLED IN THE CLUTCH, PUT THE BIKE INTO GEAR AND THE BIKE MADE A LOUD, METALLIC GRINDING SOUND. THIS FAILURE ONLY HAPPENED ONCE IN THE TIME I HAVE OWNED THIS MOTORCYCLE (2 1/2 MONTHS); HOWEVER, IT WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE DRIVETRAIN THAT LEFT MY BIKE UNABLE TO TRAVEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER AND STRANDED ME IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY, FAST MOVING TRAFFIC. (THIS HAPPENED ON THE WEST SIDE HIGHWAY IN MANHATTAN.) FOR MY PERSONAL SAFETY AND TO PREVENT MY DISABLED MOTORCYCLE FROM CAUSING AN ACC… Look up ODI 10353703 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train:Manual Transmission	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.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10353703 · 20,300 mi WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT IN TRAFFIC ON A HIGHWAY, I PULLED IN THE CLUTCH, PUT THE BIKE INTO GEAR AND THE BIKE MADE A LOUD, METALLIC GRINDING SOUND. THIS FAILURE ONLY HAPPENED ONCE IN THE TIME I HAVE OWNED THIS MOTORCYCLE (2 1/2 MONTHS); HOWEVER, IT WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE DRIVETRAIN THAT LEFT MY BIKE UNABLE TO TRAVEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER AND STRANDED ME IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY, FAST MOVING TRAFFIC. (THIS HAPPENED ON THE WEST SIDE HIGHWAY IN MANHATTAN.) FOR MY PERSONAL SAFETY AND TO PREVENT MY DISABLED MOTORCYCLE FROM CAUSING AN ACC… Look up ODI 10353703 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 10229199 · 10 mi MOTORCYCLE SHIFTED FROM 1ST GEAR TO NEUTRAL AND CLUTCH RELEASED WHILE WAITING FOR LIGHT TO CHANGE. TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT INTO 1ST GEAR TO MOVE OFF WITH DEPARTING TRAFFIC, RESULTED IN TWO NEAR REAR END COLLISIONS WITH FOLLOWING CARS. RETURNED TO DEALER FOR 600MI RUN IN SERVICE, FAILURE OF MECHANIC TO PROPERLY REINSTALL THE ABS BRAKE SENSOR IN THE REAR WHEEL, PINCHED O-RING, CAUSED FINAL DRIVE OIL TO COAT REAR WHEEL, CAUSING PARTIAL LOSS OF CONTROL IN CORNER, NEAR HEAD ON IMPACT WITH OPPOSIT FLOW OF TRAFFIC. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER OWN… Look up ODI 10229199 at NHTSA ↗

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 System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings	Too few reports for a range	13,050 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10163423 · 6,100 mi QUICK DISCONNECT FUEL LINE FITTING FAILURE (FRACTURED FOR NO SPECIAL REASON WHILE RIDING MOTORCYCLE) WAS NOT DAMAGED OR MISUSED IN ANY WAY. GASOLINE WAS SPILLING ONTO HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER, BUT NO FIRE. JB Look up ODI 10163423 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10483202 · 20,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW R-SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SMELLED FUEL BEING EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE O-RING IN THE FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLING WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V028000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT… Look up ODI 10483202 at NHTSA ↗
Wheels	Too few reports for a range	10 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10229199 · 10 mi MOTORCYCLE SHIFTED FROM 1ST GEAR TO NEUTRAL AND CLUTCH RELEASED WHILE WAITING FOR LIGHT TO CHANGE. TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT INTO 1ST GEAR TO MOVE OFF WITH DEPARTING TRAFFIC, RESULTED IN TWO NEAR REAR END COLLISIONS WITH FOLLOWING CARS. RETURNED TO DEALER FOR 600MI RUN IN SERVICE, FAILURE OF MECHANIC TO PROPERLY REINSTALL THE ABS BRAKE SENSOR IN THE REAR WHEEL, PINCHED O-RING, CAUSED FINAL DRIVE OIL TO COAT REAR WHEEL, CAUSING PARTIAL LOSS OF CONTROL IN CORNER, NEAR HEAD ON IMPACT WITH OPPOSIT FLOW OF TRAFFIC. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER OWN… Look up ODI 10229199 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	Too few reports for a range	13,782 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10346910 · 20,600 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW R1150RT MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE CONNECTING SLEEVE TO THE FLUID LINE. IN ADDITION, FUEL BEGAN LEAKING ONTO THE HOT CYLINDER. THIS WAS THE SECOND INSTANCE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 25,300. UPDATED 10/21/10. *LJ UPDATED 10/26/10 Look up ODI 10346910 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10415941 · 6,964 mi WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (IN A WORK ZONE), FUEL BEGAN SPRAYING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. AFTER PULLING TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, GASOLINE CONTINUED TO LEAK ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST PIPES AND VAPORIZED INTO A CLOUD OF SMOKE. FORTUNATELY, THE LEAKING FUEL DID NOT IGNITE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED BMW REPAIR FACILITY WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE "MALE" SIDE OF THE FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLING HAD CRACKED. THE ORIGINAL PART IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC BUT … Look up ODI 10415941 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	Too few reports for a range	31,957 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10485434 · 31,000 mi CRACK IN THE FUEL PUMP CONTROLLER HOUSING RESULTING IN MINOR FUEL LEAK. *TR Look up ODI 10485434 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10485355 · 32,914 mi PROMPTED BY AN ARTICLE RELEASED REGARDING THIS VEHICLE MODEL'S FUEL PUMP/PUMP COVER OUTLET BOSS AND FITTING ASSEMBLY FRACTURING AND LEAKING FUEL I INSPECTED MINE. ABOUT 3/4 OF THE BOSS IS VISIBLE FOR INSPECTION. IT IS CRACKED IN SEVEN PLACES. CRACKS ARE VERTICAL, STARTING AT THE BOSS BASE TERMINATING AT IT'S RIM. THIS BIKE HAS ALWAYS HAD A SLIGHT SMELL OF FUEL THOUGH I'VE NEVER LOCATED THE SOURCE. AT THIS TIME I DON'T THINK I HAVE A LEAK AT THE PUMP BOSS (YET). THE LIGHT COAT OF DUST DOES NOT SHOW DISRUPTION BY FUEL RESIDUE. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT… Look up ODI 10485355 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	35,950 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10296924 · 43,000 mi CLUTCH TO TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT SPLINES FAILED ON MY 2002 BMW R1150RT MOTORCYCLE. SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER DUE TO FAILURE OF THE SPLINES WHICH CONNECT THE CLUTCH PLATE TO THE TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT. FORTUNATELY I WAS ON A SIDE STREET WHICH WASN'T BUSY AND NEAR HOME. NO ACCIDENT RESULTED DUE TO LOCATION WHERE FAILURE OCCURRED. *TR Look up ODI 10296924 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10447569 · 28,900 mi OPERATING UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITION AT SPEED BELOW 40 MPH. VEHICLE LOSS ALL POWER FROM ENGINE TO TRANSMISSION. ENGINE STILL OPERATES AND REVS NORMALLY, BUT NO ENGINE POWER IS TRANSFERRED TO TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION STILL SHIFT PROPER INTO EACH GEAR IN THE GEARBOX. VEHICLE TOWED TO MAIN LINE BMW MOTORCYCLE, DIAGNOSED WITH FAILURE OF CLUTCH AND DRIVE SHAFT SPLINE INTERFACE. CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT REPLACED, TRANSMISSION REBUILT UNDER VEHICLE FACTORY WARRANTY (2 YEAR/30,000 MI.). Look up ODI 10447569 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Driveline	Too few reports for a range	47,150 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10346214 · 74,000 mi BMW MOTORCYCLE FINAL DRIVE FAILURES. IN 2001 I PURCHASED A NEW BMW R1100RT. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR INTO OWNERSHIP 25K MILES THE FINAL DRIVE FAILED WHILE I WAS RIDING. I THOUGHT THE REAR WHEEL WAS FALLING OFF. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE BIKE STOPPED WITHOUT INCIDENT. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, NOT ONLY WAS THE REAR WHEEL LEANING TO ONE SIDE THE WHOLE REAR HALF OF THE MOTORCYCLE WAS COVERED WITH OIL, RESULTING IN NON WORKING REAR BRAKE AND A OIL COVERED TIRE AND WHEEL. BIKE WAS REPAIRED . BUY THE TIME I … Look up ODI 10346214 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10353703 · 20,300 mi WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT IN TRAFFIC ON A HIGHWAY, I PULLED IN THE CLUTCH, PUT THE BIKE INTO GEAR AND THE BIKE MADE A LOUD, METALLIC GRINDING SOUND. THIS FAILURE ONLY HAPPENED ONCE IN THE TIME I HAVE OWNED THIS MOTORCYCLE (2 1/2 MONTHS); HOWEVER, IT WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE DRIVETRAIN THAT LEFT MY BIKE UNABLE TO TRAVEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER AND STRANDED ME IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY, FAST MOVING TRAFFIC. (THIS HAPPENED ON THE WEST SIDE HIGHWAY IN MANHATTAN.) FOR MY PERSONAL SAFETY AND TO PREVENT MY DISABLED MOTORCYCLE FROM CAUSING AN ACC… Look up ODI 10353703 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Manual Transmission	Too few reports for a range	10,155 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10353703 · 20,300 mi WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT IN TRAFFIC ON A HIGHWAY, I PULLED IN THE CLUTCH, PUT THE BIKE INTO GEAR AND THE BIKE MADE A LOUD, METALLIC GRINDING SOUND. THIS FAILURE ONLY HAPPENED ONCE IN THE TIME I HAVE OWNED THIS MOTORCYCLE (2 1/2 MONTHS); HOWEVER, IT WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE DRIVETRAIN THAT LEFT MY BIKE UNABLE TO TRAVEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER AND STRANDED ME IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY, FAST MOVING TRAFFIC. (THIS HAPPENED ON THE WEST SIDE HIGHWAY IN MANHATTAN.) FOR MY PERSONAL SAFETY AND TO PREVENT MY DISABLED MOTORCYCLE FROM CAUSING AN ACC… Look up ODI 10353703 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10229199 · 10 mi MOTORCYCLE SHIFTED FROM 1ST GEAR TO NEUTRAL AND CLUTCH RELEASED WHILE WAITING FOR LIGHT TO CHANGE. TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT INTO 1ST GEAR TO MOVE OFF WITH DEPARTING TRAFFIC, RESULTED IN TWO NEAR REAR END COLLISIONS WITH FOLLOWING CARS. RETURNED TO DEALER FOR 600MI RUN IN SERVICE, FAILURE OF MECHANIC TO PROPERLY REINSTALL THE ABS BRAKE SENSOR IN THE REAR WHEEL, PINCHED O-RING, CAUSED FINAL DRIVE OIL TO COAT REAR WHEEL, CAUSING PARTIAL LOSS OF CONTROL IN CORNER, NEAR HEAD ON IMPACT WITH OPPOSIT FLOW OF TRAFFIC. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER OWN… Look up ODI 10229199 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	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	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

2005: 0 complaints · 2007: 3 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2005	0	0	0
2007	1	3	3

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2005	3	0	0
2007	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	Wheels:Rim	Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings	Wheels	Fuel System, Gasoline	Fuel/Propulsion System	Power Train	Power Train:Driveline	Power Train:Manual Transmission
Wheels:Rim	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Wheels	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10229199 · 10 mi MOTORCYCLE SHIFTED FROM 1ST GEAR TO NEUTRAL AND CLUTCH RELEASED WHILE WAITING FOR LIGHT TO CHANGE. TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT INTO 1ST GEAR TO MOVE OFF WITH DEPARTING TRAFFIC, RESULTED IN TWO NEAR REAR END COLLISIONS WITH FOLLOWING CARS. RETURNED TO DEALER FOR 600MI RUN IN SERVICE, FAILURE OF MECHANIC TO PROPERLY REINSTALL THE ABS BRAKE SENSOR IN THE REAR WHEEL, PINCHED O-RING, CAUSED FINAL DRIVE OIL TO COAT REAR WHEEL, CAUSING PARTIAL LOSS OF CONTROL IN CORNER, NEAR HEAD ON IMPACT WITH OPPOSIT FLOW OF TRAFFIC. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER OWN… Look up ODI 10229199 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Power Train	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Power Train:Driveline	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 10353703 · 20,300 mi WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT IN TRAFFIC ON A HIGHWAY, I PULLED IN THE CLUTCH, PUT THE BIKE INTO GEAR AND THE BIKE MADE A LOUD, METALLIC GRINDING SOUND. THIS FAILURE ONLY HAPPENED ONCE IN THE TIME I HAVE OWNED THIS MOTORCYCLE (2 1/2 MONTHS); HOWEVER, IT WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE DRIVETRAIN THAT LEFT MY BIKE UNABLE TO TRAVEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER AND STRANDED ME IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY, FAST MOVING TRAFFIC. (THIS HAPPENED ON THE WEST SIDE HIGHWAY IN MANHATTAN.) FOR MY PERSONAL SAFETY AND TO PREVENT MY DISABLED MOTORCYCLE FROM CAUSING AN ACC… Look up ODI 10353703 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Manual Transmission	0	0	1 ODI 10229199 · 10 mi MOTORCYCLE SHIFTED FROM 1ST GEAR TO NEUTRAL AND CLUTCH RELEASED WHILE WAITING FOR LIGHT TO CHANGE. TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT INTO 1ST GEAR TO MOVE OFF WITH DEPARTING TRAFFIC, RESULTED IN TWO NEAR REAR END COLLISIONS WITH FOLLOWING CARS. RETURNED TO DEALER FOR 600MI RUN IN SERVICE, FAILURE OF MECHANIC TO PROPERLY REINSTALL THE ABS BRAKE SENSOR IN THE REAR WHEEL, PINCHED O-RING, CAUSED FINAL DRIVE OIL TO COAT REAR WHEEL, CAUSING PARTIAL LOSS OF CONTROL IN CORNER, NEAR HEAD ON IMPACT WITH OPPOSIT FLOW OF TRAFFIC. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER OWN… Look up ODI 10229199 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	1 ODI 10353703 · 20,300 mi WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT IN TRAFFIC ON A HIGHWAY, I PULLED IN THE CLUTCH, PUT THE BIKE INTO GEAR AND THE BIKE MADE A LOUD, METALLIC GRINDING SOUND. THIS FAILURE ONLY HAPPENED ONCE IN THE TIME I HAVE OWNED THIS MOTORCYCLE (2 1/2 MONTHS); HOWEVER, IT WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE DRIVETRAIN THAT LEFT MY BIKE UNABLE TO TRAVEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER AND STRANDED ME IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY, FAST MOVING TRAFFIC. (THIS HAPPENED ON THE WEST SIDE HIGHWAY IN MANHATTAN.) FOR MY PERSONAL SAFETY AND TO PREVENT MY DISABLED MOTORCYCLE FROM CAUSING AN ACC… Look up ODI 10353703 at NHTSA ↗	—

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

2 patterns with matching reports.

Fuel smell or leak mentions

4 mentions · 15.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 31,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10135594

Look up ODI 10135594 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10483202 · 20,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW R-SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SMELLED FUEL BEING EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE O-RING IN THE FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLING WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V028000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT…

Look up ODI 10483202 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10485434 · 31,000 mi

CRACK IN THE FUEL PUMP CONTROLLER HOUSING RESULTING IN MINOR FUEL LEAK. *TR

Look up ODI 10485434 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 7.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 24,982 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10296924 · 43,000 mi

Look up ODI 10296924 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10415941 · 6,964 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (IN A WORK ZONE), FUEL BEGAN SPRAYING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. AFTER PULLING TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, GASOLINE CONTINUED TO LEAK ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST PIPES AND VAPORIZED INTO A CLOUD OF SMOKE. FORTUNATELY, THE LEAKING FUEL DID NOT IGNITE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED BMW REPAIR FACILITY WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE "MALE" SIDE OF THE FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLING HAD CRACKED. THE ORIGINAL PART IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC BUT …

Look up ODI 10415941 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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