U.S. public vehicle records

Bmw R1200C recalls by model year

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

43 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

15,616 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1998 to 2003 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 26 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

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.

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

1998: 2; 1999: 1; 2000: 1; 2001: 0; 2002: 0; 2003: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Bmw R1200C model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
1998	14	2	Not available
1999	4	1	-1
2000	4	1	0
2001	3	0	-1
2002	5	0	0
2003	13	0	0

Recall history

3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

01V217000 · Structure:Frame And Members

Reported: 2001-06-26 (June 26, 2001) · Model years: 1998, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH CHROME-PLATED FRAMES. COPPER RESIDUE CAN REMAIN IN THE TAPPED HOLE WHERE THE UPPER FORK BRIDGE ATTACHES TO THE FRAME. MOISTURE CAN CAUSE CORROSION TO OCCUR BETWEEN THE COPPER RESIDUE AND THE ALUMINUM FRAME. THE STRESS OF THE CONNECTING BOLT ATTACHING THE UPPER FORK TO THE FRAME COULD THEN DECREASE, LEADING TO LOOSENING, AND ULTIMATELY, BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT.

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENED, THE DYNAMIC STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD BE AFFECTED AND A LOSS OF CONTROL COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REAM THE HOLE IN THE FRAME HEAD AND INSTALL A HELICOIL THREAD INSERT AND A NEW BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 13, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117, OPTION #4.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

97V134000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported: 1997-08-08 (August 8, 1997) · Model years: 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE ADJUSTING SCREW FOR THE PRESSURE POINT OF EITHER THE BRAKE OR CLUTCH LEVERS MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY TIGHT, DUE TO GREASE CONTAMINATION OF THE THREADS.

Consequence: THE SCREW(S) CAN BACK OUT OVER TIME WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED CAUSING A CHANGE IN THE PRESSURE POINT OF THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE CLUTCH AND/OR FRONT BRAKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE ADJUSTMENT SCREWS OF THE FRONT BRAKE AND CLUTCH LEVERS FOR MOVEMENT. IF THE SCREWS ARE TIGHT, NO FURTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN. IF A SCREW IS FOUND TO BE LOOSE, IT WILL BE REMOVED, CLEANED AND REINSTALLED WITH NEW LOCTITE.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

00V289000 · Seats:Motorcycle

Reported: 2000-10-02 (October 2, 2000) · Model years: 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE SEAT BACKREST CAN BE ADJUSTED TO TWO POSITIONS, HORIZONTAL OR VERTICAL. IN THE HORIZONTAL POSITION, THE BACKREST ACTS AS A SEAT CUSHION FOR A REAR PASSENGER. IN THE VERTICAL POSITION, IT IS USED AS A BACKREST FOR THE DRIVER. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE LEAF SPRING MOUNTING BRACKET, IF OVERLOADED WITH THE BACKREST IN THE VERTICAL POSITION, TO CRACK OR BREAK.

Consequence: IF THE BRACKET WERE TO BREAK, THE BACKREST WOULD DETACH FROM ITS MOUNT, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE HIS BALANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BACKREST WITH ONE CONTAINING THE ORIGINAL-DESIGN MOUNTING BRACKET.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

43 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

60.5%Usable mileage26 / 43 records

93.0%Valid incident date40 / 43 records

100.0%Valid filing date43 / 43 records

93.0%Ordered incident and filing dates40 / 43 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	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003
Power Train	17.1% ODI 10449767 · 63,000 mi THE FINAL DRIVE STARTED LEAKING GEAR OIL ALL OVER MY REAR DISC BRAKE AND REAR TIRE AND RIM. IT IS UNSAFE TO RIDE LIKE THIS. *TR Look up ODI 10449767 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10375760 · 55,945 mi I WAS PROCEEDING SOUTHBOUND ON US HWY 17 SOUTH OF ORANGE PARK, FL, WHEN I OBSERVED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS WERE BLINKING, INDICATING A BRAKE FAILURE. AS I SLOWED DOWN FOR AN UPCOMING TRAFFIC LIGHT AT CLAY COUNTY ROAD 209, I COULD HEAR A CRUNCH-CRUNCH-CRUNCH GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FINAL DRIVE AT THE REAR, AND I NOTICED THAT I HAD NO BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AT THE REAR WHEEL. I PULLED INTO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT AND EXAMINED THE REAR WHEEL, BRAKES, AND FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY. THERE HAD BEEN A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FINAL DRIVE UNIT,… Look up ODI 10375760 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 10469710 · 77,349 mi HAVING SUFFERED MY FIRST FINAL DRIVE FAILURE 30,000 MILES AGO, KNEW I WAS FEELING THE SAME GRINDING VIBRATION THROUGH MY SEAT AS THE PREVIOUS FAILURE. NO CHOICE BUT TO RIDE THE 55 MILES HOME. AFTER THE CYCLE COOLED, I PULLED THE FINAL DRIVE DRAIN PLUG AND OUT OOZED A SILVERY, SLURRY MIXTURE....REMNANTS OF THE FINAL DRIVE BEARINGS. WHILE I AM THRILLED MY CYCLE BROUGHT ME HOME, IT WAS A BIT HARROWING AS IT FEELS AS IF THE REAR WHEEL WAS GOING TO FALL OFF! PRONOUNCED WOBBLE OF THE TIRE/WHEEL, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS SECURELY BOLTED TO THE HUB. BMW HAS … Look up ODI 10469710 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 10446551 · 29,963 mi MY FINAL DRIVE HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AT 29,963 MILES ON 12/18/08. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CROWN GEAR OR BEARINGS DETERIORATED, CHEWED UP THE SEALS, AND CAUSED GEAR OIL TO LEAK ONTO MY REAR WHEEL. A BMW DEALER REBUILT THE DRIVE USING OEM PARTS, AND IT FAILED AGAIN AT 32,164 MILES ON 6/25/09. IT WAS REBUILT A 2ND TIME AND RECENTLY FAILED A 3RD TIME ON 9/29/11 AT 47,647. THIS TIME I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW FINAL DRIVE FROM BMW IN GERMANY FOR ALMOST $1400 RATHER THAN REBUILDING AGAIN, HOWEVER, I'M AFRAID ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. LAST TIME I… Look up ODI 10446551 at NHTSA ↗	323.1% ODI 10446560 · 24,000 mi AN ALL TOO COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FINAL DRIVES IN OUR R1200C'S AND R1200CL'S IS THE DREADED FINAL DRIVE FAILURE. MOST OF US WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS, FIRST NOTICED EITHER A LATERAL WOBBLE OF THE REAR WHEEL, DROPS OF FLUID ON OUR REAR WHEELS, AND/OR FLUID STAINS SPRAYED RADIALLY ON THE REAR TIRE. WELL, I TOOK A 600 MILE JAUNT LAST WEEKEND TO MAKE SURE THE BIKE COULD HANDLE THE NEW TOURING BAGS AND THE T-BAG I BOUGHT. THE TRIP WAS GREAT - NEAR QUINCY, CA. WHEN I GOT HOME, I NOTICED SOME OIL SPOTS ON THE RIGHT REAR BAG, THE HORROR OF HORRORS,… Look up ODI 10446560 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	321.4% ODI 10014423 · 600 mi MY BMW 1998 R1200 C, HAD OIL LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE SEALS SINCE AT LEAST 300 MILES. THE BIKE WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 1998. I COMPLAINED OF A BLUE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE, BUT THE OWNER OF THE STORE TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL FOR BMW'S. THE TAILLIGHT BROKE ON THE BIKE AND WERE REPLACED BY BMW, BUT I WAS TOLD BY THE OWNER THAT I COULD NOT CLAIM ANY OTHER PROBLEMS ON THE MOTORCYCLE. BMW HAS OFFERED TO PAY FOR HALF OF THE LABOR COST TO REPAIR THE BIKE, BUT NOT THE FULL COST. THE CURRENT NEW OWNER OF THE SHOP SAID THAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN … Look up ODI 10014423 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10023659 · 500 mi CRACKING TAIL LIGHT BEZEL AND TURN SIGNAL STALKS REPEATEDLY. *JB Look up ODI 10023659 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	321.4% ODI 10014423 · 600 mi MY BMW 1998 R1200 C, HAD OIL LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE SEALS SINCE AT LEAST 300 MILES. THE BIKE WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 1998. I COMPLAINED OF A BLUE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE, BUT THE OWNER OF THE STORE TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL FOR BMW'S. THE TAILLIGHT BROKE ON THE BIKE AND WERE REPLACED BY BMW, BUT I WAS TOLD BY THE OWNER THAT I COULD NOT CLAIM ANY OTHER PROBLEMS ON THE MOTORCYCLE. BMW HAS OFFERED TO PAY FOR HALF OF THE LABOR COST TO REPAIR THE BIKE, BUT NOT THE FULL COST. THE CURRENT NEW OWNER OF THE SHOP SAID THAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN … Look up ODI 10014423 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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal	17.1% ODI 898192 FRONT AND REAR SIGNAL LIGHTS KEEP BREAKING OFF ON BOTH SIDES UNDER NORMAL WEAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES.*AK Look up ODI 898192 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10086460 · 4,850 mi THE RIGHT REAR TURN SIGNAL HOUSING BROKE AND THE SIGNAL FAILED WITHOUT WARNING OR ANY CLEAR CAUSE. HAD TO REPLACE IT AND DO NOT HAVE THE OLD PART.*AK Look up ODI 10086460 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 10023659 · 500 mi CRACKING TAIL LIGHT BEZEL AND TURN SIGNAL STALKS REPEATEDLY. *JB Look up ODI 10023659 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner	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.	360.0% ODI 8013664 WHILE RIDING BACKREST FELL OFF.*AK Look up ODI 8013664 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	17.1% ODI 10384009 · 25,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW R1200C. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH AND TRYING TO DECELERATE, HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE FAILING. HE PLACED THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 25,000. UPDATED 03/29/11 BF UPDATED 08/15/11 Look up ODI 10384009 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10375760 · 55,945 mi I WAS PROCEEDING SOUTHBOUND ON US HWY 17 SOUTH OF ORANGE PARK, FL, WHEN I OBSERVED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS WERE BLINKING, INDICATING A BRAKE FAILURE. AS I SLOWED DOWN FOR AN UPCOMING TRAFFIC LIGHT AT CLAY COUNTY ROAD 209, I COULD HEAR A CRUNCH-CRUNCH-CRUNCH GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FINAL DRIVE AT THE REAR, AND I NOTICED THAT I HAD NO BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AT THE REAR WHEEL. I PULLED INTO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT AND EXAMINED THE REAR WHEEL, BRAKES, AND FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY. THERE HAD BEEN A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FINAL DRIVE UNIT,… Look up ODI 10375760 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	17.7% ODI 10446616 · 29,500 mi I HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN ODI NO. 10439549. THE LEAK OF OIL CAUSED THE SIDE OF THE TIRE TO BECOME FOULED,AND THE BRAKE WAS HEAVILY COATED AS WELL. I STOPPED AND HAD THE MOTORCYCLE TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE A NEW SET OF BRAKE PADS WERE REQUIRED, AS WELL AS THE REAR BEARING AND SEALS. *KB Look up ODI 10446616 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	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.	323.1% ODI 10030164 WHILE DRIVING MOTORCYCLE'S STABILITY IS HARD TO MAINTAIN, IT ALWAYS PULLS TO THE RIGHT, DEALER HAS INSPECTED MOTORCYCLE AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. BMW, MODEL R1200CLC , 2003.*AK Look up ODI 10030164 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	17.1% ODI 10023744 TAIL LIGHT ASSY KEEPS CRACKING ON THE UPPER LEFT BOLT, I AM ON MY 4TH TAIL LIGHT AND IT IS ALSO BROKEN. ON THE SAME ASSY THE TURN LIGHT STALKS CAN BRAKE OFF AND JUST HANG BY THE WIRES, THIS HAS HAPPEN TWICE TO ME. ON THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL THE LEFT TURN LIGHT BROKE OFF AND WAS HANGING BY THE WIRES, THIS HAS HAPPEN TWICE TO ME AND IS STILL BROKEN AT THIS TIME, TEMP FIX WITH A HOSE CLAMP. *NLM Look up ODI 10023744 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 10664201 · 16,000 mi THE REAR TAIL LIGHT/ TURN LIGHT WAS DEFECTIVELY DESIGNED AND/OR MADE THE DEFECT WAS SO WIDESPREAD AND RECOGNIZED AD SUCH BY BME THAT IT PRECIPITATED BMW MAKING A " NEW AND IMPROVED " VERSION OF THE TAIL- LIGHT TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY. HOWEVER INSTEAD IF REPLACING THUS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT FOR FREE IN RECOGNITION OF THE DEFECT BME INSTEAD WANTS APPROXIMATELY $500 JUST FOR THE PART! THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS AND EXPLOITIVE. THE FAILURE OF A REAR TAIL-LIGHT / TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY POSES AN OBVIOUS SAFETY RISK WITH A CLEAR POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE INJURY/ FATA… Look up ODI 10664201 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.

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
Power Train	29,732–64,500 mi	55,945 mi	7	ODI 10449767 · 63,000 mi THE FINAL DRIVE STARTED LEAKING GEAR OIL ALL OVER MY REAR DISC BRAKE AND REAR TIRE AND RIM. IT IS UNSAFE TO RIDE LIKE THIS. *TR Look up ODI 10449767 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10375760 · 55,945 mi I WAS PROCEEDING SOUTHBOUND ON US HWY 17 SOUTH OF ORANGE PARK, FL, WHEN I OBSERVED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS WERE BLINKING, INDICATING A BRAKE FAILURE. AS I SLOWED DOWN FOR AN UPCOMING TRAFFIC LIGHT AT CLAY COUNTY ROAD 209, I COULD HEAR A CRUNCH-CRUNCH-CRUNCH GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FINAL DRIVE AT THE REAR, AND I NOTICED THAT I HAD NO BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AT THE REAR WHEEL. I PULLED INTO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT AND EXAMINED THE REAR WHEEL, BRAKES, AND FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY. THERE HAD BEEN A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FINAL DRIVE UNIT,… Look up ODI 10375760 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10469710 · 77,349 mi HAVING SUFFERED MY FIRST FINAL DRIVE FAILURE 30,000 MILES AGO, KNEW I WAS FEELING THE SAME GRINDING VIBRATION THROUGH MY SEAT AS THE PREVIOUS FAILURE. NO CHOICE BUT TO RIDE THE 55 MILES HOME. AFTER THE CYCLE COOLED, I PULLED THE FINAL DRIVE DRAIN PLUG AND OUT OOZED A SILVERY, SLURRY MIXTURE....REMNANTS OF THE FINAL DRIVE BEARINGS. WHILE I AM THRILLED MY CYCLE BROUGHT ME HOME, IT WAS A BIT HARROWING AS IT FEELS AS IF THE REAR WHEEL WAS GOING TO FALL OFF! PRONOUNCED WOBBLE OF THE TIRE/WHEEL, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS SECURELY BOLTED TO THE HUB. BMW HAS … Look up ODI 10469710 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	Too few reports for a range	3,940 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10014423 · 600 mi MY BMW 1998 R1200 C, HAD OIL LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE SEALS SINCE AT LEAST 300 MILES. THE BIKE WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 1998. I COMPLAINED OF A BLUE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE, BUT THE OWNER OF THE STORE TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL FOR BMW'S. THE TAILLIGHT BROKE ON THE BIKE AND WERE REPLACED BY BMW, BUT I WAS TOLD BY THE OWNER THAT I COULD NOT CLAIM ANY OTHER PROBLEMS ON THE MOTORCYCLE. BMW HAS OFFERED TO PAY FOR HALF OF THE LABOR COST TO REPAIR THE BIKE, BUT NOT THE FULL COST. THE CURRENT NEW OWNER OF THE SHOP SAID THAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN … Look up ODI 10014423 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10028405 · 7,280 mi I 0WN A 1998 BMW R1200C CRUISER MOTORCYCLE, I BOUGHT IT NEW. MY TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY WICH INCLUDES BRAKE LIGHT AND BLINKERS CREATES A CRACK ON THE LEFT SIDE CAUSING THE ASSEMBLY TO EVENTUALLY CRACK IN TWO PARTS LOOSING THE LEFT BLINKER ASSEMBLY. I HAVE REPLACED THIS FAULTY PART ONCE BEFORE 2 YEARS AND APPROXIMENTLY 3000 MILES AGO. MY MOTORCYCLE WAS OUT OF WARENTY SO IT COST ME $180.00 FOR A NEW PART PLUS INSTALLATION. THE NEW PART IS CRACKED AGAIN. AK Look up ODI 10028405 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10458472 · 27,600 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW R1200C MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH WHEN THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 27,600. UPDATED 07/06/12 BF UPDATED 07/16/12. JB Look up ODI 10458472 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Too few reports for a range	4,400 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10014423 · 600 mi MY BMW 1998 R1200 C, HAD OIL LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE SEALS SINCE AT LEAST 300 MILES. THE BIKE WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 1998. I COMPLAINED OF A BLUE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE, BUT THE OWNER OF THE STORE TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL FOR BMW'S. THE TAILLIGHT BROKE ON THE BIKE AND WERE REPLACED BY BMW, BUT I WAS TOLD BY THE OWNER THAT I COULD NOT CLAIM ANY OTHER PROBLEMS ON THE MOTORCYCLE. BMW HAS OFFERED TO PAY FOR HALF OF THE LABOR COST TO REPAIR THE BIKE, BUT NOT THE FULL COST. THE CURRENT NEW OWNER OF THE SHOP SAID THAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN … Look up ODI 10014423 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10074790 · 8,200 mi THE HOSE CONNECTING THE FUEL UNIT TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COLLAPSED, CAUSING IMMEDIATE LOST OF POWER. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AT COOS BAY, OREGON WHILE I WAS ON A MULTI-DAY TRIP. I HAD TO RENT A U-HAUL TRUCK TO TRANSPORT THE BIKE TO THE PORTLAND BMW DEALERSHIP. THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT TWO OTHER R1200C MOTORCYCLES WERE REPAIRED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM DURING THE PRIOR WEEK. THIS MAY BE THE SAME PROBLEM REPORTED BY ANOTHER COMPLAINT ODI ID# 537575.*AK Look up ODI 10074790 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal	Too few reports for a range	2,675 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10086460 · 4,850 mi THE RIGHT REAR TURN SIGNAL HOUSING BROKE AND THE SIGNAL FAILED WITHOUT WARNING OR ANY CLEAR CAUSE. HAD TO REPLACE IT AND DO NOT HAVE THE OLD PART.AK Look up ODI 10086460 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10023659 · 500 mi CRACKING TAIL LIGHT BEZEL AND TURN SIGNAL STALKS REPEATEDLY. JB Look up ODI 10023659 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Too few reports for a range	29,500 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10384009 · 25,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW R1200C. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH AND TRYING TO DECELERATE, HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE FAILING. HE PLACED THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 25,000. UPDATED 03/29/11 BF UPDATED 08/15/11 Look up ODI 10384009 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10375760 · 55,945 mi I WAS PROCEEDING SOUTHBOUND ON US HWY 17 SOUTH OF ORANGE PARK, FL, WHEN I OBSERVED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS WERE BLINKING, INDICATING A BRAKE FAILURE. AS I SLOWED DOWN FOR AN UPCOMING TRAFFIC LIGHT AT CLAY COUNTY ROAD 209, I COULD HEAR A CRUNCH-CRUNCH-CRUNCH GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FINAL DRIVE AT THE REAR, AND I NOTICED THAT I HAD NO BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AT THE REAR WHEEL. I PULLED INTO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT AND EXAMINED THE REAR WHEEL, BRAKES, AND FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY. THERE HAD BEEN A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FINAL DRIVE UNIT,… Look up ODI 10375760 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10446616 · 29,500 mi I HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN ODI NO. 10439549. THE LEAK OF OIL CAUSED THE SIDE OF THE TIRE TO BECOME FOULED,AND THE BRAKE WAS HEAVILY COATED AS WELL. I STOPPED AND HAD THE MOTORCYCLE TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE A NEW SET OF BRAKE PADS WERE REQUIRED, AS WELL AS THE REAR BEARING AND SEALS. *KB Look up ODI 10446616 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	Too few reports for a range	1 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10033225 · 1 mi BMW MOTORCYCLES MODEL YEAR 2003 MODEL # R12CL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT WHEEL ALIGNMENT/TRACKING PROBLEM SECONDARY TO A DESIGN DEFECT. BMW ARGUES THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR THIS MODEL AND REFUSES TOI ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. *AK THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL MANDATED. FOLLOWING IS A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM AS I DESCRIBED AND CONFIRMED IT WITH BMW. 2003 BMW R12CL [XXX] HAS TRACKING TO THE RIGHT PROBLEMS WHICH HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED BY BMW MASTER TECHNICIAN [XXX] AT DEALER 2049. FRONT AND REAR WHEEL FRAME GEOMETRY AND T… Look up ODI 10033225 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	16,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10664201 · 16,000 mi THE REAR TAIL LIGHT/ TURN LIGHT WAS DEFECTIVELY DESIGNED AND/OR MADE THE DEFECT WAS SO WIDESPREAD AND RECOGNIZED AD SUCH BY BME THAT IT PRECIPITATED BMW MAKING A " NEW AND IMPROVED " VERSION OF THE TAIL- LIGHT TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY. HOWEVER INSTEAD IF REPLACING THUS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT FOR FREE IN RECOGNITION OF THE DEFECT BME INSTEAD WANTS APPROXIMATELY $500 JUST FOR THE PART! THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS AND EXPLOITIVE. THE FAILURE OF A REAR TAIL-LIGHT / TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY POSES AN OBVIOUS SAFETY RISK WITH A CLEAR POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE INJURY/ FATA… Look up ODI 10664201 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
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
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 (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

2002: 4 complaints · 2003: 9 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2002	3	3	4
2003	7	8	9

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2002	5	0	0
2003	12	1	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	Power Train	Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal	Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Suspension	Exterior Lighting
Power Train	—	0	0	0	0	2 ODI 10375760 · 55,945 mi I WAS PROCEEDING SOUTHBOUND ON US HWY 17 SOUTH OF ORANGE PARK, FL, WHEN I OBSERVED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS WERE BLINKING, INDICATING A BRAKE FAILURE. AS I SLOWED DOWN FOR AN UPCOMING TRAFFIC LIGHT AT CLAY COUNTY ROAD 209, I COULD HEAR A CRUNCH-CRUNCH-CRUNCH GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FINAL DRIVE AT THE REAR, AND I NOTICED THAT I HAD NO BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AT THE REAR WHEEL. I PULLED INTO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT AND EXAMINED THE REAR WHEEL, BRAKES, AND FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY. THERE HAD BEEN A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FINAL DRIVE UNIT,… Look up ODI 10375760 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10446616 · 29,500 mi I HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN ODI NO. 10439549. THE LEAK OF OIL CAUSED THE SIDE OF THE TIRE TO BECOME FOULED,AND THE BRAKE WAS HEAVILY COATED AS WELL. I STOPPED AND HAD THE MOTORCYCLE TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE A NEW SET OF BRAKE PADS WERE REQUIRED, AS WELL AS THE REAR BEARING AND SEALS. *KB Look up ODI 10446616 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	0	—	1 ODI 10014423 · 600 mi MY BMW 1998 R1200 C, HAD OIL LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE SEALS SINCE AT LEAST 300 MILES. THE BIKE WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 1998. I COMPLAINED OF A BLUE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE, BUT THE OWNER OF THE STORE TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL FOR BMW'S. THE TAILLIGHT BROKE ON THE BIKE AND WERE REPLACED BY BMW, BUT I WAS TOLD BY THE OWNER THAT I COULD NOT CLAIM ANY OTHER PROBLEMS ON THE MOTORCYCLE. BMW HAS OFFERED TO PAY FOR HALF OF THE LABOR COST TO REPAIR THE BIKE, BUT NOT THE FULL COST. THE CURRENT NEW OWNER OF THE SHOP SAID THAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN … Look up ODI 10014423 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10023659 · 500 mi CRACKING TAIL LIGHT BEZEL AND TURN SIGNAL STALKS REPEATEDLY. *JB Look up ODI 10023659 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	0	1 ODI 10014423 · 600 mi MY BMW 1998 R1200 C, HAD OIL LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE SEALS SINCE AT LEAST 300 MILES. THE BIKE WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 1998. I COMPLAINED OF A BLUE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE, BUT THE OWNER OF THE STORE TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL FOR BMW'S. THE TAILLIGHT BROKE ON THE BIKE AND WERE REPLACED BY BMW, BUT I WAS TOLD BY THE OWNER THAT I COULD NOT CLAIM ANY OTHER PROBLEMS ON THE MOTORCYCLE. BMW HAS OFFERED TO PAY FOR HALF OF THE LABOR COST TO REPAIR THE BIKE, BUT NOT THE FULL COST. THE CURRENT NEW OWNER OF THE SHOP SAID THAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN … Look up ODI 10014423 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal	0	1 ODI 10023659 · 500 mi CRACKING TAIL LIGHT BEZEL AND TURN SIGNAL STALKS REPEATEDLY. *JB Look up ODI 10023659 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0	0
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	2 ODI 10375760 · 55,945 mi I WAS PROCEEDING SOUTHBOUND ON US HWY 17 SOUTH OF ORANGE PARK, FL, WHEN I OBSERVED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS WERE BLINKING, INDICATING A BRAKE FAILURE. AS I SLOWED DOWN FOR AN UPCOMING TRAFFIC LIGHT AT CLAY COUNTY ROAD 209, I COULD HEAR A CRUNCH-CRUNCH-CRUNCH GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FINAL DRIVE AT THE REAR, AND I NOTICED THAT I HAD NO BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AT THE REAR WHEEL. I PULLED INTO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT AND EXAMINED THE REAR WHEEL, BRAKES, AND FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY. THERE HAD BEEN A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FINAL DRIVE UNIT,… Look up ODI 10375760 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10446616 · 29,500 mi I HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN ODI NO. 10439549. THE LEAK OF OIL CAUSED THE SIDE OF THE TIRE TO BECOME FOULED,AND THE BRAKE WAS HEAVILY COATED AS WELL. I STOPPED AND HAD THE MOTORCYCLE TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE A NEW SET OF BRAKE PADS WERE REQUIRED, AS WELL AS THE REAR BEARING AND SEALS. *KB Look up ODI 10446616 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Suspension	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Exterior Lighting	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.

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 7.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 5,500 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 537575

HOSE CONNECTED TO ONE OF THE ENGINE CYLINDERS DISLODGED CAUSING IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER.

Look up ODI 537575 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 734658

LOW IDLE/STALLING/BLUE SMOKE AT STARTUP-ORIGINAL AND BMW REPLACED MOTORCYCLE

Look up ODI 734658 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10068016 · 5,500 mi

I OWN A 2002 BMW R1200C THAT HAD ABOUT 5500 MILES ON IT BEFORE THE FOLLOWING FAILURE; THE BEARING ON THE END OF THE CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER PISTON FAILED, SPINNING THE SLAVE CYLINDER PISTON IN IT'S BORE, BURNED THE BRAKE FLUID AND BLED ALUMINUM PARTICLES THROUGHOUT THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH CIRCUIT. THIS RENDERED THE CLUTCH LEVER INOPERABLE AND I COULD NO LONGER PUT THE MOTORCYCLE IN NEUTRAL. I HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND LET THE BIKE STALL IN GEAR, WHICH HAD A TENDENCY TO LOCK UP THE REAR TIRE. BMW FIXED THE PROBLEM UNDER WARR…

Look up ODI 10068016 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 55,945 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10375760 · 55,945 mi

I WAS PROCEEDING SOUTHBOUND ON US HWY 17 SOUTH OF ORANGE PARK, FL, WHEN I OBSERVED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS WERE BLINKING, INDICATING A BRAKE FAILURE. AS I SLOWED DOWN FOR AN UPCOMING TRAFFIC LIGHT AT CLAY COUNTY ROAD 209, I COULD HEAR A CRUNCH-CRUNCH-CRUNCH GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FINAL DRIVE AT THE REAR, AND I NOTICED THAT I HAD NO BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AT THE REAR WHEEL. I PULLED INTO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT AND EXAMINED THE REAR WHEEL, BRAKES, AND FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY. THERE HAD BEEN A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FINAL DRIVE UNIT,…

Look up ODI 10375760 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 15,231 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10072410 · 15,231 mi

FUEL LEAKED FROM FUEL DISTRIBUTION SPIDER DIRECTLY ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND ONTO THE REAR TIRE. DISCUSSED THE PROBLEM WITH THE DEALER WHO SAID THE MOTORCYCLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND CHARGED ME FOR THE PARTS NECESSARY TO FIX IT. UPDATED 04/19/06. *NM UPDATED 04/28/06. *NM

Look up ODI 10072410 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 55,945 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10375760 · 55,945 mi

Look up ODI 10375760 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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