RoadVitals

2013 BMW F 800 Gs

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
10
Latest Jun 8, 2017
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Mar 21, 2018
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 BMW F 800 Gs, most frequently naming the fuel system, body & structure and brakes categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 23 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Fuel system861.5%
  • Body & structure215.4%
  • Brakes215.4%
  • Electrical17.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
18E016000

EQUIPMENT; VISIBILITY

Mar 21, 2018
1,571 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Accessory Windscreens, sold for installation on various motorcycles. Specifically being recalled is Windscreen model number 8531917, sold for use on model year 2012-2018 F700GS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8544629, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 R1200R motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8546224, sold for use on model year 2014-2018 S1000R motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8551929, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 S1000XR motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8554726, sold for use on model year 2013-2018 R1200GS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8554727 sold for use on model year 2014-2018 R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8556927, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 R1200RS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8559548, sold for use on model year 2017-2018 R1200GS motorcycles and Windscreen model number 8561755, sold for use on model year 2012-2018 F800GS motorcycles. These windscreens have extra tinting on them that may reduce the rider's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."
The risk: The darker windscreen can inhibit the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windscreen, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 10, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
17V481000

EQUIPMENT

Jul 28, 2017
47,775 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2017 F800R and F800GT motorcycles, 2014-2018 R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, 2016-2017 S1000XR motorcycles and 2015-2017 R1200R and R1200RS, 2008-2012 F650GS, 2008-2018 F800GS, and 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure motorcycles. When equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blocked. The aluminum case mounts for the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure may also partially block the reflectors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install reflectors on the cases or for the case mounts, an additional bracket with rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
14V065000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE:KICKSTAND/CENTER STAND

Feb 19, 2014
4,453 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 C 600 Sport, C 650 GT, F 700 GS, F 800 GS, F 800 GS Adventure, F 800 GT, R 1200 R and R1200 GS motorcycles. Water may enter the side-stand switch preventing the motorcycle from starting or potentially shutting off the motorcycle while it is being ridden.
The risk: An unexpected shutdown increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side-stand switch, free of charge. The recall began on April 8, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 10
BrakesFuel system
Filed Jun 8, 2017

CPSC:2013 BMW F800GS HAS AN ISSUE WHERE THE PLASTIC GAS TANK HAS CRACKED THREE TIMES. BMW REPLACES THE TANK UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THIS IS A TRUE HAZARD. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE MECHANICS CANNOT DETERMINE WHY THE REAR WHEEL AND BRAKES WOULD LOCK UP. UPDATED 06/13/2017*JS

NHTSA ID
10994668
Incident
Apr 28, 2017
BrakesFuel system
Filed Apr 28, 2017

BMW HAS MADE A DEFECTIVE GAS TANK FOR THIS MOTORCYCLE. IT CRACKS FREQUENTLY. THOUGH THEY WARRANTY THE TANK, IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I AM ON MY THIRD TANK. SECONDLY, THE REAR BRAKE CONTINUES TO LOCK UP FOR NO REASON. I HAVE HAD IT WITH THREE MECHANICS IN A YEAR AND NO ONE CAN FIX. IT LOCKED UP TODAY AS I WAS RIDING.

NHTSA ID
10981325
Incident
Apr 28, 2017
Mileage
3,075 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jul 27, 2016

UPON INSPECTION I SAW THE GAP AROUND THE FUEL TANK WAS CRACKED. NO MOVEMENT DURING INSPECTION

NHTSA ID
10889155
Incident
Jul 26, 2016
Mileage
6,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 19, 2016

MOTORCYCLE WAS BOUGHT NEW FROM A DEALERSHIP WITH A CRACK IN THE GAS TANK. IT WAS REPLACED AFTER PURCHASE UNDER WARRANTY. THE TANK IS BEGINNING TO CRACK ONCE AGAIN FOR THE SECOND TIME ABOUT A YEAR LATER. CRACKING FUEL TANKS POSES A RISK OF NOT ONLY GETTING STRANDED BUT POTENTIAL FUEL LEAKS AND SUBSEQUENT ASSOCIATED FIRES. THE CRACK OCCURS ALONG THE SEAM BY THE SEAT ALONG THE RIM OF THE FUEL TANK.

NHTSA ID
10850586
Incident
Apr 1, 2014
Mileage
10 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jun 9, 2014

MOTORCYCLE FUEL TANK HAS SEVERE CRACKS ON BOTH SIDES, IT APPEARS THAT ITS A DESIGN FLAW, BMW MOTORAD OF NORTH AMERICA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS ISSUE FOR AT LEAST 5 YEARS, TANKS HAVE BEEN REPLACED UNDER THE 3 YEAR BMW WARRANTY, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM APPEARS NOT BE GOING AWAY AND THE NEW PARTS CRACK ONLY A FEW MONTHS AFTER REPLACEMENT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10596978
Incident
Jun 8, 2014
Mileage
3 mi
Fuel system
Filed May 5, 2014

VEHICLE GAS TANK HAS CRACKED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS AFTER BEING REPLACED. SPLIT OCCURS UNDERNEATH SEAT OF MOTORCYCLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10586648
Incident
Oct 1, 2013
Mileage
400 mi
Fuel system
Filed Sep 20, 2013

STRESS, CRACKING ON RIGHT SIDE OF FUEL TANK. *TR

NHTSA ID
10544637
Incident
Aug 30, 2013
Mileage
400 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 14, 2013

WHILE RIDING ALONG A BUSY HIGHWAY (522) IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC THE ENGINE UNCONTROLLABLY AND REPEATEDLY DIED. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES THROUGHOUT A BRIEF OWNERSHIP AND HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE BMW DEALER WITHOUT RESOLVE OR ACCEPTANCE OF AN ISSUE. THE MOTORCYCLE HAS DIED WHILE IN TRAFFIC CHANGING LANES IN A BUSY SEATTLE AREA WITH THE REAR WHEEL TO LOCK UP AT 30MPH SKIDDING DUE TO THE COMPRESSION OF THE ENGINE. QUITE SCARY REALLY. ON THE INTERNET IT IS REPORTED BY MANY OWNERS AS BEING AN ISSUE AND HAS STATED THAT IT IS MOST LIKELY THAT THE FUEL PUMP OVER HEATS DUE TO THE CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE ENGINE IN WARM WEATHER AND SEIZES.SHUTTING OFF THE FUEL FLOW CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE. THIS SAME ENGINE IS USED ON A VARIETY OF SIMILAR MOTORCYCLES BUILT BY BMW. I THINK THIS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND IT WOULD BE A GREAT BIKE IF THIS ISSUE WAS FIXED.YOU KNOW THE RELIABILITY YOU EXPECT FROM BMW! *TR

NHTSA ID
10543583
Incident
Jul 1, 2009
Mileage
1,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

MC000521

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

One of the following situations can occur when connecting to BN2000 motorcycles: 1. The installed control units cannot be found when reading out with ISTA. 2. Control units initially communicate after connecting to the vehicle, but communication later stops.

MC55297495

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle battery not charged despite the battery charger being connected to the on-board socket (manufactured before 2009)Headlights and rear lights light up intermittently despite the ignition being switched off and the battery charger being connected to the on-board socket.

MC210221

POWER TRAIN

The clutch plates do not tolerate frequent and prolonged operation at the clutch friction zone, causing a shorter service life in motorcycles that see intensive use

B170318

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Butt connector for repairing a plug connection. The ?top up coolant? message is displayed in the central display (CC message ID 166). When checking the cooling system there are no leaks found and the expansion tank is filled to the proper level.

SIM010717

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW F 800 Gs by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025010—
2024000—
2019000—
2018010—
2017030—
2016020—
2015220—
2014120—
2013Viewing104042.0
2012420—
2011010—
2010420—
2009174040.6
2008140—
2007000—
2006000—
2005000—
2004000—
2003000—
2002000—
2001000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.