RoadVitals

2003 BMW K Series

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.
6
Latest Oct 5, 2013
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.
1
Latest Jan 15, 2004
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.
1
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 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 BMW K Series, most frequently naming the fuel system, powertrain (other) and suspension categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 3 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 system342.9%
  • Powertrain (other)342.9%
  • Suspension114.3%

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

1 campaign cover this model year

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
04V028000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Jan 15, 2004
39,000 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE O-RING IN FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLING COULD BECOME DAMAGED AND LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK. THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM INVOLVING CRIMP-TYPE HOSE CLAMPS, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST ALL CRIMP-TYPE HOSE CLAMPS. ALSO, ALL FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLINGS WILL BE INSPECTED. IF A LEAK IS DETECTED, THE QUICK-DISCONNECT O-RING WILL BE REPLACED. IF DAMAGED, THE COUPLING WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE03054ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

FUEL LINE LEAKAGE

Opened Dec 1, 2003
Closed Jan 23, 2004

BMW IS CONDUCTING A RECALL (04V-028).AN INFORMATION REQUEST(IR)RESPONSE WAS NOT RECEIVED. UPON BMW'S RECEIPT OF THE IR, AND AFTER DISCUSSIONS WITH ODI, BMWDETERMINED THAT A RECALL WAS NECESSARY. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE O-RING CONTAINED WITHIN THE FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLING COULD BECOME DAMAGED.FURTHER, THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM INVOLVING CRIMP-TYPE HOSE CLAMPS, WHICH CAN ALSO RESULT IN A SMALL FUEL LEAK.DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, ADJUST ALL CRIMP-TYPE HOSE CLAMPS.ALSO ALL FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLINGS WILL BE INSPECTED.IF A LEAK IS DETECTED, THE QUICK-DISCONNECT O-RING WILL BE REPLACED.IF DAMAGED, THE COUPLING WILL BE REPLACED.OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2004.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSLed to recall 04V028000

Recent owner complaints

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

Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 5, 2013

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, A NOISE STARTED COMING FROM THE DRIVE TRAIN OF THE BIKE. AT THE SAME TIME THERE WAS A SMALL VIBRATION COMING FROM THE SAME LOCATION. IT COULD BE FELT IN THE SEAT AND FOOTPEGS. AS I WAS ONLY A FEW MILES FROM HOME I CHECKED EVERYTHING WHICH COULD BE CHECKED WITHOUT TAKING ANYTHING APART. EVERYTHING THING WAS FINE INCLUDING THE WHEELS AND TIRES. ALL SEEMED TO BE TIGHT. THERE WAS NO FLUID LEAKS COMING FROM THE BIKE. AS I FOUND THIS UNSUA,L AND WAS AWARE OF THE DRIVELINE PROBLEMS WITH THIS MODEL BIKE, I DECIDED TO CONTACT THIS SITE. I REALLY DO NOT WANT TO RIDE THE BIKE ANY FURTHER UNTIL I FIND THE PROBLEM. THE LAST THING I NEED IS TO HAVE A MAJOR MALFUNCTION FAILURE WHILE OPERATING THE BIKE. I HAVE BEEN RIDING BIKES SINCE I WAS 16, AND NOW I'M 63. I RODE MOTORCYCLES FOR THE MANCHESTER, NH POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND I'M FAMILIAR WITH THE MECHANICALS OF THESE UNITS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10546834
Incident
Oct 4, 2013
Mileage
49,990 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 8, 2012

CROWN GEAR FAILURE IN THE PARALEVER FINAL DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10447116
Incident
Jul 10, 2010
Mileage
35,116 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 6, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW K1200 RS MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE DISCOVERED FUEL SPRAYING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT LOCATED A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V028000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR THE FAILURE UNDER THE RECALL BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST BECAUSE THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BUT THE COUPLING WAS ONLY INSPECTED FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ID
10394429
Incident
Apr 6, 2011
Mileage
80,000 mi
Powertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Sep 15, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW K 1200 LTE . THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE AND THE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID. THE REAR WHEEL SUDDENLY UNLOCKED AND THE CONTACT GAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED UNDRIVABLE SO THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME. THE NOISE WAS DUE TO A BUSTED RING AND PINION CAUSING GREASE TO SPILL ON TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT HE NOTICED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL REGARDING THE RING AND PINION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 01/14/11 *BF THE REAR SEAL FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE REAR DRIVE GEAR TO LOSE LUBRICATION. UPDATED 03/28/11

NHTSA ID
10355723
Incident
Sep 12, 2010
Mileage
54,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 10, 2009

BMW K1200LT MOTORCYCLE. QUICK DISCONNECTS (PLASTIC) ON FUEL LINES DETERIORATE AND LEAK FUEL. VERY DANGEROUS. NO FIRE BUT COULD HAVE BEEN ONE. WHEN FUEL LEAKS IT SPRAYS OVER RIGHT LEG AND FOOT. I WILL REPLACE WITH BRASS FITTINGS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10279895
Incident
Aug 9, 2009
Mileage
19,900 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 21, 2004

RECALL # 04V028000 AS OF TODAY 3/21/2004 MY BMW DEALER HAS NO INFORMATION ON THIS RECALL NOR HAVE I RECEIVED ANY NOTICE FROM BMW. MY DEALER WILL NOT PERFORM RECALL. BMW OF SALT LAKE CITY. I HAVE A FUEL SMELL ON COLD START. NO LEAK SEEN. *JB

NHTSA ID
10062720
Incident
Mar 20, 2004
Mileage
855 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

SIB-63-02-01

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM

SIB-16-02-09

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING OR DELIVERY UNIT (SUCTION JET ASSEMBLY) DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. IN SOME CASES, EPC DOES NOT SHOW THAT THE REPAIR KIT IS AVAILABLE SEPARATELY IN THE ILLUSTRATION, BUT IT IS AVAILABLE IN THE PARTS DESCRIPTION. ALL MODELS. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

SB-00-021-07

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

BMW MOTORCYCLE: ENGINE FUELS CONTAINING ETHANOL. BMW MOTORRAD HAS NO OBJECTION TO THE USE OF SI ENGINE FUELS CONTAINING UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 10% ETHANOL AND IMPOSES NO WARRANTY RESTRICTIONS. ETHANOL MIXTURES IN PROPORTIONS HIGHER THAN 10% CAN HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON PERFORMANCE AND CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO COMPONENTS THAT COME INTO CONTRACT WITH FUEL. NO WARRANTY CLAIMS WHATSOEVER FOR DAMAGE CAUSED IN THIS WAY WILL BE ACCEPTED. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

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 K Series by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2004511—
2003Viewing611—
2002210—
2001111—
2000001—
1997000—
1994200—
1988001—
1987101—
1986001—
1985001—
1984001—
1983001—
1982001—
1981001—

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.