RoadVitals

2012 BMW R 1200 Gs Adventure

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.
3
Latest Sep 15, 2020
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.
2
Latest Feb 8, 2021
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 3 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 BMW R 1200 Gs Adventure, most frequently naming the fuel system category. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 40 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 system3100.0%

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

2 campaigns 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
21V060000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Feb 8, 2021
20,963 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.
The risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
17E052000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Aug 21, 2017
9,000 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain accessory turn signals manufactured for 2006-2017 R1200GS, 2007-2008 and 2010-2017 R1200GS Adventure, 2017 F700GS and F800GS, 2013-2017 F800GT, 2015-2016 F800R, 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure, 2014-2016 S1000R, 2015-2017 R1200R, 2016-2017 R1200RS, and 2010-2017 S1000RR motorcycles. As designed, these accessory turn signals may be insufficiently visible to other drivers, and, as such, fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: If other drivers cannot easily see the turn signals, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the turn signals, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Fuel system
Filed Sep 15, 2020

FLANGE ON FUEL PUMP LEAKS. IT IS THE SAME FUEL PUMP ON THE SAME MODEL FOR 2011. SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THE 2012 MODEL.

NHTSA ID
11355230
Incident
Sep 2, 2020
Mileage
36,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 24, 2020

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 IMMEDIATELY SWITCH OFF THE ENGINE AND LET THE BIKE TO COOL OFF. THE FUEL LEAK WAS ENOUGH TO CREATE A SMALL PUDDLE ON THE FLOOR. CERTAINLY, IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE SHOULD HAVE I NOT NOTICED THAT.

NHTSA ID
11351040
Incident
Aug 22, 2020
Mileage
21,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 28, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID
11204226
Incident
Apr 28, 2019
Mileage
13,000 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.

MC330423

POWER TRAIN

Since October 2023, a new maintenance schedule is valid for all K5x models. For the first time, maintenance positions for the cardan shaft (Driveshaft) are included. NOTICE: 1. The new maintenance schedule is not limited to vehicles affected by the SI 33 02 22 (SERVICE ACTION: Swingarm Drain retrofit and Driveshaft Check), but is valid for all K5x models - including retroactively. In case of retroactive validity (model year 2023 and older), affected customers will be informed about the change. This will be in the form of a direct-to-customer letter with a description of the new maintenance schedule, specific owner’s manual insert, and consumer warranty book insert. 1. For vehicles affected by SI 33 02 22 (SERVICE ACTION: Swingarm Drain retrofit and Driveshaft Check), this service action must be performed first. All conditions described in this bulletin apply after the open Service Action has been completed. No additional communication is required for K5x models model year 2024 and onwards. Those models have the new maintenance schedule in their owner’s manual.

MC160214

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

BMW Motorrad USA has become aware of a potential durability issue with the film type fuel level sender “Fuel Strip” equipped on certain model year 2005 to 2013 R and K series motorcycles.

SIB330222

POWER TRAIN; POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts ofthe driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic conditions.

MC000222

SERVICE BRAKES

BMW Motorrad is aware of a number of cases in which the screw connections of the Paralever link and/or the rear brake caliper have loosened in customer vehicles while driving.

B650414

AIR BAGS; BACK OVER PREVENTION; LANE DEPARTURE; SEATS:BARRIERS

According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present. Or 2. ACSM fault code "930A1C - Front passenger seat occupancy detection transmitting fault(moisture)" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present.

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 R 1200 Gs Adventure by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2018100—
2017740—
2016040—
2015440—
2014250—
2013020—
2012Viewing320—
2011040—
2010240—
2009740—
2008188253.6
2007236254.4
2006552—
2005022—

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.