RoadVitals

2009 BMW R 1200 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.
30
Latest Nov 29, 2024
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.
5
Latest Aug 10, 2020
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.
3

Overview

Our database contains 30 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 BMW R 1200 Gs, most frequently naming the fuel system, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 61 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

  • Electrical615.4%
  • Powertrain (other)615.4%
  • Engine25.1%
  • Other / unspecified25.1%
  • Suspension25.1%
  • Driver assistance12.6%

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

5 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

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Aug 10, 2020
16,926 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

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

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Mar 11, 2015
43,426 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.
The risk: If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. 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 Nov 29, 2024

While attempting to pass a car on the highway, the engine suddenly lost power, forcing me into a perilous maneuver to reach the breakdown lane at highway speed. Following vehicle recovery and upon further inspection, I discovered that both plastic throttle body cam pulleys had broken in half, completely disabling throttle control. There were no warning lights or symptoms indicating this failure was imminent. In my research to fix the issue, I found that this problem is more common than I realized and poses a serious safety risk.

NHTSA ID
11628004
Incident
Sep 7, 2024
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 2, 2024

Throttle cable pulleys made of plastic have cracks. Catastrophic failure will eventually occur with zero warning, causing total loss of power. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11612152
Incident
Sep 2, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Sep 22, 2023
Fire reported

The contact owns a 2009 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V471000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after a short ride, the contact had made a stop and ran into a machine shop. The contact had parked (P) the vehicle and left it on. When the contact returned after a few minutes he saw that the vehicle had caught fire, the engine was still running. The location of the fire was from the gasoline tank and fuel pump assembly. The contact extinguished the fire using a large extinguisher available in the shop. The fire department was not called. The contact towed the vehicle to his motorcycle shop. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11546013
Incident
Jun 6, 2023
Mileage
36,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Jul 26, 2023
Fire reported

The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The person who was riding the motorcycle at the time escaped from being burned! He put it out the fire with a fire extinguisher, bike looks totaled, confirmed by the Dealer. I brought the motorcycle to the BMW dealership in Kansas City it has been inspected. but not by the manufacture yet. no police report was made. No warning lamps or messages or symptoms just burst into flames!

NHTSA ID
11534609
Incident
Jun 7, 2023
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Jul 18, 2023
Fire reported

Hello I would like to open a case on a fire recall :VIN wb10313089zu47089 2009 BMW 1200gs Motorcycle , The motorcycle did start on fire casing much burn damage at the fuel line , needed the update fuel line and pump update. Rider was able to escape the flames and get a fire extinguisher and put out the fire ! I called BMW of north America , at first they said take it to the Dealer for a inspection it should be fixed at no charge. Made appointment for the 7-20-23 at BMW of Kansas City , Then they called me back said it was not covered because the last owner failed to take it in for the 2nd fire recall new updated fix so they are not responsible , I will keep you updated after the 20th of July , Thanks Randall McGowen , 40211 E Boswell Rd , Lone Jack, MO ( 816-699-1089) p.s. I am a retired GM master tech , seen many fire safety recalls , it defiantly sprayed fuel from the defective part to start the fire , luckily no one was burned!

NHTSA ID
11533136
Incident
Jun 7, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Feb 1, 2019

I WAS DRIVING MY MOTORCYCLE WHEN I NOTICED A GAS LEAK COMING FROM THE FITTING WHERE THE FUEL LINE GOES INTO THE FUEL PUMP ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE GAS TANK. THIS CAUSED GAS TO DRIP DIRECTLY ONTO THE LEFT SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE. IN THE PAST I HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE PLASTIC QUICK RELEASE FUEL LINE CRACKING WHERE IT SCREWED INTO THE FUEL PUMP (SAME LOCATION) AND DRIPPING GAS DIRECTLY ONTO THE LEFT EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHEN RIDING IT. I REPLACED THE PLASTIC QUICK RELEASE FUEL FITTING WITH A METAL ONE FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURER TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. CHECKING WITH OTHERS ONLINE, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT BOTH OF THESE ISSUES ARE KNOWN, COMMON PROBLEMS ON THIS MODEL.

NHTSA ID
11173602
Incident
Jan 12, 2019
Mileage
10,700 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 31, 2018

MULTIPLE FUEL STRP FAILURES, RESULTING IN LOSS OF FUEL RELATED WARNINGS.

NHTSA ID
11114771
Incident
Jun 12, 2018
Mileage
12,500 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 6, 2018

THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE CONNECTION IS CRACKED AND LEAKING FUEL. THERE ARE MULTIPLE PICTURES VIDEOS AND THREADS REGARDING RECALLS FOR THE EXACT SAME FUEL LEAK THAT I AM EXPERIENCING ON THE INTERNET. HOWEVER WHEN I CALLED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA THEY TELL ME THAT MY MOTORCYCLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. CLEARLY THIS TYPE OF FUEL LEAK REPRESENTS A FIRE HAZARD AND DIRECT LIFE SAFETY ISSUE. MY QUESTION IS HOW CAN MY PARTICULAR MOTORCYCLE BE EXCLUDED FROM THIS WELL PUBLICIZED BMW RECALL SITUATION ?? FORTUNATELY I DISCOVERED THE FUEL LEAK IN MY GARAGE AND NOT WHILE GOING 70 MPH DOWN THE INTERSTATE

NHTSA ID
11083669
Incident
Apr 3, 2018
Mileage
23,000 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.

SIB330222

POWER TRAIN

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

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 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2019000
2018420
2017340
2016124047.5
2015104048.1
2014145046.9
2013116042.5
2012102045.8
2011740
2010840
2009Viewing305051.7
2008329256.7
2007427256.5
20069102
2005519254.8
2004430

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.