RoadVitals

2013 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.
11
Latest Oct 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.
6
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 11 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 BMW R 1200 Gs, most frequently naming the fuel system, powertrain (other) and body & structure categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 113 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 system654.5%
  • Powertrain (other)218.2%
  • Body & structure19.1%
  • Driver assistance19.1%
  • Suspension19.1%

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

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

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
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
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

View all 11
Fuel system
Filed Oct 29, 2024

Riding at freeway speeds fuel system is spilling out fuel down both sides of the engine. I smelled strong fuel smell while riding but was unable to stop until almost home. At home inspected bike and discovered leak even while at idle but have not dug in to identify exact leak location. having it trailered into BWM repair facility when appointment available. I do not see a recall for my make year and model of 1200 GS but it does fall in the years listed as a concern?

NHTSA ID
11622437
Incident
Oct 26, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 BMW R 1200 GS Motorcycle. The contact stated while riding at 70 MPH, there was an abnormal clanking sound coming from the motorcycle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately pulled over to inspect the motorcycle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact started to slowly exit the highway, the drive shaft, rear drive, and swing arm failed and fractured apart with the rear wheel locking up. Due to the failure, the contact had the motorcycle towed to a dealer where the failure was confirmed. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

NHTSA ID
11603471
Incident
Jul 9, 2024
Mileage
46,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 7, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 BMW R 1200. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the fuel pump failed and leaked fuel all over the motorcycle and onto the contact. The contact was able pull the motorcycle off the highway and with the assistance of his son; the motorcycle was loaded onto a trailer and taken to a dealer. The dealer was notified about the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed that he would be notified when parts became available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 33,169. Parts distribution disconnect. The contact stated that the part needed was finally available and was replaced.

NHTSA ID
11455569
Incident
Feb 9, 2022
Mileage
33,169 mi
Suspension
Filed Jun 26, 2020

LEAKS DETECTED ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FORKS/SUSPENSION. REQUIRES REPLACING THE FORK SEALS AND REBUILDING THE FORKS WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE HAS LESS THAN 26,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ID
11331078
Incident
Jun 16, 2020
Mileage
26,021 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 26, 2020

DEALER NOTIFIED ME THAT A "FLOATING SHAFT" EXISTS IN THE GEARBOX, MEANING THE SHAFT MOVES BACK AND FORTH AXIALLY, AS OPPOSED TO RADIALLY. THIS IS TYPICALLY CAUSED BY INCORRECT TORQUE PROCEDURES OR A DESIGN FLAW TO THE NUT HOLDING THE CLUTCH BASKET ON THE SHAFT. THE NUT WOULD LOOSEN, AND CAUSES THE SHAFT TO START MOVING BACK AND FORTH. CATASTROPHIC FAILURE COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY AS IT CAN LOCK THE REAR WHEEL DURING HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN TRAFFIC. THE "FLOATING SHAFT" ISSUE IS DUE TO NO FAULT OF THE RIDER/OWNER. APPARENTLY, THIS SAME ISSUE HAS OCCURRED ON MANY OTHER MODELS OF BMW MOTORCYCLES BELOW 30K MILES, AND BMW MOTORRAD USA ON MANY OCCASIONS HAVE NOT PROVIDED A NEW GEARBOX FOR OTHER OWNERS. *TR

NHTSA ID
11331074
Incident
Jun 25, 2020
Mileage
26,021 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 18, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW R1200 GS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE A FUEL STATION, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL LEAK ON THE FUEL PUMP. THE CONTACT ALSO SMELLED A FUEL ODOR. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V617000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW MOTORCYCLES OF ESCONDIDO (LOCATED AT 499 N HALE AVE, ESCONDIDO, CA 92029, (760) 520-1288) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. *LN*JB*CW*JB

NHTSA ID
11269361
Incident
Sep 10, 2019
Mileage
40,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 8, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW R 1200 GS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL AND NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE IT TO A BMW DEALER. BMW MOTORCYCLES OF UTAH (339 9000 S, SANDY, UT 84070, (801) 618-2700) WAS CONTACTED TO SCHEDULE A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 1-15753758911. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V617000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

NHTSA ID
11242615
Incident
Aug 2, 2019
Mileage
66,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jun 1, 2019

MY 2013 BMW R1200GS HAD A FRAME FAILURE WHERE THE FRONT SUSPENSION/HANDLE BARS ARE MOUNTED TO. FRAME TORE AT THE TRIPLE TREE MOUNT ON A BIKE USED AS A COMMUTER FOR 54K. THE BIKE WAS AT IDLE ON THE DRIVEWAY AND FELL. THE ONLY POINT OF CONTACT WAS THE ENGINE GUARD. THE FORCE OF ME PICKING UP THE BIKE BY THE HANDLE BARS WAS THE LAST AMOUNT NEEDED TO TEAR THE ALREADY FATIGUED FRAME. I WAS FORTUNATE IT DID FALL THAT DAY, HAD IT NOT AND I RODE IT I WOULDN'T BE HEAR TODAY TO WRITE THIS. *JS

NHTSA ID
11217318
Incident
Apr 21, 2019
Mileage
54,000 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
2013Viewing116042.5
2012102045.8
2011740—
2010840—
2009305051.7
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.