RoadVitals

2014 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.
14
Latest Jul 19, 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 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.
1
1 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 14 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2014 BMW R 1200 Gs, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), suspension and body & structure categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 56 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

  • Powertrain (other)422.2%
  • Suspension422.2%
  • Body & structure316.7%
  • Steering211.1%
  • Electrical15.6%
  • Engine15.6%
  • Fuel system15.6%
  • Driver assistance15.6%

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

View all 5

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 14
Fuel system
Filed Jul 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 BMW R1200 GS Motorcycle. The contact stated that while operating the motorcycle, the odor of fuel was present. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the motorcycle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA ID
11603321
Incident
Jul 19, 2022
Mileage
40,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Oct 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact stated that while parked, the front suspension passenger side fork tube had separated. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact referred to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V438000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 41,800.

NHTSA ID
11549685
Incident
Oct 10, 2023
Mileage
41,800 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 8, 2023
Crash reported1 injury reported1 death reported

The contact owned a 2014 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact stated while the contact's father was driving 25 MPH, the motorcycle unintendedly accelerated at high speed. The contact was unsure if any warning light illuminated, but it caused the contact's father to lose control of the motorcycle, and to avoid striking other vehicles, the contact struck a pole and a utility box. The contact's father stuffed severe injuries causing the contact's father to pass away. The contact’s father was wearing safety equipment. A police report was filed. The motorcycle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11520947
Incident
Apr 22, 2023
Brakes
Filed Sep 30, 2022

The contact owns a 2014 BMW R 1200 Motorcycle. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and emitted abnormal sounds and failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal until it responded. The contact was able to drive to his residence, where he noticed that the front forks were leaking oil onto the wheel and onto the brakes. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 30,400.

NHTSA ID
11487236
Incident
Sep 9, 2022
Mileage
30,400 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 20, 2022

Rear drive shaft universal joint failed causing the motorcycle to lose power to the rear wheel. If I had been in a turn when the motorcycle lost power, I could have lost control of the vehicle, and my passenger and myself may have crashed and been harmed or died. Per BMW: There have been a mounting number of instances where condensation within the hollow swingarm unit has caused corrosion to accumulate on the drive shaft and/o rear u-joint, creating issues that can include loss of power to the rear wheel. BMW has now a Service Action SA 0033130000, to correct the condensation. No inspection other than by me mechanic. No warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. Symptoms prior to the failure were a strange vibrating sensation and hum emitting from the rear of the bike. This began 2 days prior to the joint failure. I believe condensation in the swing arm caused the corrosion that led to the failure of the drive shaft rear universal joint.

NHTSA ID
11485484
Incident
May 16, 2020
Engine
Filed May 5, 2022

The motorcycle has a known flaw in the design of the cam and decompression mechanism in the right hand cylinder. The part has been redesigned, and BMW has in certain cases replaced the part for vehicles in and out of warranty. The BMW internal report designation associated with this flaw is INFO 772590. When riding my motorcyle, the flawed cam/decompression mechanism causes the engine to stumble and lose power at random. As a result, the engine loses power, increasing the risk of an accident and injury. I have asked that BMW replace the part. BMW NA referred me to the dealership. The dealership has refused to cover replacement.

NHTSA ID
11463481
Incident
May 3, 2022
Suspension
Filed May 6, 2017

FRONT FORKS OR STAUNCHIONS BEGAN TO SEPARATE AT THE TOP WHERE FORKS CONNECT TO HANDLEBARS. MY DEALER, BMW OF DENVER, WAS SERVICING THE BIKE IN FEB 2017 AND INFORMED ME OF THE ISSUE. THE STAUNCHIONS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY OR RISK THEM COMING APART AND POSSIBLY CRASH. BMW DID NOT WARRANTY ALTHOUGH THE BIKE WAS STILL COVERED UNDER THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY. I'M HEARING OF MANY OTHER STORIES OF THESE FORKS COMING APART.

NHTSA ID
10983854
Incident
Feb 28, 2017
Mileage
24,000 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed May 5, 2017

THE POOR DESIGN OF THE FORK STANCHIONS CAUSES THE FORK TUBE TO SEPARATE FROM THE FORK CAP. OVER TIME, THE FORK CAP WILL WORK ITS WAY OUT OF THE FORK TUBE CAUSING THE FORK TO SEPARATE FROM THE CAP WHERE IT MOUNTS TO THE TRIPLE TREE. AS IT WEARS, THE STEERING BECOMES IMPRECISE. A COMPLETE FAILURE WOULD RESULT IN COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THE PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED IN THE FOLLOWING THREAD: HTTP://ADVRIDER.COM/INDEX.PHP?THREADS/BOTH-INNER-FORK-TUBE-BROKEN-AT-FIRST-DAY-OF-RIDE-150-MILLE-OF-USE.1185036/ IN MY CASE, THE DEALER CAUGHT THE ISSUE BEFORE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND REPLACED THE PARTS, BUT I AM CONCERNED AS THE REPLACEMENT PARTS HAVE THE SAME FAULTY DESIGN AND COULD POTENTIALLY FAIL AGAIN.

NHTSA ID
10983736
Incident
Aug 15, 2016
Mileage
55,000 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.

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.

MC460521

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; STRUCTURE

Stress corrosion cracks may occur on the studs of certain milled footrests from the BMW Motorrad special accessories catalog for the GS models.

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
2014Viewing145046.9
2013116042.5
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.