RoadVitals

2015 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.
10
Latest Dec 14, 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.
4
Latest Mar 21, 2018
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, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 BMW R 1200 Gs, most frequently naming the brakes, suspension and driver assistance categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 41 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

  • Brakes430.8%
  • Suspension323.1%
  • Driver assistance215.4%
  • Steering17.7%
  • Engine17.7%
  • Electrical17.7%
  • Other / unspecified17.7%

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

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

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
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
17V481000

EQUIPMENT

Jul 28, 2017
47,775 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2017 F800R and F800GT motorcycles, 2014-2018 R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, 2016-2017 S1000XR motorcycles and 2015-2017 R1200R and R1200RS, 2008-2012 F650GS, 2008-2018 F800GS, and 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure motorcycles. When equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blocked. The aluminum case mounts for the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure may also partially block the reflectors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install reflectors on the cases or for the case mounts, an additional bracket with rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 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 10
Brakes
Filed Dec 14, 2024

It is not clear which brake component is failing. It seems to be either the master cylinder or the ABS control module, but nothing seems to be conclusive. The failure alters the power of and force required to apply the rear brakes, changing the riding characteristics of the motorcycle that could lead to serious injury or miscalculations in application of both front a rear brakes to minimize stopping distance. Apparently the component has been inspected by the manufacturer, however there has been no concrete solution that would guarantee a permanent solution. There are no warning lamps or visual indicators to prepare riders that the rear brakes may be compromised or dysfunctional. There have been multiple incidents of this failure from new.

NHTSA ID
11630748
Incident
Dec 14, 2024
BrakesOther / unspecified
Filed Aug 10, 2023

While riding the 1200GS yesterday, the rear brake calliper somehow came off! Has anyone encountered such a problem before. After the caliper came off, it got stuck in the wheel spokes and completely shattered the spokes and wheels. I was very lucky not sure how the wheels did not completely jam or freeze as this would have been deadly. I as was on a freeway with cars travelling over 70-MPH! Luckily enough motorists behind me and in other lanes observed what had happened and provided me space to pull over.

NHTSA ID
11537784
Incident
Jul 10, 2023
Brakes
Filed Apr 10, 2023

Rear brake pedal gets soft and braking performance is lost. Feels like air is getting into the system. Bleeding the brake fixes the problem, but it comes back after a few thousand miles. Seems this isn't an isolated icindent based on forum information: https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/bmw-r1200gs-lc-rear-brake-failures.1264712/ https://www.gs-forum.eu/threads/umfrage-wer-ist-von-luft-im-hinteren-bremskreis-betroffen.153022/

NHTSA ID
11516417
Incident
Jan 1, 2023
Brakes
Filed Jul 10, 2018

REAR BRAKE REQUIRES MORE AND MORE TRAVEL UNTILL IT HIT THE STOP..NO REAR BRAKE. BLEEDING BRAKE SOLVES FOR A MONTH OR TWO, THEN CYCLE BEGINS AGAIN. BMW SAYS BLEED BRAKES EVERY 2 YEARS, I HAVE TO DO IT AT LEAST EVERY OIL CHANGE (6000 MILES). DEALER IS AWARE OF PROBLEM, HAS NO SOLUTION

NHTSA ID
11110571
Incident
Sep 30, 2015
Mileage
7,000 mi
Driver assistanceSuspension
Filed Jun 5, 2018

CONTROL BUTTONS ON LEFT HANDLEBAR FAILING AFFECTING CRUISE CONTROL, SUSPENSION SETTINGS, AND RIDE MODE WHICH AFFECTS ENGINE PERFORMANCE. BUTTON FAILURES OCCUR JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND WHEN MOTORCYCLE IS IN OPERATION AND SUSPENSION AND ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEMS ARE OPERATIONAL.

NHTSA ID
11100023
Incident
Apr 1, 2018
Mileage
21,200 mi
Suspension
Filed Sep 26, 2017

BMW MOTORCYCLE RECALL CAMPAIGN 17V-438 - FRONT FORK. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM BMW IN AUGUST 2017 AND SENT THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE WARRANTY/RECALL REPAIR CONDUCTED. THE MOTORCYCLE HAS BEEN AT MORTON'S BMW IN FREDERICKSBURG, VA SINCE 09 SEPTEMBER AND BMW HAS STILL NOT SENT THE DEALER THE REPAIR PARTS. I SENT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA A DETAILED EMAIL ON 24 SEPTEMBER AND THEY HAVE YET TO RESPOND AND EXPLAIN WHY THEY WILL NOT FIX MY MOTORCYCLE WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME.

NHTSA ID
11030033
Incident
Sep 9, 2017
Mileage
5,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Sep 6, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW R1200 GS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V438000 (SUSPENSION) 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. AN UNKNOWN BMW DEALER OF MANHATTAN, NEW YORK WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11021750
Incident
Aug 1, 2017
Steering
Filed Jun 23, 2017
Crash reported1 injury reported

WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON A NATIONAL FOREST ROAD THE FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSED CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND CRASH AND CAUSING INJURY MANUFACTURE REPLACED EVERYTHING UNDER WARRANTY NO DEFINITION TOO WHY PART FAILED

NHTSA ID
11000810
Incident
Sep 1, 2016

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.

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.

MC55297495

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle battery not charged despite the battery charger being connected to the on-board socket (manufactured before 2009)Headlights and rear lights light up intermittently despite the ignition being switched off and the battery charger being connected to the on-board socket.

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
2015Viewing104048.1
2014145046.9
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.