RoadVitals

2012 BMW R 1200 R

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 Aug 25, 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.
1
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 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 BMW R 1200 R, most frequently naming the fuel system, powertrain (other) and engine categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 33 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)216.7%
  • Engine18.3%
  • Visibility18.3%

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

1 campaign 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

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

Recent owner complaints

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

Fuel system
Filed Aug 25, 2020

THERE IS A RECALL ON FUEL PUMPS RECALL # 20V-471. MY FUEL PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AS IT IS FAILING. THE RECALL INCLUDES BIKES UP TO MODEL YEAR 2011. WHILE MY BIKE IS A 2012, IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2011 AND SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I HAVE ONLY 6000 MILES ON MY BIKE AND THE PART HAS FAILED WAY TO EARLY FOR IT NOT TO BE INCLUDED WITH THE RECALL. THANK YOU

NHTSA ID
11351191
Incident
Aug 17, 2020
Mileage
6,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jul 29, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW R1200 R. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE FUEL PUMP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA ID
11240472
Incident
Jul 2, 2019
Mileage
40,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Aug 12, 2018

LEFT SIDE MIRROR GLASS FELL OUT. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, THE LEF SIDE MIRROR GLASS FELL OUT. IT WAS HELD IN BY A FEW SMALL DABS OF SILICONE FROM THE FACTORY. ANOTHER DISAPPOINTMENT COURTESY OF BMW, NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. POOR DESIGN AND SHODDY WORKMANSHIP ARE THE CAUSE OF THE GLASS FALLING OUT UNDER NORMAL USE CONDITIONS. THE DATE BELOW IS A ROUGH ESTIMATE. I DO NOT HAVE THE RECEIPT WITH THE REPLACEMENT DATE HANDY AT THIS TIME. LACK OF THE LEFT MIRROR MADE LANE CHANGES LESS SAFE.

NHTSA ID
11119405
Incident
Apr 10, 2014
Mileage
6,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 12, 2018

STALLING ENGINE. I BOUGHT THE MOTORCYCLE NEW AND IT HAS HAD A STALLING PROBLEM SINCE IT WAS NEW AND CONTINUES UNTIL TODAY. THE ENGINE WILL STALL AT IDLE OR ON DECELERATION. AT ITS WORST IT WILL HESITATE AND SURGE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP AS WELL. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT THE ISSUE AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY RESOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. I MADE A COMPLAINT TO BMW CORPORATE REGARDING THE UNRESOLVED ISSUE AND PRESSURE WAS PLACED ON THE DEALER TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND THE DEALER EXPRESSED THEIR DISMAY WITH MY COMPLAINT TO CORPORATE. I PAYED FOR REPAIRS (WHILE UNDER WARRANTY) THAT DID NOT SOLVE THE STALLING PROBLEM. NOW THE MOTORCYCLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I DO NOT HAVE THE FINANCIAL MEANS TO KEEP FORKING MONEY OVER TO THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR NO RESULTS. I TRIED GOING THROUGH THE NORMAL CHANNELS TO REMEDY THIS PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITHOUT SUCCESS. I AM NOT SURE IF IT IS RELATED, BUT I TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE IN FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE WHEN IT WAS ONLY A MONTH OR TWO OLD. WHILE IT WAS GETTING THE OIL CHANGE AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS, IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE DEALER HELD IT FOR ABOUT A MONTH TRYING TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THEY SWAPPED ALMOST ALL OF THE MAJOR PARTS TRYING TO DIAGNOSE IT. WHEN I FINALLY GOT THE CALL TO PICK IT UP, THE DEALER DIDN'T TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. I WAS CURIOUS WHAT WENT WRONG ON A NEW BIKE WITH SUCH LITTLE USE. THE DEALER NEVER TOLD ME WHAT THE PROBLEM OR SOLUTION WAS AND ONLY SAID THAT ITS BACK ALIVE AND RUNNING AGAIN. AS MENTIONED EARLIER, I'M NOT SURE IF THE PROBLEMS ARE RELATED BUT I BELIEVE THEY MAY BE STEMMING FROM THE SAME GLITCH.

NHTSA ID
11119404
Incident
Feb 6, 2012
Mileage
600 mi
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 12, 2018

FUEL LEAK FROM BROKEN PLASTIC "QUICK DISCONNECT" FITTING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE. I NOTICED THE ISSUE WHEN I WAS RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE ON THE HIGHWAY AND RAW FUEL WAS SPRAYING ONTO MY LEG AND ONTO THE CYLINDER & CYLINDER HEAD OF THE ENGINE. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY INTO A GAS STATION TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK. AFTER REMOVING SOME PLASTIC TRIM/COVERS I FOUND THE SOURCE WAS THE PLASTIC 90 DEGREE FITTING HAD CRACKED. THE FUEL FITTING DID NOT FAIL DUE TO ANY IMPACT, TAMPERING OR ABUSE; IT IS IN A PROTECTED AREA AT THE LOWER EDGE OF THE FUEL TANK AND COVERED BY A PIECE OF PLASTIC TRIM. AFTER INSPECTING THE FAILED PART, I NOTICED HOW THIN THE PLASTIC IS AND HOW IT BROKE ON THE GROOVE (A STRESS RISER). I BELIEVE THE PART IS POORLY DESIGNED AND POSES A SERIOUS SAFETY AND FIRE HAZARD TO THE VEHICLE OPERATOR. IN MY OPINION, SUCH COMPONENTS SHOULD BE MADE OF HIGHER QUALITY MATERIAL SUCH AS STAINLESS STEEL FOR STRENGTH AND CORROSION RESISTANCE. AFTER CHECKING WITH THE BMW DEALER FOR A REPLACEMENT FITTING, I DECIDED TO REPLACE THE FUEL CONNECTOR WITH A BARBED 90 DEGREE STAINLESS STEEL FITTING TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF A RE-OCCURRENCE BECAUSE I BELIEVE THE BMW SUPPLIED PART TO BE FLAWED AND INHERENTLY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID
11119403
Incident
Aug 2, 2018
Mileage
35,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 3, 2016

MY FUEL GAUGE FAILED DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING "STRIP" - THIS IS COMMON ON MANY BMW MOTORCYCLE MODELS FROM 2004-2014. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE I RAN OUT OF FUEL ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THIS CREATED A DANGEROUS SITUATION.

NHTSA ID
10911142
Incident
Aug 26, 2016
Mileage
16,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jul 28, 2014

MOTORCYCLE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING ON HIGHWAY OFF RAMP. ENGINE WOULD CRANK, BUT NOT RESTART. FUEL GAUGE ON ELECTRONIC READOUT SHOWED 78 MILES UNTIL REFILL. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE FLASHING. PUT FUEL IN THE TANK, STARTED RIGHT UP. IN-TANK FUEL SENSOR IS FAULTY. *JS

NHTSA ID
10616753
Incident
Jul 27, 2014
Mileage
680 mi
Fuel system
Filed May 2, 2014

I HAD BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES AND HAD BEEN IN HEAVY STOP AND GO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES. MY FUEL GAUGE WENT FROM HALF TANK TO EMPTY WITH THE "LOW FUEL" WARNING LIGHT FLASHING BETWEEN. THIS HAPPENED BETWEEN GLANCES AT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. SINCE IT WAS A 90 DEGREE DAY AND IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC I WAS WATCHING THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE CLOSELY. THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE IS PART OF THE SAME CLUSTER AS THE FUEL GAUGE SO I KNOW THE CHANGE FROM A HALF TANK OF FUEL TO NO FUEL WAS ALMOST IF NOT INSTANTANEOUS. IT IS THE RESULT OF A BAD FUEL SENSOR IN THE FUEL TANK THAT IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS TYPE OF STRIP SENSOR. WITH HUNDREDS OF THESE SENSORS GOING BAD INSIDE THE FUEL TANK HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE ONE HAS A SERIOUS FAULT AND BLOWS UP THE FUEL TANK SITTING BETWEEN THE MOTORCYCLE RIDERS LEGS. NEVER SAY NEVER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10586139
Incident
May 1, 2014
Mileage
3,300 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.

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.

MC000521

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

One of the following situations can occur when connecting to BN2000 motorcycles: 1. The installed control units cannot be found when reading out with ISTA. 2. Control units initially communicate after connecting to the vehicle, but communication later stops.

MC610315

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BMW Motorrad has ascertained that in isolated cases the fuse for the voltage regulator is not correctly secured in the holder by the threaded fasteners.

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 R by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2019000
2018010
2017030
2016030
2015130
2014010
2013122042.2
2012Viewing101032.7
2011630
2010330
2009540
2008116248.1
2007762
2006112

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.