RoadVitals

2013 BMW R 1200 RT

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.
6
Latest Oct 24, 2022
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 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 BMW R 1200 RT, most frequently naming the fuel system, powertrain (other) and driver assistance categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 40 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 system333.3%
  • Powertrain (other)222.2%
  • Driver assistance111.1%
  • Electrical111.1%
  • Exterior lighting111.1%
  • Suspension111.1%

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

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
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

Recent owner complaints

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

Fuel system
Filed Oct 24, 2022

The throttle body has plastic pulleys for the throttle flapper cam. These plastic parts fail. My motorcycle lost power in freeway traffic and I nearly was ran over by traffic when this part failed.

NHTSA ID
11490555
Incident
Oct 14, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Jun 24, 2021

The contact owns a 2013 BMW R 1200. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V060000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. A local dealer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that they were awaiting parts from the manufacturer vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11422132
Incident
Apr 11, 2021
Powertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Jul 17, 2019

RIGHT-SIDE SWINGARM PIVOT PIN BOLTS LOOSEN

NHTSA ID
11232827
Incident
Jul 17, 2019
Mileage
34,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Sep 4, 2017

FUEL PUMP FLANGE CRACKED, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKING DOWN THE SIDE OF THE BIKE AND ONTO HOT COMPONENTS WHILE RIDING OR AT IDLE. SAFETY HAZARD AND FIRE HAZARD POSSIBLY RESULTING IN FIRE AND PERSONAL INJURY.

NHTSA ID
11021369
Incident
Sep 4, 2017
Mileage
23,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 16, 2017

WHILE RIDING MOTORCYCLE THERE WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE U-JOINT/DRIVE SHAFT CAUSING THE MOTORCYCLE TO STOP WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. REAR WHEEL SUBSEQUENTLY LOCKED UP. DAMAGE WAS CAUSED TO THE SWING ARM BY THE DRIVE SHAFT. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS SMOKING DUE TO THE HEAT CREATED. OVER $3100. IN DAMAGES. THIS IS THE SECOND BMW MOTORCYCLE I'VE OWNED THAT THE SAME CATESTROPHIC FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON. I HAVE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS I'D BE HAPPY TO SHARE.

NHTSA ID
11005583
Incident
Jul 3, 2017
Mileage
79,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Sep 27, 2013

LEFT SIDE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH FAILURE (INOP. SEVERAL FUNCTIONS-TURN SIGNAL, CRUISE CONTROL, HIGH/LOW BEAM LIGHTS AND INFO.DISPLAY) CAUSED TOTAL LOSS OF LOW/HIGH BEAM LIGHTS WHILE RIDING AT NIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10545747
Incident
Sep 9, 2013
Mileage
1,200 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.

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.

SIB610321

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

BATTERY EMPTY DESPITE CHARGER.

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 RT by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2019000—
2018200—
2017200—
2016100—
2015300—
2014620—
2013Viewing610—
2012111030.3
2011203048.0
2010830—
2009365043.5
2008325254.8
2007525252.4
2006546250.7
2005325253.2
2004100—
2003000—

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.