RoadVitals

2014 BMW R 1200 RT

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 14V320000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
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 Jan 29, 2025
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.
2
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 2014 BMW R 1200 RT, most frequently naming the fuel system, suspension and driver assistance categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 36 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 system228.6%
  • Suspension228.6%
  • Driver assistance114.3%
  • Electrical114.3%
  • Engine114.3%

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

2 campaigns 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
14V320000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

SUSPENSION

Jun 12, 2014
950 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 R1200 RT motorcycles manufactured November 27, 2013, to May 5, 2014. The affected vehicles have a Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) rear shock absorber. The piston rod within the rear shock absorber can break without warning, causing loss of stability.
The risk: If the piston rod breaks it will cause loss of stability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Dynamic ESA shock absorber, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in July 2014. Owners may contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-525-7417. Note: Owners are advised not to ride their motorcycles until they have been remedied.
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 Jan 29, 2025

I have a 2014 R1200RT that is leaking fuel because of a warped fuel tank. VIN: [XXX] My dealer tells me that this was a problem on my years RT and that this can only be fixed by replacing the fuel tank. I was told that ethanol was probably the culprit in taking this tank down so quickly. I was also told that BMW redesigned the tank to alleviate the problem and that replacing the old tank with the redesigned one would take care of this. BMW Motorrad is not offering to replace this as the warranty is only for 3 years or 36,000 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11639294
Incident
Jan 10, 2020
Engine
Filed Aug 18, 2023

Motorcycle went into "limp mode" while riding.

NHTSA ID
11539398
Incident
Aug 16, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Feb 23, 2021

I BOUGHT THIS NEW AND I HAVE ALWAYS SMELLED GAS ESPECILLY AFTER A FILL UP. I RECENTLY HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES VERY HARD WHILE TRAVELLING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND FUEL CAME OUT THROUGH THE GAS CAP EVEN THOUGH THE GAS CAP WAS PROPERLY SECURED.

NHTSA ID
11397504
Incident
Oct 15, 2020
Mileage
9,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Oct 8, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW R1200 RT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, A SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS COMPLETED TO IMPROVE THE GEAR SHIFT ASSISTANT PRO FEATURE. AFTER THE SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED, THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH BEFORE DEACTIVATING THE CRUISE CONTROL TO DECREASE THE SPEED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD ERRONEOUSLY TURN ON INCREASING THE SPEED OF THE MOTORCYCLE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 120 MILES OF DRIVING, THE MOTORCYCLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,120....UPDATED 02/03/16 *BF INVALID 4/17/18*JB *TR

NHTSA ID
10780727
Incident
Oct 1, 2015
Mileage
18,120 mi
Suspension
Filed Jul 9, 2014

6/11 RECEIVE EMAIL FROM BMW ADVISING "STOP RIDE". 6/23 RECEIVE EMAIL FROM BMW ADVISING OF 4 REMEDIES. QUICKLY LEARN THAT DEALERSHIP CANNOT PERFORM LOANER BIKE OPTION AND DEALER REFUSES TO HONOR TRADE-IN OPTION. 6/25 I EMAIL BMW ADVISING I AM SELECTING BUYBACK OPTION. 6/26 RECEIVE EMAIL FROM BMW REQUESTING DOCUMENTATION (BILL OF SALE AND COPY OF TITLE). 6/27 RECEIVED EMAIL FROM BMW CONFIRMING RECEIPT OF DOCUMENTATION. I ALSO TELEPHONED CUSTOMER SERVICE (CS) AND RECEIVED VERBAL CONFIRMATION THEY RECEIVED DOCUMENTATION. I WAS ADVISED I WOULD BE CONTACTED AND RECEIVE REPURCHASE AGREEMENT WITHIN 3-5 DAYS. AS OF 7/9 I STILL HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY ANYONE. I HAVE CALLED CS 5 MORE TIMES AND HAVE EMAILED CS TWICE. IT APPEARS CS FILTERS CALLS IN COLUMBUS, OH, BUT THE " DECISION MAKER" (MARK) IN NEW JERSEY DOES NOT RESPOND TO EMAILS OR TELEPHONE CALLS (VOICEMAILS LEFT). LAST PHONE CALL TO CS RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT PROCESS TAKES 6-8 WEEKS. IT APPEARS THAT EVEN THOUGH BMW HAS PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED REMEDIES PURSUANT TO RECALL, BMW IS NOT FULLY HONORING AFOREMENTIONED REMEDIES, NOR FULFILLING CHOSEN BUYBACKS IN A TIMELY MANNER. BMW ADVISES THAT CUSTOMERS ELECTING BUYBACK WILL RECEIVE COMPENSATION WITHIN 30 DAYS OF AGREEMENT; HOWEVER, THERE APPEARS TO BE NO TIME RESTRAINTS FOR RECEIVING SAID AGREEMENT (POSSIBLY EXTENDING COMPLETION IN HOPES OF HAVING CUSTOMERS ELECT A REPAIR IF/WHEN IT IS ANNOUNCED). *TR

NHTSA ID
10609193
Incident
Jun 11, 2014
Mileage
883 mi
Suspension
Filed Jun 18, 2014

ON JUNE 5TH 2014 BMW ISSUED A STOP RIDE NOTICE FOR ALL 2014 R1200 RTS WITH DYNAMIC ESA. SINCE THEN BMW HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO PRODUCE A LOANER VEHICLE NOR A DATE WHEN THE AFFECTED PART WILL BE REPLACED. SO AT THIS POINT MY PRIMARY VEHICLE IS A $25,000. PIECE OF GARAGE ART. THE ESTIMATED DATE FOR PARTS SHIPMENT IS 3 TO 4 MONTHS! *TR

NHTSA ID
10599067
Incident
Jun 5, 2014
Mileage
1,285 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.

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.

M660122

BACK OVER PREVENTION; BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA; BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

The options in the Reversing Assist Camera menu are greyed out and cannot be adjusted.

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
2014Viewing620
2013610
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.