NHTSA vehicle safety data

2006 BMW R 1200 RT Recalls & Complaints

The 2006 BMW R 1200 RT has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 54 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.

Includes campaigns NHTSA files under the spelling "R1200 RT".

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2006 BMW R 1200 RT. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2006 BMW R 1200 RT owner complaints

Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 BMW R 1200 RT, describing incidents dated August 27, 2006 to October 2, 2019.

Most-cited components

Fuel/Propulsion System 30 complaints
Power Train 15 complaints
Service Brakes 7 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 2 complaints
Wheels 2 complaints
Electrical System 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #11267990 · Filed October 11, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW R1200 RT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL COMING FROM THE FUEL PUMP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING OVER THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER…
ODI #11001490 · Filed June 26, 2017
THE FUEL STRIP THAT READS GASOLINE LEVEL IS DEFECTIVE. FIRST REPAIR LASTED LESS THAN 200 MILES. RECENT REPLACEMENT FAILED AS I MADE THE TURN OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP FROM THE LAST REPAIR.
ODI #10885480 · Filed July 18, 2016
WHILE DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON I-79 NEAR PITTSBURGH AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE REAR UNIVERSAL JOINT LET GO. THIS CAUSED THE MOTORCYCLE REAR WHEEL TO INTERMITTENTLY LOCK UP AND RELEASE. THE UNIVERSAL HAS NO MEANS TO LUBRICATE IT AND NO NOISE OR VIBRATION WAS HEARD OR FELT BEFORE FAILURE.

Read all 54 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2006 BMW R 1200 RT in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA13-006: Fuel Leak - Motorycle
Closed January 31, 2014
- Recall 13V-617
Preliminary Evaluation PE12-036: Fuel Leak - Motorcycle
Closed July 22, 2013

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Fuel Pump Flange may Leak

NHTSA #20V471000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported August 10, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 16,926 vehicles

Repair completion: 58.36% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified January 18, 2021

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Rear Wheel Mounting Flange may Crack

NHTSA #15V141000 · Wheels — Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs · NHTSA notice

Reported March 11, 2015 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 43,426 vehicles

Repair completion: 60.91% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified May 7, 2015 · Vehicles built January 27, 2005 – March 29, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.

Safety consequence

If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fuel Pump Flange may Leak

NHTSA #13V617000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported December 12, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 50,184 vehicles

Repair completion: 59.33% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified April 16, 2014 · Vehicles built January 7, 2005 – April 13, 2011 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

ABS INTERVENTION

NHTSA #06V164000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · NHTSA notice

Reported May 15, 2006 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Potentially affected: 13,200 vehicles

Owners notified June 5, 2006 · Vehicles built September 1, 2005 – December 31, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, UNDER RAPID, REPEATED, AND UNUSUALLY HARSH BRAKING, LOSS OF ABS CAPABILITY COULD TEMPORARILY OCCUR.

Safety consequence

TEMPORARY LOSS OF ABS BRAKING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL ADD A PHYSICAL RESTRICTION, IN THE FORM OF A BANJO BOLT WITH A FLOW RESTRICTOR TO THE BRAKE LINE, AND ON CERTAIN MODELS DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT BRAKE DISCS OF A SLIGHTLY LARGER THICKNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2006, AND WILL BE A PHASED MAILING THROUGH OCTOBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FRONT ABS SENSOR CABLE ROUTING

NHTSA #06V134000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA notice

Reported April 24, 2006 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Potentially affected: 9,260 vehicles

Owners notified June 5, 2006 · Vehicles built December 1, 2004 – December 31, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, IF CERTAIN PROCEDURES ARE PERFORMED THAT INVOLVES REMOVAL OF THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE CALIPER, THE ABS SENSOR CABLE CAN BE ROUTED INCORRECTLY AND WHEN THE CALIPER IS REINSTALLED, THE SENSOR CABLE CAN COME INTO CONTACT AND RUB AGAINST THE FRONT BRAKE DISC. OVERTIME, IF THE CHAFING BECOMES SEVERE, IT IS POSSIBLE TO LOSE THE ABS FUNCTION.

Safety consequence

LOSS OF ABS FUNCTION COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH DURING CERTAIN RIDING CONDITIONS.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL ATTACH ADDITIONAL RETAINING CLIPS FREE OF CHARGE TO THE ABS SENSOR CABLE, WHICH WILL PROVIDE A MORE SECURE CONNECTION TO THE WHEEL CARRIER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2006, AND WILL BE A PHASED MAILING THROUGH OCTOBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

CLUTCH COMPONENT

NHTSA #06V104000 · Power Train — Clutch Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported April 4, 2006 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Potentially affected: 453 vehicles

Owners notified April 20, 2006 · Vehicles built December 9, 2005 – February 16, 2006 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE CLUTCH COMPONENTS COULD BECOME LOOSE WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS BEING OPERATED.

Safety consequence

IF THIS HAPPENED, THE COMPONENTS COULD EXIT THROUGH THE ENGINE CASTING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW CLUTCH COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. ALL MOTORCYCLES ARE LOCATED AT DEALERS. NO MOTORCYCLES HAVE BEEN SOLD TO CUSTOMERS.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2006 BMW R 1200 RT. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

54 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2006 BMW R 1200 RT.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11267990

Incident: October 2, 2019 · Filed: October 11, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW R1200 RT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL COMING FROM THE FUEL PUMP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING OVER THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V617000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT CALLED BMW MOTORCYCLES MCDONOUGH (LOCATED AT 755 INDUSTRIAL BLVD, MCDONOUGH, GA 30253, (770) 957-7404) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,109. *LN CONSUMER STATED THIS ISSUE WAS ADDRESSED ONCE IN RECALL 13V617 IN 2014. REPAIR HISTORY INDICATES MY BIKE WAS CHECKED FOR THIS ISSUE BUT THERE IS NO INFORMATION ON WHETHER REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. GIVEN THE INFORMATION IN THE TECHNICAL DOCUMENT, EITHER THE PUMP WAS REPLACED ENTIRELY OR THERE WAS NOTHING DONE. NO METAL REINFORCING RING WAS PLACED ON THE FUEL PUMP, SO EITHER THE PUMP WAS REPLACED WITH ANOTHER FAULTY PUMP OR NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THIS RECALL WAS NOT ADDRESSED ON MY BIKE EVEN THOUGH THE BIKE WAS CHECKED. I AM HAVING THE EXACT ISSUE MENTIONED FOR SIEMENS FUEL PUMPS IN BMW MOTORCYCLES UNDER THE RECALL. PHOTOS, FUEL LEAK NHTSA INVESTIGATION, AND 2006 BMW REPAIR HISTORY ATTACHED.*JB

Electrical System

ODI #11001490

Incident: June 23, 2017 · Filed: June 26, 2017

THE FUEL STRIP THAT READS GASOLINE LEVEL IS DEFECTIVE. FIRST REPAIR LASTED LESS THAN 200 MILES. RECENT REPLACEMENT FAILED AS I MADE THE TURN OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP FROM THE LAST REPAIR.

Power Train

ODI #10885480

Incident: July 17, 2016 · Filed: July 18, 2016

WHILE DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON I-79 NEAR PITTSBURGH AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE REAR UNIVERSAL JOINT LET GO. THIS CAUSED THE MOTORCYCLE REAR WHEEL TO INTERMITTENTLY LOCK UP AND RELEASE. THE UNIVERSAL HAS NO MEANS TO LUBRICATE IT AND NO NOISE OR VIBRATION WAS HEARD OR FELT BEFORE FAILURE.

Service Brakes

ODI #10672199

Incident: December 27, 2014 · Filed: January 13, 2015

AS I WAS DECELERATING FOR A TURN I FELT A SHUDDER AND HEARD A GRINDING NOISE AND LOST REAR WHEEL BRAKING. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND UPON EXAMINATION OF THE REAR WHEEL DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR BRAKE DISC WAS SEPARATED FROM THE BRAKE MOUNTING FLANGE. EACH OF THE FIVE MOUNTING HOLES HAD FAILED AND ALLOWED THE DISC TO SEPARATE. THE REAR WHEEL IS ALSO BOLTED TO THIS FLANGE. SUBSEQUENT RESEARCH HAS REVEALED THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM. MY FEELING IS THAT THIS TYPE FAILURE COULD CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE SINCE IT INVOLVES A FAILURE AT SPEED AND RELATES TO THE REAR WHEEL AND REAR BRAKE MOUNTING FLANGE. DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE! *TR

Wheels; Service Brakes

ODI #10639539

Incident: September 26, 2014 · Filed: September 27, 2014

WHILE CHANGING MY REAR BRAKES, I NOTICED THAT THE REAR SPACER FLANGE THAT ATTACHES THE WHEEL TO THE ROTOR IS CRACKED IN 3 DIFFERENT MOUNTING AREAS. I DO NOT RIDE OFF ROAD OR OTHERWISE ABUSE THE BIKE. *TR

Power Train

ODI #10637145

Incident: September 14, 2014 · Filed: September 17, 2014

AS I WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY I FELT MY MOTORCYCLE ALL OF A SUDDEN WOBBLE AND LOST CONTROL. I STRUGGLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND WAS ABLE TO BRING THE MOTORCYCLE TO A STOP BY THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. IT APPEARED MY FINAL DRIVE (TRANSMISSION ) HAD FAILED PREMATURELY. THERE WERE OIL FROM THE FINAL DRIVE SPLATTERED ALL OVER MY REAR WHEEL. THIS WAS A FREIGHTING EXPERIENCE AND COULD HAVE RESULTANT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO ME BECAUSE OF A PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE FINAL DRIVE. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10625854

Incident: August 12, 2014 · Filed: August 17, 2014

FUEL LEAK: THE PLASTIC AROUND THE FUEL PUMP OUTPUT FITTING IS CRACKED AND LEAKING. MY LEFT LEG WAS COVERED IN GASOLINE AS WELL AS MY LEFT FAIRING. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control; Service Brakes

ODI #10618002

Incident: June 27, 2014 · Filed: July 31, 2014

I WAS CRUISING ALONG ON MY BMW R1200 RT AT THE 70MPH SPEED LIMIT WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN THE BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT FLASHED REPEATEDLY ON THE DASH, ALONG WITH A RED WARNING TRIANGLE. I IMMEDIATELY LOOK FOR THE NEXT EXIT, BUT BEFORE I GET TO THE EXIT, I ENCOUNTER A HEAVY RAIN. WHEN I TRY TO SLOW THE BIKE, THE BRAKES ARE NUMB, AND VERY DIFFICULT TO PRESS. THIS CAUSES AN IMMEDIATE PANIC, BUT I'M ABLE TO SLOW THE BIKE AFTER A VERY LONG INTERVAL. I PARK THE BIKE AND READ THE OWNERS MANUAL ABOUT THE FAILURE. IT IS DESCRIBED AS A SERIOUS FAILURE WHICH WILL CAUSE THE SERVO ASSIST TO BE DEACTIVATED, BUT THE BIKE IS STILL RIDEABLE. SINCE I WAS OVER 300 MILES FROM HOME, I ATTEMPTED TO MANAGE THE PROBLEM AS THE MANUAL RECOMMENDED. THE BIKE IS BASICALLY UNRIDEABLE AND NOT CONTROLLABLE WHEN THIS ERROR APPEARS. THERE IS NO WAY TO CONTROL YOUR STOP, AND THIS IS NOTHING LIKE JUST LOSING YOUR ABS, AND HAVING TO RESORT TO REGULAR BRAKES. THIS IS LIKE HAVING ABOUT 30% OF YOUR BRAKES AVAILABLE! WHICH IS TERRIFYING. I DON'T KNOW WHY THIS SYSTEM IS DESIGNED THIS WAY,OR WHY BMW WOULD SUGGEST IT'S OKAY TO CONTINUE TO RIDE IN THIS MANNER. I FELT LIKE MY CHANCES OF BEING IN AN ACCIDENT WERE INCREASED BY 120%. THIS BRAKING SYSTEM IS DANGEROUS. SO MUCH SO, THAT I FOUND OUT THAT BMW DISCONTINUED ITS USE AFTER THE 2006 PRODUCTION AND WENT WITH A TOTALLY NEW SYSTEM. THIS SYSTEM WAS ONLY USED FOR 2 YEARS ON THE R1200RT. I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHY THIS SYSTEM WASN'T RECALLED, AND WHAT BMW KNOWS ABOUT THE FAILURE POTENTIAL. MAYBE THAT'S WHY THEY DISCONTINUED IT. I FELT MY LIFE WAS PUT IN DANGER BY RIDING THIS MOTORCYCLE. BMW SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. *TR

Service Brakes

ODI #10617031

Incident: March 8, 2014 · Filed: July 28, 2014

WHILE RIDING MY BIKE ON 280 SOUTH, I HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP. THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP, & THE BIKE'S REAR SLID OUT. THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, DUE TO A FAULTY ABS MODULATOR. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, WHICH BMW IS WELL AWARE OF. THEY REFUSE TO HAVE A FACTORY RECALL ON THIS PART. *JS

Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #10606706

Incident: June 27, 2014 · Filed: June 28, 2014

Other BMW R 1200 RT model years

Check your 2006 BMW R 1200 RT VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW R 1200 RT at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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