NHTSA vehicle safety data

2019 BMW R 1250 GS Recalls & Complaints

The 2019 BMW R 1250 GS has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 15 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2019 BMW R 1250 GS. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2019 BMW R 1250 GS owner complaints

Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 BMW R 1250 GS, describing incidents dated March 27, 2020 to January 17, 2025.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 12 complaints
Engine 3 complaints
Electrical System 2 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance 1 complaint
Power Train 1 complaint
Unknown or Other 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #11636732 · Filed January 18, 2025
Engine fails to start after shutoff and after engine temperature is hot. Inability to start engine on the road after cutting ignition can increase risk of being hit on the road. The dealer has not been able to reproduce. The vehicle has been inspected by BMW repair shop and had me replace the…
ODI #11636728 · Filed January 18, 2025
Rear brake system malfunctions. Malfunctioning rear brake increases braking distance which can lead to a collision. The BMW dealer and customer service have confirmed problem. The motorcycle has be serviced for this four times at the BMW repair shop. The problem appears about every 3000 miles.
ODI #11635837 · Filed January 14, 2025
Ever since purchased new in 2019 the rear brake goes away after riding. Dealer bleeds to fix and it goes away again after riding. By going away I mean rear brake pedal travel becomes very long with no positive stop when the brake finally works. Very soft feel thru the brake activation. Takes a stomp…

Read all 15 complaints

Gearbox Input Shaft May Break

NHTSA #23V011000 · Power Train — Manual Transmission — Internal — Shaft — Input · NHTSA notice

Reported January 18, 2023 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 18,534 vehicles

Repair completion: 84.98% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified February 22, 2023

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2023 R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, and R1250RTP motorcycles. In certain engine operating and riding conditions, the gearbox input shaft may become damaged or break, possibly resulting in a blocked rear wheel.

Safety consequence

A damaged gearbox input shaft or a blocked rear wheel can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 22, 2023. 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.nhtsa.gov.

Front Brake Calipers May Leak/FMVSS 122

NHTSA #20V476000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Disc — Caliper · NHTSA notice

Reported August 13, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 9,392 vehicles

Repair completion: 90.3% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified March 8, 2021 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 R 1250 GS, GS Adventure and R 1250 RT, 2020 S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR motorcycles. The front brake calipers may leak brake fluid when parked. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."

Safety consequence

Overtime, a leaking front brake caliper can reduce the amount of brake fluid in the reservoir. Low volume could affect brake performance, increasing the risk of crash.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the front brake calipers with an improved version, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 12, 2020. As of January 19, 2021, a remedy was still not available. The recall began March 8, 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.

Brake Fluid Cap Missing Information/FMVSS 122

NHTSA #20V166000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Fluid · NHTSA notice

Reported March 19, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 365 vehicles

Repair completion: 76.44% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified December 23, 2020

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2020 RnineT Scrambler and RnineT, 2020 R1250R and R1250RS, 2019-2020 Rnine T Pure, R1250GS,R1250GS Adventure and R1250RT and 2018 RnineT Racer motorcycles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid and the process for filling the reservoir, possibly leading to an improper maintenance procedure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."

Safety consequence

Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. 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.

Brake Fluid Cap Missing Information/FMVSS 122

NHTSA #20E013000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Fluid · NHTSA notice

Reported March 19, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 49 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified December 14, 2020

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Motorcycle Accessory Brake Fluid Reservoir Covers, part numbers 8405-752, 8405-753, 8405-754 and 9829547 designed to fit certain 2019-2020 BMW R 1250 motorcycles, and part numbers 8404-098, 8405-100, 8405-102, and 1542056 designed to fit certain 2018-2020 BMW Rnine T motorcycles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid and the process for filling the reservoir, possibly leading to an improper maintenance procedure. As such, these caps fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."

Safety consequence

Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 14, 2020. Parts will be available in mid-September 2020 for the recall repairs. 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.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2019 BMW R 1250 GS. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

15 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2019 BMW R 1250 GS.

Engine

ODI #11636732

Incident: January 16, 2025 · Filed: January 18, 2025

Engine fails to start after shutoff and after engine temperature is hot. Inability to start engine on the road after cutting ignition can increase risk of being hit on the road. The dealer has not been able to reproduce. The vehicle has been inspected by BMW repair shop and had me replace the battery but the problem still persists. Subsequent service appointments have resulted in BMW technicians not being able to reproduce problem. The occurs randomly about 7 times per year. No warning signs.

Service Brakes

ODI #11636728

Incident: January 17, 2025 · Filed: January 18, 2025

Rear brake system malfunctions. Malfunctioning rear brake increases braking distance which can lead to a collision. The BMW dealer and customer service have confirmed problem. The motorcycle has be serviced for this four times at the BMW repair shop. The problem appears about every 3000 miles.

Service Brakes

ODI #11635837

Incident: June 17, 2020 · Filed: January 14, 2025

Ever since purchased new in 2019 the rear brake goes away after riding. Dealer bleeds to fix and it goes away again after riding. By going away I mean rear brake pedal travel becomes very long with no positive stop when the brake finally works. Very soft feel thru the brake activation. Takes a stomp with my heel to lock the rear. Dealer has bled and even done a tsb procedure given by bmw to correct. Technical Service Bulletin SIB 34 01 21. Same result. No rear after riding a bit. Putting safety at risk is self explanatory. From hours of reading I've found this to be an ongoing problem with liquid cooled gs's up to the 20 or 21 model year when the abs pump was replaced with a unit not causing the issue of putting air in the system. Date listed below is arbitrary. I ride the motorcycle knowing I don't have a rear brake and bmw has yet to address the issue other than ignoring it with updated bleed procedures.

Electrical System; Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11528717

Incident: April 18, 2023 · Filed: June 25, 2023

During the recent Safety Recall of this vehicle and subsequent repair, it was noted by the certified mechanic that oil was being wicked up along electrical lines in the stator. The mechanic issued an immediate "Do not ride, Do not operate" warning. 2019 BMW R1250GSA has 17,000 accident free miles. Many "false" engine management warnings.

Service Brakes

ODI #11524568

Incident: January 2, 2023 · Filed: May 31, 2023

Rear brake on motorcycle does not stop the motorcycle. After three BMW dealer visits and rear brakes having been bled, the rear brake pedal becomes soft and does not stop the motorcycle. The same problem occurred each time within 2-3 months of the repair. The only way to stop the motorcycle is to use the front brake. The BMW service department cannot explain the reason this keeps happening.

Service Brakes

ODI #11524567

Incident: April 4, 2023 · Filed: May 31, 2023

After three BMW dealer visits and rear brakes having been bled, the rear brake pedal becomes soft and does not stop the motorcycle. The same problem occurred each time within 2-3 months of the repair. The only way to stop the motorcycle is to use the front brake. The BMW service department cannot explain the reason this keeps happening.

Vehicle Speed Control; Service Brakes; Forward Collision Avoidance

ODI #11483882

Incident: May 30, 2022 · Filed: September 11, 2022

4/2021 Prior to 4/2021, I had complained verbally with visits and calls to the dealership about an intermittent (CC ) Cruise Control issue. They could not find a problem w/the CC. I now consider this issue is related to the rear caliper ceasing. 5/30/2022 (RC) Rear caliper ceased without any indications. The (MC) motorcycle, presented w/a power loss otherwise unknowingly to me until later in the ride. Caliper appeared to cease causing heat scorched rear pads, caliper very hot. I smelled brake burn upon slowing down, noticing both power loss and my CC not working. 6/9/2022 Dealership found “no warranty concerns” and nothing wrong w/the MC they could find. I had disputed being charged $222.xx and then implied by both the service manager and BMW Customer Support that I was dragging my brake. This was all after 25 months of ownership and 9K miles of riding. I did offer them to keep the bike and ride it but they did not. August 6th 10K + miles Riding on the interstate, my CC suddenly quit. I stopped later to find that the recently replaced rear brake pads showed heat scorch once again. Still as I submit this all to you, the dealership along w/BMW CS, holds the position that nothing is wrong with the MC and I must have been riding my brake. 9/9/2022 After waiting 3 week more from an inquiry to the GM at the dealership, I received a response to repair my MC but not under warranty. I quote, “I just got the approval today from BMW. They are willing to as a one time customer goodwill cover $500 of the repair as this is not a coverable warranty due to the lack of fault found. The dealership has appeared to stand on their original diagnoses that there is no fault found. Below are similar issues resulting in what many would consider a serious safety concern. https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/overheated-rear-caliper.1524259/ https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/2019-r1250gs-rear-brake-caliper-heat.1526221/ Please see NHTSA Complaint Number:11397766

Service Brakes

ODI #11429515

Incident: August 17, 2021 · Filed: August 17, 2021

Lost all of the pressure when depressing rear brakes. The bike is 1 year and 5 months old. Rear brakes do not slow motorcycle when depressing the entire travel of the pedal. Service manager at BMW stated they have seen this problem on other similar model motorcycles. No warning lamps.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Service Brakes

ODI #11390968

Incident: December 19, 2020 · Filed: February 1, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 BMW R 1250 GS ADVENTURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V476000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, SERVICE BRAKES) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CALIPERS WERE LEAKING. EUROTEK OKLAHOMA CITY, 417 HUDIBURG CIR STE. C, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73108) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO SOLUTION YET DETERMINED AND THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT OFFERING A REPAIR CURRENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Power Train; Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11390401

Incident: November 28, 2020 · Filed: January 27, 2021

THE MOTORCYCLE FAILS TO START. THIS OCCURS RANDOMLY. IT HAS OCCURRED AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES. I STOP AND TURN OFF THE BIKE. WHEN I ATTEMPT TO RESTART, IT WON'T TURN OVER. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN CHECKED. BMW SAYS THAT CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE FORUMS FROM RIDERS AROUND THE WORLD WHO SHARE THIS SAME EXPERIENCE. THE ONLY WAY TO RESTART IS WITH JUMPER CABLES. I BELIEVE THIS IS A LIFE-SAFETY ISSUE. IT MIGHT NOT RESTART ON THE FREEWAY, OR IN A REMOTE LOCATION. THE MOTORCYCLE HAS 12,000 MILES. IT HAS NOT RESTARTED 3 TIMES NOW. THE MOTORCYCLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 7 WEEKS.

Other BMW R 1250 GS model years

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