NHTSA vehicle safety data

2020 BMW R 1250 GS Recalls & Complaints

The 2020 BMW R 1250 GS has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 8 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 2020 BMW R 1250 GS. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2020 BMW R 1250 GS owner complaints

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 BMW R 1250 GS, describing incidents dated November 27, 2019 to February 14, 2024.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 8 complaints

Newest complaints

ODI #11701398 · Filed November 25, 2025
Rear brake pedal goes soft over time decreasing the effectiveness and usability of the rear brake. Multiple attempts at bleeding per BMW SIB 34 01 21 have not corrected the issue. This is a severe safety issue as the rear brake is all but useless.
ODI #11524570 · 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…
ODI #11464599 · Filed May 14, 2022
Rear brake becomes soft and non operational after a period of 9 months. Once the brake has become "soft" the rear brake fails to apply caliper pressure and will not slow or stop the rear wheel. Additionally, at this point the automatic or manual hill hold also become non operational. Note... wide…

Read all 8 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 #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.

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.

Final Drive Pivot Pin may Come Loose

NHTSA #20V165000 · Power Train — Driveline · NHTSA notice

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

Potentially affected: 4 vehicles

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

Owners notified April 28, 2020

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 R1250GS and R1250RT motorcycles. The pivot pin that connects the final drive to the swing arm may be damaged, causing the connection between the final drive and swing arm to loosen.

Safety consequence

A loose connection between the final drive and swing arm will reduce stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the pivot pin, free of charge. The motorcycles are not with owners at this time. The recall began April 28, 2020. Please contact BMW customer service number 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 Lights Flash During Braking/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #20V146000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported March 12, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 4,026 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.58% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified May 11, 2020

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 F900R, F900XR, S1000RR, F750GS, F850GS, F850GS Adventure, R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, R1250RS, R1250R, RnineT, RnineT Pure and RnineT Scrambler and 2019-2020 S1000R motorcycles. The brake light may flash instead of remain steady during emergency braking. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Safety consequence

A flashing brake light can cause confusion to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owner, and dealers will reprogram the emergency stop signal function, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 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.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2020 BMW R 1250 GS. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

8 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2020 BMW R 1250 GS.

Service Brakes

ODI #11701398

Incident: February 14, 2024 · Filed: November 25, 2025

Rear brake pedal goes soft over time decreasing the effectiveness and usability of the rear brake. Multiple attempts at bleeding per BMW SIB 34 01 21 have not corrected the issue. This is a severe safety issue as the rear brake is all but useless.

Service Brakes

ODI #11524570

Incident: April 10, 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 #11464599

Incident: May 1, 2022 · Filed: May 14, 2022

Rear brake becomes soft and non operational after a period of 9 months. Once the brake has become "soft" the rear brake fails to apply caliper pressure and will not slow or stop the rear wheel. Additionally, at this point the automatic or manual hill hold also become non operational. Note... wide spread problem on the majority of BMW GS 2009-2021 as seen on the fourms such as "Adventure Rider" and "R1200GS info" search for "bmw gs soft rear brakes." Brake bleeds are a temporary fix. Replacing the rear brake master cylinder is a temporary fix. Computer bleeding the Bosch ABS module is also a temporary fix. Problem always returns. I am a federal Airframe and Powerplant technician and avionics installer i know brake systems. I already know BMW motorrad will bleed, bleed, then replace the master cylinder then will send a ticket to BMW Germany and not come up with an answer just like all the poor owners on the fourms. I personally service "bleed" my brakes every 6,000 miles to ensure "acceptable" operation.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #11425194

Incident: March 8, 2021 · Filed: July 16, 2021

The contact owns a 2020 BMW R 1250 GS. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V476000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 local dealer was made aware of the issue however, the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that brake fluid was leaking from the caliper. The failure mileage was 3,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Service Brakes

ODI #11397766

Incident: February 16, 2021 · Filed: February 24, 2021

EXCESSIVE WEAR ON REAR BRAKING COMPONENTS (PADS). AFTER 3000 MILES, PADS ONLY HAD 3MM OF MATERIAL. THE IS A HIGH DEGREE OF DISCOLORATION ON THE BRAKE COMPONENTS. ISSUE IS NOT ATTRIBUTED TO USER ERROR (I.E., RIDING THE BRAKES). BMW SERVICE HAS REFUSED TO ADDRESS, STATING BRAKE COMPONENTS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I'M REPORTING THIS ISSUE TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AS PART OF 'DUE DILIGENCE' TO COLLECT SAFETY RELATED INFORMATION WITH THE 2020 BMW R1250GSA BRAKE SYSTEM. THERE MIGHT BE A SYSTEMIC ISSUE WITH THE CALIPERS AND POSSIBLY THE ABS PRESSURE MODULATOR. NON-USER ATTRIBUTED EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE BRAKE PADS IS INDICATIVE OF SOME SORT OF MECHANICAL ISSUE THAT COULD IMPACT THE OVERALL SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE, SUCH AS LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, TOTAL FAILURE OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM WITH THE POTENTIALLY OF WHEEL LOCK UP SHOULD THE SYSTEM APPLY FULL BRAKING TO THE REAR WHEEL.

Service Brakes

ODI #11319970

Incident: March 28, 2020 · Filed: April 1, 2020

FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS ARE LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. NOTICEABLE DROPS ON WHEEL RIM WHEN PARKED.

Service Brakes

ODI #11311520

Incident: December 10, 2019 · Filed: February 25, 2020

BOTH FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS ARE LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. OBSERVED WHEN STATIONARY, DRIPPING FROM THE BOTTOM. ALSO SWEATS OF BRAKE FLUID OBSERVED AT THE SEAM (IT IS A TWO PIECE BRAKE CALIPER, MANUFACTURED BY HAYES). DEALER CANNOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE (CAN'T GET REPLACEMENT PARTS) AND BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFERED NO OTHER REMEDY. ESSENTIALLY I CANNOT RIDE A NEW BIKE FOR 3 MONTHS NOW WITHOUT BEING AFRAID FOR MY SAFETY.

Service Brakes

ODI #11308994

Incident: November 27, 2019 · Filed: February 13, 2020

BOTH FRONT CALIPERS ARE LEAKING FLUID. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR VERIFICATION AND REPAIR ON NOV 27 2019. I HAVE BEEN INQUIRING WITH THEM EVERY TWO WEEKS SINCE AS TO WHEN THEY MAY BE REPLACED WITH NOT EVEN AND ESTIMATED DATE. BMW MOTORRAD CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS ADVISED THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO ESCALATE THE CASE TO ANY OTHER DEPARTMENT TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED AND THAT IT MUST BE DONE THROUGH THE DEALER. FLUID HAS ALSO LEAKED ON THE FRONT WHEEL AND TIRE. AT THIS POINT, THE BIKE CANNOT BE TRUSTED TO STOP.

Other BMW R 1250 GS model years

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