NHTSA vehicle safety data

2008 BMW R1200 R Recalls & Complaints

The 2008 BMW R1200 R has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 11 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 "R 1200 R".

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2008 BMW R1200 R. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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

2008 BMW R1200 R owner complaints

Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 BMW R1200 R, describing incidents dated October 13, 2009 to July 26, 2017.

Most-cited components

Fuel/Propulsion System 7 complaints
Service Brakes 4 complaints
Electrical System 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #11013060 · Filed August 6, 2017
THE FUEL TANK {FROM THE INSIDE OUT} AT THE FILLER HOLE HAS MASSIVE CORROSION RENDERING THE TANK USELESS. FUEL HAS THE ABILITY TO LEAK AN LEAK SUBSTANIALLY WHEN THE BIKE IS IN MOTION. FUME LEAKAGE READILY APPARENT AS WELL. PER THE CERTIFIED BMW MECHANIC AN THE SERVICE SUPERVISOR AND I AGREE THE FUEL…
ODI #11013059 · Filed August 6, 2017
FUEL PUMP FLANGE LEAKING DUE TO CRACKING. BMW'S 1ST FACTORY ATTEMPT WAS TO PUT A "SIZING" RING ON FLANGE TO COMPRESS THE MICRO CRACKS WHICH OF COURSE WAS A JACKLEG APPROACH QUITE COMMON TO BMW MOTORCYCLES. EVENTUALLY WITH IN 1 YR FUEL STARTED MASSIVELY FLOWING DOWN ONTO HOT ENGINE MAKING THE BIKE A…
ODI #10705825 · Filed April 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW R1200 R. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE SERVICE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE…

Read all 11 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2008 BMW R1200 R 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 August 30, 2006 – February 9, 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 August 30, 2006 – April 11, 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.

FRONT BRAKE LINES

NHTSA #10V276000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA notice

Reported June 18, 2010 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Potentially affected: 15,532 vehicles

Owners notified September 20, 2010

Defect description

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2009 R 1200 AND K 1200 SERIES MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 2006 THROUGH MAY 2009. DUE TO THE CURRENT ROUTING OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DURING RIDING, AND THEREFORE ASSOCIATED VIBRATION. THE BRAKE LINES COULD BE UNDER STRAIN. IF THE VIBRATION/STRAIN IS SIGNIFICANT, THE BRAKE LINE COULD SPLIT AND START TO DEVELOP A LEAK.

Safety consequence

IF THIS GOES UNNOTICED, AND THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR RUNS EMPTY, THE FRONT BRAKES COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW BRAKE LINES, CONTAINING A "SLEEVE" ALONG A PORTION OF THE LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

OWNERS 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 <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

GEARBOX

NHTSA #08V290000 · Power Train — Manual Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported July 1, 2008 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Potentially affected: 46 vehicles

Owners notified August 1, 2008 · Vehicles built February 12, 2008 – February 14, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BMW IS RECALLING 46 MY 2008 R1200 R, R1200 GS, AND R1200 GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO A MATERIAL DEFECT IN THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION, THE SHAFT COULD BREAK. IF THIS OCCURRED, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO SEIZE.

Safety consequence

IF THIS HAPPENED, LOCK-UP OF THE REAR TIRE COULD OCCUR. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE FOR THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING TO BREAK. IF THIS HAPPENED, OIL COULD LEAK ONTO THE REAR WHEE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARBOX. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-331-1117.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY 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 BRAKE LINES

NHTSA #08V254000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported June 5, 2008 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Potentially affected: 4,922 vehicles

Owners notified August 1, 2008 · Vehicles built August 30, 2006 – February 5, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BMW IS RECALLING 4,922 MY 2007-2008 R1200R, MY 2006-2007 R1200 GS, MY 2007 R1200 ST, AND MY 2008 R1200 GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO THE CURRENT ROUTING OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DURING RIDING, THE BRAKE LINES COULD BE UNDER STRAIN. IF THE VIBRATION/STRAIN IS SIGNIFICANT, THE BRAKE LINES COULD SPLIT AND START TO DEVELOP A LEAK. IF THE LEAK BECAME SIGNIFICANT, BRAKE FLUID COULD ESCAPE. IF THIS HAPPENED, THE LEVEL OF FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR OF THE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM COULD DROP.

Safety consequence

IF FLUID LEVEL DROPS SIGNIFICANTLY, THE FRONT BRAKES COULD FAIL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL NEW BRAKE LINES WITH A MODIFIED ROUTING FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. 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.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2008 BMW R1200 R. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

11 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 BMW R1200 R.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11013060

Incident: July 26, 2017 · Filed: August 6, 2017

THE FUEL TANK {FROM THE INSIDE OUT} AT THE FILLER HOLE HAS MASSIVE CORROSION RENDERING THE TANK USELESS. FUEL HAS THE ABILITY TO LEAK AN LEAK SUBSTANIALLY WHEN THE BIKE IS IN MOTION. FUME LEAKAGE READILY APPARENT AS WELL. PER THE CERTIFIED BMW MECHANIC AN THE SERVICE SUPERVISOR AND I AGREE THE FUEL TANK IS USELESS DUE TO MASSIVE PRE-MATURE CORROSION AN DEGRADATION OF THE TANK ITSELF. NOTE THAT THE MOTORCYCLE IS MAINTAINED UNDER A CARPORT AND ALWAYS OUT OF THE ELEMENTS. THIS IS A KNOWN FAILURE WITH BMW AND OF COURSE BMW HAS A HISTORY AS YALL WELL KNOW OF REFUSING TO STEP UP AN CORRECT DESIGN FAILURES UNLIKE OTHER COMPANIES SUCH AS TOYOTA. THE DISCOVERY WAS MADE WHEN THE WELL DOCUMENTED FUEL STRIP FAILURE OCCURRED AND THE 3RD STRIP WAS BEING INSTALLED. HOLES THE SIZE OF A POSTAGE STAMP AND "ROTTEN PAPER THIN" DEGRADATED METAL UNDERNEATH THE FILLER CAP IS EASILY TOTALLY DETAECTABLE. PER BMW THE TANK IS USELESS AN THERE IS NO FIX UNDER THAN REPLACEMENT- AND GET THIS PER THE BMW DEALER QUOTE - THIS PART IS OBSOLET- BMW IS NOT EVEN MAKING A REPLACEMENT FOR A 9 YR OLD BIKE. IT IS A FIRE HAZARD NOT ONLY TO THE MOTORCYCLE BUT TO THE OPERATOR AS WELL. IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTORS DEFECT WHICH BMW REFUSES TO ADDRESS. IT PRESENTS A SITUATION WHERE THE OPERATOR SHOULD NOT BE IN TRAFFIC DUE TO BEING A HAZARD TO HIMSELF, PASSENGERS, OR OTHER DRIVERS. LEAKING FUEL AN FUMES PRESENT A CLEAR HAZARD WHETHER IN MOTION OR EVEN AT IDLE. YALL MUST INVESTIGATE AN DEMAND BMW CORRECT THIS OUTRAGEOUS DESIGN FLAW, MATERIAL FAILURE IF FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN FROM A SAFETY VIEWPOINT. AGAIN, THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR R1200R'S AND THE 1200RT MODELS. REPLACE THE FUEL TANK IS THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE HOLD BMW ACCOUNTABLE FOR TOTALLY SUB-STANDARD WORKMANSHIP WHICH EQUATES TO POTENTIALLY FATAL CONSEQUENCES IF NOT RESOLVED. THK YOU

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11013059

Incident: August 15, 2016 · Filed: August 6, 2017

FUEL PUMP FLANGE LEAKING DUE TO CRACKING. BMW'S 1ST FACTORY ATTEMPT WAS TO PUT A "SIZING" RING ON FLANGE TO COMPRESS THE MICRO CRACKS WHICH OF COURSE WAS A JACKLEG APPROACH QUITE COMMON TO BMW MOTORCYCLES. EVENTUALLY WITH IN 1 YR FUEL STARTED MASSIVELY FLOWING DOWN ONTO HOT ENGINE MAKING THE BIKE A ROLLING FIREBALL POTENTIALLY.

Service Brakes

ODI #10705825

Incident: December 1, 2014 · Filed: April 15, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW R1200 R. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE SERVICE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULATOR FAILED AND NEEDED BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,210. UPDATED 5/18/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER ADVISED THIS FAILURE WAS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE THREE OR FOUR MODEL. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THIS FAILURE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. UPDATED 11/16/2015*JS

Service Brakes

ODI #10640340

Incident: September 12, 2014 · Filed: September 30, 2014

THE ABS PUMP FAILED DISABLING THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM. I WAS AT THE DEALER AND ANOTHER CYCLIST WAS ALSO THERE WITH HIS 2008 BMW R1200R WITH EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE. APPARENTLY THESE ABS PUMPS ARE FAILING AT AN UNUSUAL RATE. IF THIS FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE RIDING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER IT COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Service Brakes

ODI #10598304

Incident: June 14, 2013 · Filed: June 14, 2014

ABS MODULE SUDDENLY QUIT, RENDERING THE ABS FUNCTION INOPERABLE. *JS

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10536603

Incident: August 22, 2012 · Filed: August 21, 2013

FUEL GAUGE FAILURE, SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING AND READS EMPTY AT ALL TIMES. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10499477

Incident: April 7, 2012 · Filed: February 20, 2013

LOW FUEL WARNING LAMP DID NOT COME ON LEADING TO ME RUNNING OUT OF FUEL ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. FUEL GAUGE INDICATED APPROXIMATELY 1/4 TANK (3 BARS) BUT WAS INACCURATE. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION SINCE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FROM RUNNING OUT OF FUEL CAN BE QUITE DANGEROUS ON A MOTORCYCLE. THE "FUEL STRIP" (PER BMW NOMENCLATURE) FAILS CAUSING FUEL GAUGE TO READ INACCURATELY AND RENDERING LOW FUEL WARNING LAMP INOPERATIVE. THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE ON MANY BMW MOTORCYCLE MODELS FROM 2005-2013. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10499342

Incident: October 13, 2009 · Filed: February 19, 2013

FROM THE DEALER'S REPAIR ORDER DESCRIPTION: "THE CUSTOMER REPORTS THE FUEL GAUGE READS LOW (LIGHT ON) WHEN FULL AND READS FULL WHEN EMPTY. ALSO THE RESIDUAL RANGE TO ZERO COUNTS DOWN FROM 253 TO THREE DASHES IN ABOUT THREE MILES AFTER EVERY FILL-UP." FUEL LEVEL SENDER PART 16147697815 REPLACED. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Service Brakes

ODI #10471511

Incident: August 10, 2012 · Filed: August 20, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW R1200R MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,100. ...UPDATED 10/10/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS LOSS OF BRAKING, WHEN THE ABS PUMP FAILED.

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #10410317

Incident: June 25, 2011 · Filed: July 2, 2011

MY 2008 BMW R1200R MOTORCYCLE FUEL GAUGE CONTINUES TO MALFUNCTION OR DOES NOT WORK. IT HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALER MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. MERGING WITH HIGH SPEED HIGH VOLUME TRAFFIC IN THE DC AREA CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU RUN OUT OF GAS DUE TO A FUEL GAUGE ERROR. I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE. MY BROTHER HAS HID GAUGE CHANGED ON HIS BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE AT LEAST 5 TIMES. *TR

Other BMW R1200 R model years

Check your 2008 BMW R1200 R VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW R1200 R at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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