NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
22 reports20,500 miles · Apr 21, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
REAR BRAKE SEIZED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. SITUATION: ROLLING UP TO A STOPLIGHT, I APPLIED BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES. AS THE VEHICLE APPROACHED VERY LOW SPEEDS, I RELEASED THE BRAKES AND ENGAGED THE CLUTCH TO CREEP FORWARD, CLOSER TO STOPPED TRAFFIC. AT THAT POINT THE VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUPTLY (NOT TYPICAL). WHEN I TRIED TO E…
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REAR BRAKE SEIZED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. SITUATION: ROLLING UP TO A STOPLIGHT, I APPLIED BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES. AS THE VEHICLE APPROACHED VERY LOW SPEEDS, I RELEASED THE BRAKES AND ENGAGED THE CLUTCH TO CREEP FORWARD, CLOSER TO STOPPED TRAFFIC. AT THAT POINT THE VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUPTLY (NOT TYPICAL). WHEN I TRIED TO ENGAGE FIRST GEAR TO RIDE FORWARD, THE REAR BRAKE WAS STILL SEIZED, EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT WAS ON THE GROUND AND NOT TOUCHING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THERE WAS SQUEALING NOISE FROM THE REAR BRAKES. AFTER STRUGGLING TO GET UNDERWAY, I APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL A FEW TIMES, AND IT FINALLY SEEMED TO RELEASE AFTER RIDING FOR A SHORT DISTANCE (LESS THAN 1 MILE). *JS
NHTSA ODI #10455950
37,155 miles · Jan 22, 2012
Fuel System, Gasoline
CRACKS DEVELOPED IN THE PLASTIC FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY ON MY MOTORCYCLE. I STARTED SMELLING RAW FUEL IN MY GARAGE. I PULLED THE PANEL AND THEN THE TANK SEEKING THE SOURCE OF THE FUEL SMELL AND FOUND RAW FUEL WAS SPRAYING IN A MIST THROUGH CRACKS THAT FORMED IN THE BASE OF THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY. SPECIFICALLY, THE CRACKS FORMED WHE…
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CRACKS DEVELOPED IN THE PLASTIC FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY ON MY MOTORCYCLE. I STARTED SMELLING RAW FUEL IN MY GARAGE. I PULLED THE PANEL AND THEN THE TANK SEEKING THE SOURCE OF THE FUEL SMELL AND FOUND RAW FUEL WAS SPRAYING IN A MIST THROUGH CRACKS THAT FORMED IN THE BASE OF THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY. SPECIFICALLY, THE CRACKS FORMED WHERE THE FEMALE SIDE OF THE QUICK DISCONNECT SCREWS INTO THE PUMP ASSEMBLY. A FINE FUEL MIST IS PRESENT WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED ON AND THE FUEL LINES ARE PRESSURIZED. IN MY VIEW, THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION, GIVEN THAT THE ASSEMBLY SITS DIRECTLY OVER THE HOT ENGINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10444786
22,400 miles · Nov 16, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
THE BIKE AS DEVELOPED A LOW SPEED LOW RPM HESITATION AND STALLING, IT IS A REAL DANGER WHEN IT SUDDENLY CLEARS AND THE BIKE WILL ACCELERATE HARD, MAKING REAR WHEEL TRACTION A CONCERN. THE BIKE RUNS WELL AND HIGHER RPM AND SPEEDS WITH GOOD ,NORMAL FUEL CONSUMPTION AROUND 40 MPG, IN TOWN LOW SPEED STUMBLING MPG IS FROM A LOW OF 27…
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THE BIKE AS DEVELOPED A LOW SPEED LOW RPM HESITATION AND STALLING, IT IS A REAL DANGER WHEN IT SUDDENLY CLEARS AND THE BIKE WILL ACCELERATE HARD, MAKING REAR WHEEL TRACTION A CONCERN. THE BIKE RUNS WELL AND HIGHER RPM AND SPEEDS WITH GOOD ,NORMAL FUEL CONSUMPTION AROUND 40 MPG, IN TOWN LOW SPEED STUMBLING MPG IS FROM A LOW OF 27 TO 32 MPG. THE LOCAL DEALER HAS THE BIKE FOR THE 4TH WEEK AND SEEM TO THINK ALL IS WELL, " THEY ALL SEEM TO DO IT ". WAS ONE STATEMENT MADE ON THE PHONE. I FEEL THEY ARE WAITING FOR THE WARRANTY TO EXPIRE AND SUDDENLY HAVE A FIX. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10436141
7,000 miles · Sep 8, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
BMW MOTORCYCLE K1200GT,2008, RED EMERGENCY WARNING LIGHT NOTIFYING THE RIDER OF UNSAFE BRAKE PADS COMES ON IN ERROR, CAUSING AN EMERGENCY STOP, BMW DENIES ANY KNOWLEDGE OF PROB. BUT DEALERS, SOME HAVE DEALT REPEATEDLY WITH THE PROBLEM, ACKNOWLEDGE, DEALER REFUSED TO TREAT AS A SERIOUS PROBLEM ADVISING, "COULD NOT DUPLICATE" IT'S…
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BMW MOTORCYCLE K1200GT,2008, RED EMERGENCY WARNING LIGHT NOTIFYING THE RIDER OF UNSAFE BRAKE PADS COMES ON IN ERROR, CAUSING AN EMERGENCY STOP, BMW DENIES ANY KNOWLEDGE OF PROB. BUT DEALERS, SOME HAVE DEALT REPEATEDLY WITH THE PROBLEM, ACKNOWLEDGE, DEALER REFUSED TO TREAT AS A SERIOUS PROBLEM ADVISING, "COULD NOT DUPLICATE" IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10354461
7,600 miles · Jul 7, 2009
Power Train
FINAL DRIVE FAILURE 2008 BMW K1200LT MOTORCYCLE. BEARING BAD IN FINAL DRIVE. THIS MODEL/YEAR NOT LISTED AS A CHOICE SO I PUT K1200GT AS THE CLOSEST ONE. FOUND LARGE OIL LEAK FROM DRIVE WHILE PARKED OVERNIGHT, DEALER STATED DRIVE BEARING IS SHOT NEEDS NEW BEARING AND SEALS. FIRST TIME, ALMOST NEW BIKE, 7600 MILES. 2008 MODEL.…
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FINAL DRIVE FAILURE 2008 BMW K1200LT MOTORCYCLE. BEARING BAD IN FINAL DRIVE. THIS MODEL/YEAR NOT LISTED AS A CHOICE SO I PUT K1200GT AS THE CLOSEST ONE. FOUND LARGE OIL LEAK FROM DRIVE WHILE PARKED OVERNIGHT, DEALER STATED DRIVE BEARING IS SHOT NEEDS NEW BEARING AND SEALS. FIRST TIME, ALMOST NEW BIKE, 7600 MILES. 2008 MODEL. DEALER IS REPAIRING DRIVE UNDER WARRANTY. IF IT HAPPENED WHILE RIDING COULD HAVE CAUSED CRASH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10276014
1,741 miles · Dec 5, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
6/21/2008 UPON START UP, IDLE JUMPS TO 2000-3000RPM BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL IDLE OF 1000RPM. DEALER; RE-ADJUST IDLE ACTUATOR. ENGINE IDLE ACTUATOR NOT ADJUSTING IDLE PROPERLY BUT STILL IN SPEC. (MALFUNCTIONING BUT STILL IN SPEC. HOW DO YOU FIGURE??) 7/26/08 IDLE IS ERRATIC AT START-UP. (REVS TO 2000+ RPM THEN BACK DOWN…
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6/21/2008 UPON START UP, IDLE JUMPS TO 2000-3000RPM BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL IDLE OF 1000RPM. DEALER; RE-ADJUST IDLE ACTUATOR. ENGINE IDLE ACTUATOR NOT ADJUSTING IDLE PROPERLY BUT STILL IN SPEC. (MALFUNCTIONING BUT STILL IN SPEC. HOW DO YOU FIGURE??) 7/26/08 IDLE IS ERRATIC AT START-UP. (REVS TO 2000+ RPM THEN BACK DOWN TO 1000). SAME COMPLAINT AS LAST SERVICE. (EVEN MORE ERRATIC AT HIGH ALTITUDES). DEALER; IDLE VALVE PLUNGER STICKING IN THE AIR BOX, R&R INTAKE MUFFLER/AIR INTAKE BOX. 10/11/08 IDLE ACTUATOR OR IDLE VALVE PLUNGER ERRATIC AGAIN AND AFFECTING IDLE AND LOW-END THROTTLE RESPONSE. DEALER; NO FAULTS FOUND 11/8/08 RODE INTO A SMALL TOWN (ELEVATION 7000FT) SOMEWHERE IN THE RANGE OF 1500-2000 RPM AND NOTICED A LACK OF THROTTLE RESPONSE. THE THROTTLE SUDDENLY DROPS A FEW HUNDRED RPM, STUMBLES, SPITS AND SPUTTERS TO THE POINT IT DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. OTHER TIMES IT HAS ACCELERATED BACK UP TO 2000+ RPM ON IT'S OWN INSTEAD OF DIEING. 11/22/08 PICKED UP THE BIKE FROM THE DEALER AGAIN AND STILL HAVE THE SAME THROTTLE ISSUE. DEALER; I WAS TOLD THIS IS A MINOR ISSUE AND BMW DOESN'T HAVE A FIX. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10250906
10,160 miles · Oct 29, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
IN EARLY SEPT MY 2008 BMW K1200GT BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE A HIGH IDLE. IT WOULD STAY AT 1800 TO 2000 RPM'S WHEN THE THROTTLE WAS RELEASED. IN TURNS OR HEAVY TRAFFIC THIS CAN CREATE A HAZARD. THE BIKE HAD APPROX. 10,160 MILES AT THE TIME. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER WHO PROMPTLY REPLACED THE AIRBOX, IDLE CONTROL VALVE AND RESET THE SOFTWAR…
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IN EARLY SEPT MY 2008 BMW K1200GT BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE A HIGH IDLE. IT WOULD STAY AT 1800 TO 2000 RPM'S WHEN THE THROTTLE WAS RELEASED. IN TURNS OR HEAVY TRAFFIC THIS CAN CREATE A HAZARD. THE BIKE HAD APPROX. 10,160 MILES AT THE TIME. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER WHO PROMPTLY REPLACED THE AIRBOX, IDLE CONTROL VALVE AND RESET THE SOFTWARE FOR THE BIKE. THE SEEMED TO RUN FINE FOR APPROX. 300 MILES. THE HIGH IDLE RETURNED ONLY NOW IT WOULD SURGE TO ABOUT 3,000 RPM'S WHEN STOPPED OR SLOWING AND THEN EVENTUALLY DROP TO NORMAL IDLE. AGAIN THIS CREATED A SAFETY HAZARD AT TIMES. THE BIKE IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP AWAITING REPAIRS. THIS IS BEING REPORTED TO CREATE A RECORD OF A POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF K1200GT'S WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10247192
600 miles · Oct 9, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
AT APROX. 600 MILES AFTER TAKING DELIVERY OF THIS NEW VEHICLE THERE OCCURRED TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE IDLE. EXAMPLE: WHEN LETTING OFF THE ACCELERATOR VEHICLE WILL NOT SLOW DOWN. THIS CAN BE A PROBLEM WHEN APPROACHING A CURVE, INTERSECTION, OR ANY INSTANCE THAT REQUIRES A SLOWDOWN OR STOP. VEHICLE RETURNED TO DEALER FOR REPAIR AN…
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AT APROX. 600 MILES AFTER TAKING DELIVERY OF THIS NEW VEHICLE THERE OCCURRED TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE IDLE. EXAMPLE: WHEN LETTING OFF THE ACCELERATOR VEHICLE WILL NOT SLOW DOWN. THIS CAN BE A PROBLEM WHEN APPROACHING A CURVE, INTERSECTION, OR ANY INSTANCE THAT REQUIRES A SLOWDOWN OR STOP. VEHICLE RETURNED TO DEALER FOR REPAIR AND SOME PARTS WERE REPLACED, SPECIFICALLY THE AIRBOX. VEHICLE RAN FINE FOR APPROX. 600 MILES WHEN PROBLEM RETURNED. SOMETIMES THE IDLE WILL DROP OFF TO ZERO AND THE ENGINE DIES, STOPS, ETC. ENGINE WILL RESTART AFTER COOLDOWN BUT RUNS ROUGH. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING, AFTER TALKING TO OTHER OWNERS AND DEALERS, THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR MODEL. I HAVE ALSO LEARNED THAT THE MANUFACTURER ( BMW ) IS ON ITS THIRD REDESIGN OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED AIRBOX. AS WITH ANY MOTOR VEHICLE, WHEN YOU LET OFF THE GAS YOU EXPECT THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN AND WHEN THIS DOES NOT OCCUR ( SLOW DOWN ) IT IS CAUSE FOR CONCERN AND THEREFORE UNSAFE ! ! ! TODAY WHILE CAUTIOUSLY DRIVING VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OF THIS PROBLEM ANOTHER SAFETY RELATED DILEMMA OCCURRED, SEE ODI NUMBER 10245019. VEHICLE IS NOW TOTALLY OUT OF SERVICE. THIS VEHICLE IS TOTALLY UNSAFE ! ! ! ! ! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10245022
3,100 miles · Oct 9, 2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
REAR BRAKE LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING, EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKES HAD NOT BEEN APPLIED FOR SEVERAL MILES PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. BRAKE LOCK-UP CAUSED CALIPER TO OVERHEAT WHICH IN TURN MELTED THE REAR BRAKE HOSE RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID IN THE REAR BRAKES. FORTUNATELY THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON A RURAL COUNTRY 2 LANE …
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REAR BRAKE LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING, EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKES HAD NOT BEEN APPLIED FOR SEVERAL MILES PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. BRAKE LOCK-UP CAUSED CALIPER TO OVERHEAT WHICH IN TURN MELTED THE REAR BRAKE HOSE RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID IN THE REAR BRAKES. FORTUNATELY THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON A RURAL COUNTRY 2 LANE HIGHWAY AT LOW SPEEDS AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY. HAD THIS HAPPENED WHILE ON AN INTERSTATE AT HIGH SPEEDS, IN TRAFFIC, I WOULD PROBABLY NOT BE HERE TO MAKE THIS REPORT. A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO BE IN ! ! ! DEALER WILL REPLACE ALL DAMAGED BRAKE COMPONENTS UNDER WARRANTY BUT IS AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE MALFUNCTION TO OCCUR. I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE VEHICLE, AS THIS COULD OCCUR AGAIN AND WITH LIFE THREATENING RESULTS. VEHICLE IS NEW, LESS THAN ONE MONTH SINCE PURCHASED. 69 TOTAL MILES ON VEHICLE AT TIME OF PURCHASE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10245019
6,500 miles · Sep 20, 2008
Power Train
DRIVING MY BMW K1200LT TO PA. ONLY 6,500 MILES ON ODOMETER. I STOPPED IN W. VA AND NOTICED OIL ON THE REAR TIRE, INDICATING A FINAL DRIVE SEAL FAILURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242999
Official recalls
4Aug 10, 2020
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Oct 8, 2010
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 MOTORCYCLES. THE BEARINGS COULD BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION. THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED MOVEMENT OF THE LINK LEVER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD AFFECT THE HANDLING OF THE MOTORCYCLE INCREASING THE RISK A DRIVER MAY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Jun 4, 2008
BMW IS RECALLING 548 MY 2008 K1200 S AND GT MOTORCYCLES. THE FASTENERS USED TO SECURE THE FRONT BRAKE-DISC MAY NOT BE LONG ENOUGH TO ENSURE A SECURE MOUNTING. OVER TIME, THESE FASTENERS COULD LOOSEN. IF THAT HAPPENED, THE BRAKE DISC WOULD NO LONGER BE SECURELY MOUNTED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS, AND THE RIDER'S REACTIONS, COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A LONGER FRONT BRAKE DISC FASTENERS AND REROUTE THE SENSOR CABLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Jun 2, 2008
BMW IS RECALLING 30 MY 2008 K1200 S AND K1200 GT MOTORCYCLES. A SET SCREW MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AT ITS SPECIFIC LOCATION WITHIN THE OIL DUCT. CONSEQUENTLY, AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF OIL MAY NOT CIRCULATE WITHIN THE ENGINE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT CONNECTING ROD AND CRANKSHAFT DAMAGE COULD OCCUR. IF THIS HAPPENED, THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE. IF THE MOTORCYCLE WAS IN GEAR, ENGINE SEIZING COULD RESULT IN LOCK-UP OF THE REAR TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SET SCREW IN THE OIL DUCT. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-331-1117.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗