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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2001–2012

BMW F 650 GS recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns and 45 owner complaints for the BMW F 650 GS, covering model years 2001 to 2012. The 2001 model year drew the most complaints (14), and Fuel System, Gasoline is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your BMW F 650 GS VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 9 recall campaigns on file
  • 45 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 11 model years with data (2001–2012)
  • most complaints: 2001 (14 for that model year)
  • top component: Fuel System, Gasoline (10 complaints)
  • latest recall 17V481000 (reported Jul 28, 2017)
  • 5 complaints reporting a crash (11.1%)
  • 1 complaint reporting a fire (2.2%)
  • 4 complaints reporting an injury (8.9%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

BMW F 650 GS complaints by model year

10 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2001 model year has the most complaints: 14 of 45, or 31.1%. Next come 2009 (11) and 2002 (4). The fewest are for 2006, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
BMW F 650 GS owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2001–2012Column chart of 45 complaints across 12 model years. The highest is 2001 with 14. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2001: 14 complaints1420012002: 4 complaints420022003: 3 complaints320032004: 0 complaints20042005: 2 complaints220052006: 1 complaint120062007: 2 complaints220072008: 0 complaints20082009: 11 complaints1120092010: 3 complaints320102011: 3 complaints320112012: 2 complaints22012
BMW F 650 GS complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
BMW F 650 GS complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
2001143020
200242020
200330000
200520000
200610100
200720000
2009110000
201030000
201130000
201220000
All model years455140

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported BMW F 650 GS components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Fuel System, Gasoline is the component named most often, in 10 complaints (22.2% of all 45), followed by Electrical System (8) and Fuel/Propulsion System (6).

Components named most often in BMW F 650 GS complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in BMW F 650 GS complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline1022.2%
Electrical System817.8%
Fuel/Propulsion System613.3%
Suspension613.3%
Engine and Engine Cooling511.1%
Engine48.9%
Visibility48.9%
Exterior Lighting36.7%
Power Train24.4%
Steering24.4%
Structure24.4%
Vehicle Speed Control24.4%
Fuel System, Other12.2%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic12.2%
Wheels12.2%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

BMW F 650 GS recalls

9 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name F 650 GS, newest first. The 9 campaigns cover model years 2001 to 2012. The 2008 model year appears in the most campaigns (6).

  • 9 recall campaigns
BMW F 650 GS recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2001: 1 campaign2002: no campaigns2003: no campaigns2004: no campaigns2005: no campaigns2006: 1 campaign2007: 2 campaigns2008: 6 campaigns2009: 4 campaigns
2010: 3 campaigns2011: 1 campaign2012: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 17V481000

    Reported

    Equipment

    Model years 2008–2012

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2017 F800R and F800GT motorcycles, 2014-2018 R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, 2016-2017 S1000XR motorcycles and 2015-2017 R1200R and R1200RS, 2008-2012 F650GS, 2008-2018 F800GS, and 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure motorcycles. When equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blocked. The aluminum case mounts for the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure may also partially block the reflectors. 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."

    Consequence:
    If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install reflectors on the cases or for the case mounts, an additional bracket with rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 10V496000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc

    Model years 2008–2010

    BMW is recalling certain 2008 through 2010 F 650 GS motorcycles manufactured from January 11, 2008, through December 8, 2009. A washer may interfere with the front disc brake fasteners' torque. As a result, over time, a fastener or mutiple fasteners could become loose, allowing the brake disc to become loose.

    Consequence:
    A loose brake disc may interfere with proper braking performance and may increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on January 13, 2011. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 10V274000

    Reported

    Power Train

    Model years 2008–2009

    BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 F650 GS and f 800 GS motorcycles manufactured from September 27, 2007 through March 30, 2009. The drive chains may not have been produced to specification. As a result, over time the drive chain could break.

    Consequence:
    If the broken chain becomes trapped between the rear wheel and the frame, the rear wheel could lock up, possibly resulting in a crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners and dealers will replace the drive chain and sprockets on the affected motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall began on August 30, 2010. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 09V499000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling

    Model years 2008–2010

    BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 F650 GS and F800 GS motorcycles manufactured between January 2008 and December 2009. During engine operation, a vacuum is created in order to draw fresh air into the canister. This air then mixes with the fuel vapors captured by the canister, and is subsequently combusted. Due to the routing of the ventilation hose, water near the end of the hose could be drawn into the charcoal canister.

    Consequence:
    Water could flow into the canister causing a stalling condition increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and add an additional hose and route it such that the present defect is prevented. This remedy will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on May 13, 2010. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 08V693000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc

    Model year 2008

    BMW is recalling 373 MY 2008 F650 GS motorcycles. Due to production and assembly tolerances, the length of one or more of the front brake disc fasteners may be insufficient. If the length of a fastener was insufficient, this could result in the fastener not being tightened according to specifications.

    Consequence:
    If this happened, the fastener could work loose from its threads. In some cases involving multiple fasteners, the brake disc could loosen, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will remove the brake disc fasteners and replace them with new longer fasteners. The recall is expected to begin during January 2009. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 08V692000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline

    Model year 2008

    BMW is recalling 509 MY 2008 F650 GS and F800 GS motorcycles. The tightening of the chain sprocket fasteners may have resulted in various levels of torque being applied.

    Consequence:
    It is possible for the fasteners to work loose from the sprocket, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will loosen and inspect the chain sprocket fasteners. Those that have been damaged will be replaced. In all cases, the fasteners will be retightened. The recall is expected to begin during January 2009. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 07V368000

    Reported

    Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar

    Model year 2007

    On certain motorcycles, the clamping blocks and the top fork bridge were not manufactured according to specifications. Consequently, the handlebars might not be held securely in position.

    Consequence:
    It is possible for the handlebars to move out of their correct position when the motorcycle is being maneuvered, or when it is being ridden, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the top fork bridge and both clamping blocks on these motorcycles free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2007. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 07V151000

    Reported

    Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/Center Stand

    Model years 2006–2007

    On certain motorcycles, the weld between the side stand and the frame bottom section was not positioned properly. The load-bearing capability of the side stand is affected. As a result, the side stand could fail.

    Consequence:
    If this occurred when the motorcycle was parked, the motorcycle could fall to the ground and injure a person sitting on the motorcycle or a person nearby.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a new frame bottom section free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2007. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 00V267000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly

    Model year 2001

    Vehicle description: motorcycles. The fuel tank is equipped with a carbon canister which helps control evaporative emissions from the fuel system. This canister is mounted to a metal insert that is integrated into the tank. During the production process, the thickness of the fuel tank material in the area of the insert may be less than intended. As a result, vehicle operating conditions such as vibration, high temperature, etc., could result in the fuel tank developing a crack in the area of the insert.

    Consequence:
    The fuel tank could leak during refueling, possibly resulting in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the fuel tank.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

BMW F 650 GS questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the BMW F 650 GS have?

NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recall campaigns for the BMW F 650 GS, covering model years 2001 to 2012. The most recent, 17V481000, was reported on July 28, 2017 and is filed under “Equipment”. The 2008 model year is covered by the most campaigns (6).

Which BMW F 650 GS model year has the most complaints?

The 2001 model year, with 14 of the 45 complaints in NHTSA’s file (31.1%). The next are 2009 (11) and 2002 (4). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common BMW F 650 GS complaint?

Fuel System, Gasoline is the component named most often: 10 complaints, or 22.2% of all 45. Electrical System (8) and Fuel/Propulsion System (6) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my BMW F 650 GS?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a BMW dealer.

How many BMW F 650 GS complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 45 complaints, 5 report a crash, 1 a fire, 4 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other BMW models

8 models · most complaints first

The BMW models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the BMW VIN decoder with every BMW model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • BMW X5 1999–2026 · 103 recalls · 3,138 complaints
  • BMW 328i 1996–2016 · 27 recalls · 2,576 complaints
  • BMW X3 2004–2026 · 60 recalls · 1,989 complaints
  • BMW 325i 1995–2012 · 20 recalls · 1,281 complaints
  • BMW Z4 2002–2023 · 28 recalls · 1,280 complaints
  • BMW 3 Series 1995–2023 · 8 recalls · 841 complaints
  • BMW 528i 1997–2016 · 14 recalls · 831 complaints
  • BMW 330i 1999–2026 · 38 recalls · 813 complaints

All BMW models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.