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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2004–2018

BMW R 1200 RT recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns and 267 owner complaints for the BMW R 1200 RT, covering model years 2004 to 2018. The 2006 model year drew the most complaints (54), and Fuel/Propulsion System is the component owners name most often.

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

Decode your BMW R 1200 RT VIN

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

  • 11 recall campaigns on file
  • 267 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 15 model years with data (2004–2018)
  • most complaints: 2006 (54 for that model year)
  • top component: Fuel/Propulsion System (113 complaints)
  • latest recall 21V060000 (reported Feb 8, 2021)
  • 2 complaints reporting a crash (0.7%)
  • 1 complaint reporting a fire (0.4%)
  • 4 complaints reporting an injury (1.5%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

BMW R 1200 RT complaints by model year

15 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2006 model year has the most complaints: 54 of 267, or 20.2%. Next come 2007 (52) and 2009 (36). The fewest are for 2016, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
BMW R 1200 RT owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2004–2018Column chart of 267 complaints across 15 model years. The highest is 2006 with 54. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2004: 1 complaint120042005: 32 complaints3220052006: 54 complaints5420062007: 52 complaints5220072008: 32 complaints3220082009: 36 complaints3620092010: 9 complaints920102011: 20 complaints2020112012: 11 complaints1120122013: 6 complaints620132014: 6 complaints620142015: 3 complaints320152016: 1 complaint120162017: 2 complaints220172018: 2 complaints22018
Show the figures for all 15 model years
BMW R 1200 RT complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
BMW R 1200 RT complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
200411010
2005321010
2006540000
2007520010
2008320110
2009360000
201090000
2011200000
2012110000
201360000
201460000
201530000
201610000
201720000
201820000
All model years2672140

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

Most-reported BMW R 1200 RT components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Fuel/Propulsion System is the component named most often, in 113 complaints (42.3% of all 267), followed by Power Train (46) and Fuel System, Gasoline (45).

Components named most often in BMW R 1200 RT complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in BMW R 1200 RT complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System11342.3%
Power Train4617.2%
Fuel System, Gasoline4516.9%
Service Brakes228.2%
Electrical System176.4%
Vehicle Speed Control124.5%
Engine114.1%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic83.0%
Wheels83.0%
Suspension62.2%
Exterior Lighting41.5%
Structure41.5%
Unknown or Other41.5%
Engine and Engine Cooling31.1%
Fuel System, Diesel10.4%

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 R 1200 RT recalls

11 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name R 1200 RT, newest first. The 11 campaigns cover model years 2005 to 2014. The 2006 model year appears in the most campaigns (6).

  • 11 recall campaigns
  • 1 “Do Not Drive” advisory
BMW R 1200 RT 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
2005: 5 campaigns2006: 6 campaigns2007: 5 campaigns2008: 5 campaigns2009: 5 campaigns
2010: 3 campaigns2011: 3 campaigns2012: 1 campaign2013: 1 campaign2014: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 21V060000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 2011–2014

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.

    Consequence:
    A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 20V471000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 2005–2011

    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:
    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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 15V141000

    Reported

    Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs

    Model years 2005–2010

    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.

    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.
    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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 14V320000

    Reported

    Suspension

    Model year 2014

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 R1200 RT motorcycles manufactured November 27, 2013, to May 5, 2014. The affected vehicles have a Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) rear shock absorber. The piston rod within the rear shock absorber can break without warning, causing loss of stability.

    Consequence:
    If the piston rod breaks it will cause loss of stability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Dynamic ESA shock absorber, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in July 2014. Owners may contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-525-7417. Note: Owners are advised not to ride their motorcycles until they have been remedied.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 13V617000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 2005–2011

    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.

    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
    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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 10V276000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic

    Model years 2007–2009

    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.

    Consequence:
    If this goes unnoticed, and the brake fluid reservoir runs empty, the front brakes could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 09V256000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic

    Model years 2007–2009

    BMW is recalling 1,535 MY 2007-2009 R1200RT motorcycles. Due to routing and assembly tolerances of the front brake lines, it is possible for the lines to be under strain. In combination with vibration during riding, the brake lines could develop a leak. The level of fluid in the front brake fluid reservoir could drop rendering the front brakes inoperative.

    Consequence:
    In the event that only the rear brakes were operational, severe loss of control during hard braking could result. This could result in a serious crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners and repair the motorcycles with new front brake lines, with modified routing free of charge. The safety recall began on October 5, 2009. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 06V164000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

    Model year 2006

    On certain motorcycles, under rapid, repeated, and unusually harsh braking, loss of ABS capability could temporarily occur.

    Consequence:
    Temporary loss of ABS braking could increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will add a physical restriction, in the form of a banjo bolt with a flow restrictor to the brake line, and on certain models dealers will install new front brake discs of a slightly larger thickness free of charge. The recall began on June 5, 2006, and will be a phased mailing through October 2006. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 06V134000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic

    Model years 2005–2006

    On certain motorcycles, if certain procedures are performed that involves removal of the front left brake caliper, the ABS sensor cable can be routed incorrectly and when the caliper is reinstalled, the sensor cable can come into contact and rub against the front brake disc. Overtime, if the chafing becomes severe, it is possible to lose the ABS function.

    Consequence:
    Loss of ABS function could increase the risk of a crash during certain riding conditions.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will attach additional retaining clips free of charge to the ABS sensor cable, which will provide a more secure connection to the wheel carrier. The recall began on June 5, 2006, and will be a phased mailing through October 2006. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 06V104000

    Reported

    Power Train › Clutch Assembly

    Model year 2006

    On certain motorcycles, the clutch components could become loose while the motorcycle is being operated.

    Consequence:
    If this happened, the components could exit through the engine casting increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install new clutch components free of charge. All motorcycles are located at dealers. No motorcycles have been sold to customers.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

Show 1 more recall

  1. NHTSA campaign 05V172000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling

    Model year 2005

    On certain motorcycles, exposure of the throttle housing to road debris could fall and become caught between the throttle-body and the engine block.

    Consequence:
    This could restrict movement of the throttle-cable pulley that, in turn, could affect throttle operation and increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a cover over the throttle-cable pulley free of charge. The recall began on May 10, 2005. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

    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 R 1200 RT questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the BMW R 1200 RT have?

NHTSA lists 11 vehicle recall campaigns for the BMW R 1200 RT, covering model years 2004 to 2018. The most recent, 21V060000, was reported on February 8, 2021 and is filed under “Fuel system, gasoline”. The 2006 model year is covered by the most campaigns (6).

Which BMW R 1200 RT model year has the most complaints?

The 2006 model year, with 54 of the 267 complaints in NHTSA’s file (20.2%). The next are 2007 (52) and 2009 (36). 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 R 1200 RT complaint?

Fuel/Propulsion System is the component named most often: 113 complaints, or 42.3% of all 267. Power Train (46) and Fuel System, Gasoline (45) 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 R 1200 RT?

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 R 1200 RT complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 267 complaints, 2 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.