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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2019–2023

BMW R 1250 GS recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 29 owner complaints for the BMW R 1250 GS, covering model years 2019 to 2023. The 2019 model year drew the most complaints (15), and Service Brakes is the component owners name most often.

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

Decode your BMW R 1250 GS VIN

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

  • 6 recall campaigns on file
  • 29 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 5 model years with data (2019–2023)
  • most complaints: 2019 (15 for that model year)
  • top component: Service Brakes (19 complaints)
  • latest recall 23V011000 (reported Jan 18, 2023)
  • 0 complaints reporting a crash (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a fire (0.0%)
  • 1 complaint reporting an injury (3.4%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

BMW R 1250 GS complaints by model year

5 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2019 model year has the most complaints: 15 of 29, or 51.7%. Next come 2020 (8) and 2022 (3). The fewest are for 2021, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
BMW R 1250 GS owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2019–2023Column chart of 29 complaints across 5 model years. The highest is 2019 with 15. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2019: 15 complaints1520192020: 8 complaints820202021: 1 complaint120212022: 3 complaints320222023: 2 complaints22023
BMW R 1250 GS complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
BMW R 1250 GS complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
2019150000
202080000
202110000
202230000
202320010
All model years290010

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

Most-reported BMW R 1250 GS components

top 11 · NHTSA categories

Service Brakes is the component named most often, in 19 complaints (65.5% of all 29), followed by Electrical System (4) and Engine (4).

Components named most often in BMW R 1250 GS complaints (top 11)
Components named most often in BMW R 1250 GS complaints (top 11)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Service Brakes1965.5%
Electrical System413.8%
Engine413.8%
Unknown or Other310.3%
Power Train26.9%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic26.9%
Exterior Lighting13.4%
Forward Collision Avoidance13.4%
Fuel/Propulsion System13.4%
Structure13.4%
Vehicle Speed Control13.4%

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 1250 GS recalls

6 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name R 1250 GS, newest first. The 6 campaigns cover model years 2019 to 2023. The 2020 model year appears in the most campaigns (5).

  • 6 recall campaigns
BMW R 1250 GS recall campaigns covering each model year
2019: 3 campaigns2020: 5 campaigns2021: 2 campaigns2022: 1 campaign2023: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 23V011000

    Reported

    Power Train › Manual Transmission › Internal › Shaft › Input

    Model years 2019–2023

    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.

    Consequence:
    A damaged gearbox input shaft or a blocked rear wheel can increase the risk of a crash.
    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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 20V495000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model year 2021

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 R 1250 RT, R 1250 R, R 1250 RS, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure motorcycles. The tire pressure labels may not remain affixed to the motorcycle frame. As a result, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars."

    Consequence:
    If the label detaches from the motorcycle, proper tire pressure information may not be readily available. This could result in the rider improperly filling the tires which may affect motorcycle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began October 19, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 20V476000

    Reported

    Service Brakes; Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper

    Model years 2019–2020

    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."

    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.
    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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 20V166000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid

    Model years 2019–2020

    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."

    Consequence:
    Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
    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.

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 20V165000

    Reported

    Power Train › Driveline

    Model year 2020

    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.

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

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 20V146000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights

    Model year 2020

    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."

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

    Filed by BMW of North America, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. 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 1250 GS questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the BMW R 1250 GS have?

NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recall campaigns for the BMW R 1250 GS, covering model years 2019 to 2023. The most recent, 23V011000, was reported on January 18, 2023 and is filed under “Power train”. The 2020 model year is covered by the most campaigns (5).

Which BMW R 1250 GS model year has the most complaints?

The 2019 model year, with 15 of the 29 complaints in NHTSA’s file (51.7%). The next are 2020 (8) and 2022 (3). 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 1250 GS complaint?

Service Brakes is the component named most often: 19 complaints, or 65.5% of all 29. Electrical System (4) and Engine (4) 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 1250 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 R 1250 GS complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 29 complaints, 0 report a crash, 0 a fire, 1 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.