2016 BMW R1200 GS recalls and problems

The 2016 BMW R1200 GS has 2 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 BMW R1200 GS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 BMW R1200 GS recalls

Recall 17V-481: Equipment

Reported Jul 28, 2017 · 47,775 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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."

Risk: If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 17V-438: Suspension

Reported Jul 10, 2017 · 14,626 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 BMW R1200GS and BMW R1200GS Adventure motorcycles. The motorcycle fixed fork tube may separate from the pressed in seal plug that secures the tube to the upper triple clamp.

Risk: If the fork tube detaches from the sealing plug, the handling and stability of the motorcycle will be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will add an additional fixed fork tube bush. A fork that is sufficiently damaged will be replaced with a modified new part. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2016 BMW R1200 GS problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Suspension	5
Engine	3
Electrical System	2
Service Brakes	2
Steering	1
Fuel/Propulsion System	1
Power Train	1

Most reported parts

Electrical System › Horn — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 4,300 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 BMW R1200 GS complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported May 31, 2023

Rear brake on motorcycle does not stop the motorcycle. After three BMW dealer visits and rear brakes having been bled, the rear brake pedal becomes soft and does not stop the motorcycle. The same problem occurred each time within 2-3 months of the repair. The only way to stop the motorcycle is to use the front brake. The BMW service department cannot explain the reason this keeps happening.

Service Brakes · at 12,000 miles · reported Aug 21, 2019

The rear brake becomes ineffective. Dealer says that air invades the rear brake system. Bleeding the old brake fluid and replacing it with new brake fluid solves the problem for a few months. Then it happens again and the bleeding must be done again. Front brake continues to be effective at all times.

Engine · at 490 miles · reported May 7, 2018

While riding the motorcycle at highway speeds, the engine goes into a faulted state spontaneously with no warning prior, the ECU is faulting and putting the engine into "limp mode" which is almost equivalent of completely killing the engine the way it is currently done, and you are left to navigate off the highway in a severely debilitated state of operation. The engine is programmed with a "limp mode" fault I assume to save the engine? But my complaint is , the way it currently operates on the motorcycle,it is patently "unsafe" and puts the rider or operator and passenger in a very dangerous…

Suspension · at 11,500 miles · reported Jun 23, 2017

On may 13, 2017, while riding my 2016 bmw r1200gs with 11500 miles, one of my riding partners noticed oil leaking from the suspension fork tubes. After peeling the rubber boots that cover the stanchions, we noticed that both stanchions on the bike had separated. I wouldn't have known about it, except one of the persons with whom I was riding, had the same issue happen with his 2013 bmw r1200gs. I still had to ride 170 miles home with 15 miles of it on dirt. I rode straight to the dealership and they wouldn't let me take the bike because they consider this a very dangerous situation. And…

Steering · at 5,500 miles · reported May 19, 2017

I was traveling in on a straight portion of pacific coast highway in huntington beach. There was no traffic around and no debris in the road. I was traveling approximately 40 MPH when the handlebar on my motorcycle violently jerked to the left for a split second and corrected itself. This was not normal and very dangerous. I looked at the handlebar and noticed that it wasn't straight or square to the direction I was traveling. A second after seeing the handle bar the bike jerked to the left again, this time causing me to lose control and crash. It was obvious to me that something very unusual…

Other BMW R1200 GS years

2018 201720162015 2014 2013 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

Compare all BMW R1200 GS years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 BMW R1200 GS have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 BMW R1200 GS: 17V-481 (equipment), 17V-438 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 BMW R1200 GS?

Owners report suspension problems most often (5 reports), followed by engine (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 4,300 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.