2016 BMW R1200 RS recalls and problems

The 2016 BMW R1200 RS has 1 safety recall and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

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

2016 BMW R1200 RS 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.

2016 BMW R1200 RS problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	2
Engine	2
Fuel/Propulsion System	2
Tires	1
Equipment	1
Exterior Lighting	1

Most reported parts

Tires › Tread/Belt — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 23,000 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 RS complaints

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

Equipment · at 23,000 miles · reported Jan 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 BMW R1200 RS Motorcycle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the rear reflex reflectors were inoperable. The contact was informed by another motorist that the reflector lights were not illuminating as needed. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear reflex reflectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V481000 (Equipment). The contact was…

Tires · reported Sep 23, 2021

MC 120 / 70R 17W While riding, i noticed a shake in the front of my motorcycle. Upon stopping I noticed a bulge in the center of the tread that was approximately 1.5" higher than the rest of the tread in an area that was about 1/3 the circumference of the tire. I attempted to ride the four miles to my house, but the tire started losing air at a fast rate.

Electrical System · reported Sep 10, 2021

Motorcycle Engine Control Unit (ECU) is experiencing control logic faults and forces the engine into low power "Limp Mode" operation. In my case, several of these events occurred at ~18,000-miles (May 2020) and the servicing could find no mechanical or electrical problem. The manufacturer recommended re-programming of ECU. At 27,000 (July 2021) the same control logic faults (21F961 & 21F971) occurred again. Additional fault events and limp mode operation have occurred since. The transition to Limp Mode may protect the engine, but the rapid loss of engine power when traveling on multi-lane…

Electrical System · reported Sep 5, 2021

The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "Throttle Valve #1 Out of Range". The Dealership consulted with BMW and was directed to update the ECU. The Dealership noted several other occurrences of this problem and reported that hardware changes had not been very successful. The Dealership suggested trying the software upgrade. In 2021, "Limp…

Other BMW R1200 RS years

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Compare all BMW R1200 RS years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 BMW R1200 RS have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 BMW R1200 RS: 17V-481 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report electrical system problems most often (2 reports), followed by engine (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 23,000 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.