2018 Bmw R1200 Gs problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (2) · Steering (1) · Electrical System (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Bmw R1200 Gs model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (2)
Equipment 2018-03-21 · campaign 18E016000 · 1,571 vehicles
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Accessory Windscreens, sold for installation on various motorcycles. Specifically being recalled is Windscreen model number 8531917, sold for use on model year 2012-2018 F700GS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8544629, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 R1200R motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8546224, sold for use on model year 2014-2018 S1000R motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8551929, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 S1000X
Risk: The darker windscreen can inhibit the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windscreen, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 10, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Equipment 2017-07-28 · campaign 17V481000 · 47,775 vehicles
Defect: 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 reflect
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.
Service bulletins (43)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Power Train 2024-08-31 · MC330423 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
driveshaft maintenance schedule change
Electrical System 2024-01-11 · B611305 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the electrical system of bmw vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. this has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. this document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle ã¢ââdischarged batteryã¢ââ complaints.
Power Train 2023-12-13 · MC330423 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
since october 2023, a new maintenance schedule is valid for all k5x models. for the first time, maintenance positions for the cardan shaft (driveshaft) are included. notice: 1. the new maintenance schedule is not limited to vehicles affected by the si 33 02 22 (service action: swingarm drain ret
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft 2023-04-24 · SIB330222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts ofthe driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic conditions.
Service Brakes 2022-11-08 · MC000222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
bmw motorrad is aware of a number of cases in which the screw connections of the paralever link and/or the rear brake caliper have loosened in customer vehicles while driving.
Structure 2021-11-03 · MC460521 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
stress corrosion cracks may occur on the studs of certain milled footrests from the bmw motorrad special accessories catalog for the gs models.
Showing the 6 most recent of 43 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2025-05-15 · Electrical System · 11,500 mi“the contact owns a 2018 bmw r 1200 gs. the contact stated while riding the motorcycle at an undisclosed speed, the rpm's decreased and the motorcycle lost motive power. in addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. the contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road. the motorcycle was taken to the dealer where it was…”
2021-08-21 · Engine“vehicle reported engine fault and cut engine power while on freeway (commonly known as "limp mode"). it was extremely dangerous trying to find somewhere to pull over with very little engine power. it has happened several times now. vehicle is now longer safe for freeway use. it also happened once mid corner which upsets the chassis and is quit…”
2020-11-06 · Steering · 8,000 mi · 💥 crash“without warning the motorcycle steering went into what is commonly know as "death wobble" or "tank slapping" with the steering uncontrollable rapidly moving right to left and immediately crashing causing severe injuries to driver.…”
2020-10-08 · Engine · 12,100 mi“this is in reference to ticket # 11363230. related to this same vehicle. i went for a ride today and the same thing happened, with the engine suddenly shutting almost completely down. luckily, it was on a deserted country road and not in rush hour traffic. i am attaching a pdf of the obd scan i took upon returning home today. also, please note …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.