Owners have filed 17 complaints
about the 2009 BMW R 1200 GS with NHTSA between 2011 and 2024.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 54
Against the median year of the BMW R 1200 GS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
41.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
89% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2009 BMW R 1200 GS
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
847.1%
0 crashes, 3 fires · median 6,200 mi
Electrical System
211.8%
0 crashes, 2 fires
Transmission & Drivetrain
211.8%
Median failure at 16,796 miles
Engine & Cooling
211.8%
0 crashes, 2 fires
Equipment & Accessories
15.9%
Median failure at 6,200 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
15.9%
Suspension
15.9%
Median failure at 16,234 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
222.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
444.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
111.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
222.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2011peak 6Nov 2024
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 36,000 milesLone Jack, MOFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2009 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V471000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after a short ride, the contact had made a stop and ran into a machine shop. The contact had parked (P) the vehicle and left it on. When the contact returned after a few minutes he saw that the vehicle had caught fire, the engine was still running. The location of the fire was from the gasoline tank and fuel pump assembly. The contact extinguished the fire using a large extinguisher available in the shop. The fire department was not called. The contact towed the vehicle to his motorcycle shop. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11546013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lone Jack, MOFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The person who was riding the motorcycle at the time escaped from being burned! He put it out the fire with a fire extinguisher, bike looks totaled, confirmed by the Dealer. I brought the motorcycle to the BMW dealership in Kansas City it has been inspected. but not by the manufacture yet. no police report was made. No warning lamps or messages or symptoms just burst into flames!
NHTSA complaint #11534609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lone Jack, MOFire
ENGINE
The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The person who was riding the motorcycle at the time escaped from being burned! He put it out the fire with a fire extinguisher, bike looks totaled, confirmed by the Dealer. I brought the motorcycle to the BMW dealership in Kansas City it has been inspected. but not by the manufacture yet. no police report was made. No warning lamps or messages or symptoms just burst into flames!
NHTSA complaint #11534609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lone Jack, MOFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The person who was riding the motorcycle at the time escaped from being burned! He put it out the fire with a fire extinguisher, bike looks totaled, confirmed by the Dealer. I brought the motorcycle to the BMW dealership in Kansas City it has been inspected. but not by the manufacture yet. no police report was made. No warning lamps or messages or symptoms just burst into flames!
NHTSA complaint #11534609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lone Jack, MOFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hello I would like to open a case on a fire recall :VIN wb10313089zu47089 2009 BMW 1200gs Motorcycle , The motorcycle did start on fire casing much burn damage at the fuel line , needed the update fuel line and pump update. Rider was able to escape the flames and get a fire extinguisher and put out the fire ! I called BMW of north America , at first they said take it to the Dealer for a inspection it should be fixed at no charge. Made appointment for the 7-20-23 at BMW of Kansas City , Then they called me back said it was not covered because the last owner failed to take it in for the 2nd fire recall new updated fix so they are not responsible , I will keep you updated after the 20th of July , Thanks Randall McGowen , 40211 E Boswell Rd , Lone Jack, MO ( 816-699-1089) p.s. I am a retired GM master tech , seen many fire safety recalls , it defiantly sprayed fuel from the defective part to start the fire , luckily no one was burned!
NHTSA complaint #11533136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lone Jack, MOFire
ENGINE
Hello I would like to open a case on a fire recall :VIN wb10313089zu47089 2009 BMW 1200gs Motorcycle , The motorcycle did start on fire casing much burn damage at the fuel line , needed the update fuel line and pump update. Rider was able to escape the flames and get a fire extinguisher and put out the fire ! I called BMW of north America , at first they said take it to the Dealer for a inspection it should be fixed at no charge. Made appointment for the 7-20-23 at BMW of Kansas City , Then they called me back said it was not covered because the last owner failed to take it in for the 2nd fire recall new updated fix so they are not responsible , I will keep you updated after the 20th of July , Thanks Randall McGowen , 40211 E Boswell Rd , Lone Jack, MO ( 816-699-1089) p.s. I am a retired GM master tech , seen many fire safety recalls , it defiantly sprayed fuel from the defective part to start the fire , luckily no one was burned!
NHTSA complaint #11533136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Woodbine, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While attempting to pass a car on the highway, the engine suddenly lost power, forcing me into a perilous maneuver to reach the breakdown lane at highway speed. Following vehicle recovery and upon further inspection, I discovered that both plastic throttle body cam pulleys had broken in half, completely disabling throttle control. There were no warning lights or symptoms indicating this failure was imminent. In my research to fix the issue, I found that this problem is more common than I realized and poses a serious safety risk.
NHTSA complaint #11628004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Topanga, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Throttle cable pulleys made of plastic have cracks. Catastrophic failure will eventually occur with zero warning, causing total loss of power. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11612152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesLone Jack, MOFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2009 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V471000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after a short ride, the contact had made a stop and ran into a machine shop. The contact had parked (P) the vehicle and left it on. When the contact returned after a few minutes he saw that the vehicle had caught fire, the engine was still running. The location of the fire was from the gasoline tank and fuel pump assembly. The contact extinguished the fire using a large extinguisher available in the shop. The fire department was not called. The contact towed the vehicle to his motorcycle shop. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11546013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lone Jack, MOFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The person who was riding the motorcycle at the time escaped from being burned! He put it out the fire with a fire extinguisher, bike looks totaled, confirmed by the Dealer. I brought the motorcycle to the BMW dealership in Kansas City it has been inspected. but not by the manufacture yet. no police report was made. No warning lamps or messages or symptoms just burst into flames!
NHTSA complaint #11534609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lone Jack, MOFire
ENGINE
The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The person who was riding the motorcycle at the time escaped from being burned! He put it out the fire with a fire extinguisher, bike looks totaled, confirmed by the Dealer. I brought the motorcycle to the BMW dealership in Kansas City it has been inspected. but not by the manufacture yet. no police report was made. No warning lamps or messages or symptoms just burst into flames!
NHTSA complaint #11534609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lone Jack, MOFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The person who was riding the motorcycle at the time escaped from being burned! He put it out the fire with a fire extinguisher, bike looks totaled, confirmed by the Dealer. I brought the motorcycle to the BMW dealership in Kansas City it has been inspected. but not by the manufacture yet. no police report was made. No warning lamps or messages or symptoms just burst into flames!
NHTSA complaint #11534609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lone Jack, MOFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hello I would like to open a case on a fire recall :VIN wb10313089zu47089 2009 BMW 1200gs Motorcycle , The motorcycle did start on fire casing much burn damage at the fuel line , needed the update fuel line and pump update. Rider was able to escape the flames and get a fire extinguisher and put out the fire ! I called BMW of north America , at first they said take it to the Dealer for a inspection it should be fixed at no charge. Made appointment for the 7-20-23 at BMW of Kansas City , Then they called me back said it was not covered because the last owner failed to take it in for the 2nd fire recall new updated fix so they are not responsible , I will keep you updated after the 20th of July , Thanks Randall McGowen , 40211 E Boswell Rd , Lone Jack, MO ( 816-699-1089) p.s. I am a retired GM master tech , seen many fire safety recalls , it defiantly sprayed fuel from the defective part to start the fire , luckily no one was burned!
NHTSA complaint #11533136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lone Jack, MOFire
ENGINE
Hello I would like to open a case on a fire recall :VIN wb10313089zu47089 2009 BMW 1200gs Motorcycle , The motorcycle did start on fire casing much burn damage at the fuel line , needed the update fuel line and pump update. Rider was able to escape the flames and get a fire extinguisher and put out the fire ! I called BMW of north America , at first they said take it to the Dealer for a inspection it should be fixed at no charge. Made appointment for the 7-20-23 at BMW of Kansas City , Then they called me back said it was not covered because the last owner failed to take it in for the 2nd fire recall new updated fix so they are not responsible , I will keep you updated after the 20th of July , Thanks Randall McGowen , 40211 E Boswell Rd , Lone Jack, MO ( 816-699-1089) p.s. I am a retired GM master tech , seen many fire safety recalls , it defiantly sprayed fuel from the defective part to start the fire , luckily no one was burned!
NHTSA complaint #11533136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lone Jack, MOFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Hello I would like to open a case on a fire recall :VIN wb10313089zu47089 2009 BMW 1200gs Motorcycle , The motorcycle did start on fire casing much burn damage at the fuel line , needed the update fuel line and pump update. Rider was able to escape the flames and get a fire extinguisher and put out the fire ! I called BMW of north America , at first they said take it to the Dealer for a inspection it should be fixed at no charge. Made appointment for the 7-20-23 at BMW of Kansas City , Then they called me back said it was not covered because the last owner failed to take it in for the 2nd fire recall new updated fix so they are not responsible , I will keep you updated after the 20th of July , Thanks Randall McGowen , 40211 E Boswell Rd , Lone Jack, MO ( 816-699-1089) p.s. I am a retired GM master tech , seen many fire safety recalls , it defiantly sprayed fuel from the defective part to start the fire , luckily no one was burned!
NHTSA complaint #11533136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,234 milesPlantation, FL
SUSPENSION
THERE HAD BEEN MANY MOTORCYCLE COMPLAINT ON SUSPENSION LEAKING PROBLEMS, WITH VERY LOW MILES ON. AND BMW IS NOT RESPONDING FOR THIS FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10594953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,168 milesCanyon Lake, CA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
2009 BMW R1200GS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FINAL DRIVE FAILURE IN MOTORCYCLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER SUBMITTED A PHOTO OF THE REAR WHEEL, TO SHOW THE EXTENT OF HOW THE GEAR OIL LEAKED. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN # DP12001.
NHTSA complaint #10524430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,500 milesSouderton, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW R 1200 GS MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRIANGLE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD ONE WARNING LIGHT AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IF ANY OTHER SYSTEM ON THE MOTORCYCLE FAILED, HE WOULD NOT BE AWARE OF THE PARTICULAR FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE SENSOR. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, HOWEVER NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,856. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500.
NHTSA complaint #10471237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 425 milesPort Jefferson, NY
POWER TRAIN
I PURCHASED THE MOTORCYCLE NEW WITH JUST OVER 300 MILES ON IT. AFTER I BEGAN RIDING IT I DISCOVERED THAT IT WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY. THIS STALLING WOULD OCCUR WHEN DECELERATING FROM HIGH RPMS (ABOVE 2000), WHEN THE THROTTLE WAS CLOSED AND THE CLUTCH WAS PULLED IN. THE MOTORCYCLE NOW HAS OVER 13,000 MILES ON IT AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE ON THIS ISSUE MANY TIMES AND FOR OVER SEVERAL MONTHS CUMULATIVELY. THE DEALER CLAIMS THAT THEY CANNOT FIND THE ISSUE, YET THEIR ANSWER (THAT THEY 'CAN'T FIND AN ISSUE') REMAINS UNCONVINCING, IN MY MIND. THIS IS ESPECIALLY A HAZARD AT NIGHT WHEN THE LIGHTS DIM IN ORDER TO RESTART THE MOTORCYCLE.
NHTSA complaint #10466931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,000 milesGolden, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2009 BMW R1200GS FUEL STRIP FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10406900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,200 milesSAN Jose, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL GAUGE ON MY 2009 BMW R1200GS MOTORCYCLE WAS SHOWING I HAD APPROXIMATELY 1/3 OF A TANK OF FUEL WHEN I RAN OUT OF GAS. I WAS TRAVELING ON A FREEWAY DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 15MPH WHEN THIS HAPPENED BUT WAS FORCED TO GET OFF THE BIKE AND PUSH IT TO THE FAST LANE SHOULDER. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE BIKE RESTARTED BY LEANING IT OVER AS FAR AS I COULD TO THE LEFT WHICH LET SOME ADDITIONAL FUEL GO FROM THE RIGHT TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TANK. I FEEL THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. APPARENTLY THIS IS A WELL KNOW ISSUE BY BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AS IT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING TO MANY PEOPLE WHO OWN BMW MOTORCYCLES. I HAVE HAD MY MOTORCYCLE IN TO THE SHOP THREE TIMES AND IT STILL IS NOT FIXED. I WILL GO IN FOR A FOURTH TIME TO SEE IF THEY CAN MAKE IT WORK PROPERLY AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10396871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesSlaterville Springs, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
RIDING MOTORCYCLE WITH FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYING 3/4 FULL TANK AND THEN SUDDENLY THE BIKE RAN OUT OF FUEL WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TOOK MOTORCYCLE INTO DEALER AND THE FUEL STRIP SENSOR WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, DEALER KEPT OLD PART. THE FUEL SENSOR HAS SUBSEQUENTLY FAIL TWO MORE TIMES CAUSING A STALLING OF THE ENGINE WHILE RIDING ALONG A ROAD. DEALER HAS REPLACED FUEL SENSOR STRIP THREE TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10396891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,200 milesSAN Jose, CA
EQUIPMENT
FUEL GAUGE ON MY 2009 BMW R1200GS MOTORCYCLE WAS SHOWING I HAD APPROXIMATELY 1/3 OF A TANK OF FUEL WHEN I RAN OUT OF GAS. I WAS TRAVELING ON A FREEWAY DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 15MPH WHEN THIS HAPPENED BUT WAS FORCED TO GET OFF THE BIKE AND PUSH IT TO THE FAST LANE SHOULDER. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE BIKE RESTARTED BY LEANING IT OVER AS FAR AS I COULD TO THE LEFT WHICH LET SOME ADDITIONAL FUEL GO FROM THE RIGHT TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TANK. I FEEL THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. APPARENTLY THIS IS A WELL KNOW ISSUE BY BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AS IT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING TO MANY PEOPLE WHO OWN BMW MOTORCYCLES. I HAVE HAD MY MOTORCYCLE IN TO THE SHOP THREE TIMES AND IT STILL IS NOT FIXED. I WILL GO IN FOR A FOURTH TIME TO SEE IF THEY CAN MAKE IT WORK PROPERLY AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10396871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.