Owners have filed 11 complaints
about the 2014 BMW R 1200 GS with NHTSA between 2015 and 2024.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 35
Against the median year of the BMW R 1200 GS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
27.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
75% 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 2014 BMW R 1200 GS
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
327.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 4,900 mi
Body & Structure
218.2%
Median failure at 31,900 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
19.1%
Median failure at 40,000 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
19.1%
Median failure at 14,625 miles
Suspension
19.1%
Median failure at 22,000 miles
Brakes
19.1%
Median failure at 30,400 miles
Electrical System
19.1%
Median failure at 14,625 miles
Engine & Cooling
19.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
112.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
450.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
337.5%
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.
Jun 2015peak 3Jul 2024
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Medford, ORCrash1 injured1 killed
POWER TRAIN
The contact owned a 2014 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact stated while the contact's father was driving 25 MPH, the motorcycle unintendedly accelerated at high speed. The contact was unsure if any warning light illuminated, but it caused the contact's father to lose control of the motorcycle, and to avoid striking other vehicles, the contact struck a pole and a utility box. The contact's father stuffed severe injuries causing the contact's father to pass away. The contact’s father was wearing safety equipment. A police report was filed. The motorcycle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11520947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 40,000 milesTroy, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2014 BMW R1200 GS Motorcycle. The contact stated that while operating the motorcycle, the odor of fuel was present. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the motorcycle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11603321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,800 milesSanta Rosa, CA
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2014 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact stated that while parked, the front suspension passenger side fork tube had separated. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact referred to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V438000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 41,800.
NHTSA complaint #11549685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Medford, ORCrash1 injured1 killed
POWER TRAIN
The contact owned a 2014 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact stated while the contact's father was driving 25 MPH, the motorcycle unintendedly accelerated at high speed. The contact was unsure if any warning light illuminated, but it caused the contact's father to lose control of the motorcycle, and to avoid striking other vehicles, the contact struck a pole and a utility box. The contact's father stuffed severe injuries causing the contact's father to pass away. The contact’s father was wearing safety equipment. A police report was filed. The motorcycle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11520947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,400 milesAshland, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 BMW R 1200 Motorcycle. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and emitted abnormal sounds and failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal until it responded. The contact was able to drive to his residence, where he noticed that the front forks were leaking oil onto the wheel and onto the brakes. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 30,400.
NHTSA complaint #11487236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cave Creek, AZ
POWER TRAIN
Rear drive shaft universal joint failed causing the motorcycle to lose power to the rear wheel. If I had been in a turn when the motorcycle lost power, I could have lost control of the vehicle, and my passenger and myself may have crashed and been harmed or died. Per BMW: There have been a mounting number of instances where condensation within the hollow swingarm unit has caused corrosion to accumulate on the drive shaft and/o rear u-joint, creating issues that can include loss of power to the rear wheel. BMW has now a Service Action SA 0033130000, to correct the condensation. No inspection other than by me mechanic. No warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. Symptoms prior to the failure were a strange vibrating sensation and hum emitting from the rear of the bike. This began 2 days prior to the joint failure. I believe condensation in the swing arm caused the corrosion that led to the failure of the drive shaft rear universal joint.
NHTSA complaint #11485484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
ENGINE
The motorcycle has a known flaw in the design of the cam and decompression mechanism in the right hand cylinder. The part has been redesigned, and BMW has in certain cases replaced the part for vehicles in and out of warranty. The BMW internal report designation associated with this flaw is INFO 772590. When riding my motorcyle, the flawed cam/decompression mechanism causes the engine to stumble and lose power at random. As a result, the engine loses power, increasing the risk of an accident and injury. I have asked that BMW replace the part. BMW NA referred me to the dealership. The dealership has refused to cover replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11463481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesArvada, CO
SUSPENSION
AT THE END OF THIS SUMMER I NOTICED MY FRONT STANCHIONS ON MY MOTORCYCLE COMING LOOSE IN AN AREA THAT IS CRIMPED. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALER THEY INFORMED THAT BOTH WERE LOSE AND THAT IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THEY SAID AS I HAD DROPPED THE MOTORCYCLE IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED. AFTER GETTING THAT RESULT FROM MY DEALER AND BMW I DID MORE RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE. WHILE BMW HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE MINE I FEEL BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE, MANY WITHOUT DROPPING THEIR MOTORCYCLE DROPS. IN ONE CASE THE PERSON JUST HAD THEIR FORKS REPLACED AND WITHIN 200 MILES OF OFF ROAD RIDING IT BROKE AGAIN. THERE MAY BE A BIGGER ISSUE. ALSO BECAUSE OF WHERE THIS FAILURE HAPPENS PEOPLES LIVES ARE IN DANGER. YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT OTHERS EXPERIENCES BY FOLLOWING THESE LINKS. HTTP://ADVRIDER.COM/INDEX.PHP?THREADS/UPPER-STANCHION-CRIMPING-FAILURE.1184877/ HTTP://ADVRIDER.COM/INDEX.PHP?THREADS/BOTH-INNER-FORK-TUBE-BROKEN-AT-FIRST-DAY-OF-RIDE-150-MILLE-OF-USE.1185036/ HERE IS A PERSON TRYING TO DESIGN A FIX FOR THE ISSUE. HTTP://ADVRIDER.COM/INDEX.PHP?THREADS/SOLVING-THE-POST-2012-1200GS-STANCHION-SEPARATION-PROBLEM.1193566/ THESE PEOPLE HAVE CONTACT ME TO ADD THEIR INFORMATION TO THIS COMPLAINT [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10949050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesArvada, CO
STRUCTURE
AT THE END OF THIS SUMMER I NOTICED MY FRONT STANCHIONS ON MY MOTORCYCLE COMING LOOSE IN AN AREA THAT IS CRIMPED. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALER THEY INFORMED THAT BOTH WERE LOSE AND THAT IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THEY SAID AS I HAD DROPPED THE MOTORCYCLE IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED. AFTER GETTING THAT RESULT FROM MY DEALER AND BMW I DID MORE RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE. WHILE BMW HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE MINE I FEEL BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE, MANY WITHOUT DROPPING THEIR MOTORCYCLE DROPS. IN ONE CASE THE PERSON JUST HAD THEIR FORKS REPLACED AND WITHIN 200 MILES OF OFF ROAD RIDING IT BROKE AGAIN. THERE MAY BE A BIGGER ISSUE. ALSO BECAUSE OF WHERE THIS FAILURE HAPPENS PEOPLES LIVES ARE IN DANGER. YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT OTHERS EXPERIENCES BY FOLLOWING THESE LINKS. HTTP://ADVRIDER.COM/INDEX.PHP?THREADS/UPPER-STANCHION-CRIMPING-FAILURE.1184877/ HTTP://ADVRIDER.COM/INDEX.PHP?THREADS/BOTH-INNER-FORK-TUBE-BROKEN-AT-FIRST-DAY-OF-RIDE-150-MILLE-OF-USE.1185036/ HERE IS A PERSON TRYING TO DESIGN A FIX FOR THE ISSUE. HTTP://ADVRIDER.COM/INDEX.PHP?THREADS/SOLVING-THE-POST-2012-1200GS-STANCHION-SEPARATION-PROBLEM.1193566/ THESE PEOPLE HAVE CONTACT ME TO ADD THEIR INFORMATION TO THIS COMPLAINT [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10949050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,625 milesEagle, WI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DURING ACCELERATION UP A STEEP MOUNTAIN GRADE WITH NO SHOULDERS AND TRAFFIC BEHIND, THE CONNECTION OF THE ELECTRICAL CABLE TO THE THROTTLE TWIST GRIP UNSEATED ENOUGH TO BREAK ELECTRICAL CONNECTION. THIS CAUSED THE MOTORCYCLE TO DECELERATE TO ABOUT 5 MPH AND LOSE ALL THROTTLE CONTROL. WITH THE TRAFFIC BEHIND AND NO PLACE TO SAFELY PULL OVER I FELT I WAS AT A GREAT SAFETY RISK AS CARS AND TRUCKS ATTEMPTED TO GO AROUND ME. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, THOUGH NOT IN SUCH HARROWING CIRCUMSTANCES. THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED, LAST YEAR, I USED ZIP-TIES TO TIGHTEN THE CONNECTOR BODY TO ITS MATE. WHEN INFORMED OF THE INCIDENT, THE LOCAL BMW SHOP (AND I) BELIEVED THIS HAD REMEDIED THE PROBLEM. OBVIOUSLY THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. I WILL BE CONTACTING THE LOCAL BMW SHOP TO SEE IF THEY WILL REPLACE THE CONNECTING PARTS WITH ONES THAT HAVE AN OBVIOUS DETENT OR LATCH TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10731071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,625 milesEagle, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DURING ACCELERATION UP A STEEP MOUNTAIN GRADE WITH NO SHOULDERS AND TRAFFIC BEHIND, THE CONNECTION OF THE ELECTRICAL CABLE TO THE THROTTLE TWIST GRIP UNSEATED ENOUGH TO BREAK ELECTRICAL CONNECTION. THIS CAUSED THE MOTORCYCLE TO DECELERATE TO ABOUT 5 MPH AND LOSE ALL THROTTLE CONTROL. WITH THE TRAFFIC BEHIND AND NO PLACE TO SAFELY PULL OVER I FELT I WAS AT A GREAT SAFETY RISK AS CARS AND TRUCKS ATTEMPTED TO GO AROUND ME. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, THOUGH NOT IN SUCH HARROWING CIRCUMSTANCES. THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED, LAST YEAR, I USED ZIP-TIES TO TIGHTEN THE CONNECTOR BODY TO ITS MATE. WHEN INFORMED OF THE INCIDENT, THE LOCAL BMW SHOP (AND I) BELIEVED THIS HAD REMEDIED THE PROBLEM. OBVIOUSLY THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. I WILL BE CONTACTING THE LOCAL BMW SHOP TO SEE IF THEY WILL REPLACE THE CONNECTING PARTS WITH ONES THAT HAVE AN OBVIOUS DETENT OR LATCH TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10731071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,900 milesPort ST Lucie, FL
POWER TRAIN
THIS IS A NEW BMW MOTORCYCLE PURCHASED IN JANUARY. AROUND 4000 MILES THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A METALLIC NOISE AFTER WARMED UP, AND BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. MOTORCYCLE IS NOW AND HAS BEEN LOCATED AT AUTHORIZED BMW SERVICE REPAIR CENTER FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS; THE NOISE, TO DATE, HAS NOT BEEN CLEARLY DIAGNOSED, BUT HAS BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED BY REPAIR STAFF THAT NOISE IS ABNORMAL. CONCERN IS THAT ENGINE (POSSIBLY CAM TIMING CHAIN(S)?? WILL BREAK AND MOTOR WILL INSTANTLY LOCK UP, WHICH WOULD INSTANTLY CAUSE REAR WHEEL TO LOCK/SKID, WHICH COULD EASILY LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL AND CAUSE PHYSICAL HARM OR DEATH FROM INABILITY TO CONTROL MOTORCYCLE; PARTICULARLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #10726319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.