Does the 2002 BMW R1150GS have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 BMW R1150GS, the most recent reported on July 31, 2001 (Service brakes, hydraulic). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW R1150GS?

Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (11 complaints), followed by power train (4).

How many 2002 BMW R1150GS complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 21 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 BMW R1150GS recalls and problems

1 recall and 21 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 BMW R1150GS.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 BMW R1150GS recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic

NHTSA campaign 01V246000 · reported July 31, 2001 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE · 2,997 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. The distance between the brake line and the speedometer drive cable could be too small. Due to compression and rebound of the fork, the speedometer cable could contact and chafe the brake line.
The risk: Brake fluid leakage could occur, resulting in a loss of front braking capability. If this happened, depending on traffic conditions and the rider's reactions, a crash could occur.
The fix: Dealers will measure the distance between the front brake line and speedometer cable. The brake line will be replaced if the distance to the speedometer cable is found to be too small or if it is damaged. A new protective sleeve will be installed in the speedometer cable near the front fender. Owner notification began december 18, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117, option #5.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Service brakes, hydraulic11
Power train4
Fuel system, gasoline3
Electrical system1
Fuel system, other1
Seats1
Service brakes, air1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 3, 2020 · Electrical system · 22,419 miles · fire reported
SUSPECTED ELECTRICAL FIRE LED TO THE MOTORCYCLE BEING ENGULFED IN FLAMES SHORTLY AFTER STARTUP.

Apr 26, 2012 · Power train · 41,034 miles
MY 2002 BMW 1150GS MOTORCYCLE HAS ONLY JUST OVER 41K MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THESE MOTORCYCLES ARE ADVERTISED TO THE PUBLIC AS ABLE TO DRIVE FOREVER ACROSS CONTINENTS, BUT THAT IS NOT THE CASE. I WAS VERY SURPRISED WHEN IT LOST SOME INTERNAL GEARS LAST WEEKEND AND SOMETHING LET GO IN THE GEARBOX WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN…

Sep 27, 2007 · Fuel system, other · 8,000 miles
TL CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW R1150RA (NA). WHILE DRIVING 50-55 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS FUMES AND THEN NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE QUICK RELEASE MECHANISM. AS OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE QUICK RELEASE MECHANISM FOR FREE. THE…

Sep 18, 2006 · Power train · 35,900 miles
IN APRIL 2005, I EXPERIENCED A FINAL DRIVE FAILURE ON MY 2002 BMW R1150GS. DURING A 36,000 MILE SERVICE, I REPORTED A SLIGHT OIL LEAK AROUND THE RUBBER BOOT ON THE FINAL DRIVE SHAFT. BMW REPLACED THE FINAL DRIVE BEARING THAT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE ENTIRE FINAL DRIVE WAS REPLACED DURING THE SERVICE AT NO CHARGE…

Oct 5, 2004 · Power train · 28,850 miles
2002 BMW R1150GS MOTORCYCLE SUFFERED A FAILURE OF THE FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY IN THE SHAFT DRIVE MECHANISM. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE SEAL BLEW OUT AND THE SHAFT BEARINGS DISINTEGRATED CAUSING THE WHEEL TO HOP UP AND DOWN SEVERELY AT ABOUT 70 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE BIKE OVER SAFELY WITHOUT A CRASH. THE ENTIRE FINAL…

R1150GS model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Fires
2000	1	3	0
2001	1	3	0
2002	1	21	1
2003	1	3	0

All BMW R1150GS years →

Questions

Does the 2002 BMW R1150GS have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 BMW R1150GS, the most recent reported on July 31, 2001 (Service brakes, hydraulic). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW R1150GS?: Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (11 complaints), followed by power train (4).
How many 2002 BMW R1150GS complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 21 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 3, 2020.