2008 BMW R1200 GS recalls and problems

8 recalls and 32 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 BMW R1200 GS.

8
recalls
32
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
1
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.

2008 BMW R1200 GS recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump

NHTSA campaign 20V471000 · reported August 10, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC · 16,926 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

NHTSA campaign 15V141000 · reported March 11, 2015 · BMW of North America, LLC · 43,426 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.
The risk
If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump

NHTSA campaign 13V617000 · reported December 12, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC · 50,184 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Service brakes, hydraulic

NHTSA campaign 10V276000 · reported June 18, 2010 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 15,532 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 r 1200 and k 1200 series motorcycles manufactured from august 2006 through may 2009. Due to the current routing of the front brake lines, it is possible that during riding, and therefore associated vibration. The brake lines could be under strain. If the vibration/strain is significant, the brake line could split and start to develop a leak.
The risk
If this goes unnoticed, and the brake fluid reservoir runs empty, the front brakes could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Bmw will notify owners and dealers will install new brake lines, containing a "sleeve" along a portion of the lines free of charge. The safety recall began on september 20, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump

NHTSA campaign 09V319000 · reported August 7, 2009 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 4,839 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2008 r1200 gs motorcycles manufactured between august 2006 and january 2008. The sealing of the fuel pump control unit housing might be insufficient and water could intrude into the control unit housing creating a humid atmosphere. Under such conditions, the fuel pump could corrode and then fail.
The risk
Failure of the fuel pump will cause inadequate fuel to reach the engine and cause the engine to stop running. A loss of engine power without warning could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Bmw will notify owners and replace the fuel pump control unit free of charge. The safety recall began on november 9, 2009. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Electrical system

NHTSA campaign 09V129000 · reported April 17, 2009 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 893 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Bmw is recalling model year 2008 r1200 gs and r1200 gs adventure motorcycles. In certain situations, such as high generator speeds combined with large demands for electrical current, spurious signals could emerge within the motorcycle's electrical system. If this were to occur, it could affect the pressure sensor signals of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control unit. If this happened, the ABS could switch off; however, in such a situation, a warning lamp would illuminate. Normal braking would still be available to slow and stop the motorcycle.
The risk
Any time vehicle control is compromised a crash may occur.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the necessary components free of charge. The recall began on october 26, 2009. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Power train: manual transmission

NHTSA campaign 08V290000 · reported July 1, 2008 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 46 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Bmw is recalling 46 my 2008 r1200 r, r1200 gs, and r1200 gs adventure motorcycles. Due to a material defect in the intermediate shaft of the transmission, the shaft could break. If this occurred, it is possible for the transmission to seize.
The risk
If this happened, lock-up of the rear tire could occur. It is also possible for the transmission housing to break. If this happened, oil could leak onto the rear whee, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the gearbox. The recall began during august 2008. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-331-1117.

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 08V254000 · reported June 5, 2008 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 4,922 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Bmw is recalling 4,922 my 2007-2008 r1200r, my 2006-2007 r1200 gs, my 2007 r1200 st, and my 2008 r1200 gs adventure motorcycles. Due to the current routing of the front brake lines, it is possible that during riding, the brake lines could be under strain. If the vibration/strain is significant, the brake lines could split and start to develop a leak. If the leak became significant, brake fluid could escape. If this happened, the level of fluid in the reservoir of the front brake system could drop.
The risk
If fluid level drops significantly, the front brakes could fail increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and install new brake lines with a modified routing free of charge. The recall began during august 2008. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Most reported problems

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

What owners report

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

Nov 17, 2023 · Fuel system, gasoline · 69,000 miles

The contact owns a 2008 BMW R 1200. The contact stated that while the motorcycle was parked, the contact smelled fuel on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The motorcycle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in…

Jun 22, 2023 · Fuel/propulsion system

Fuel strip sensor failure. The fuel strip sensor that sends fuel level information to the motorcycle dash has failed. This is a known issue by BMW. When the strip fails, it no longer sends accurate fuel level information and the fuel indicator on the dash is no longer reliable. In my case, the fuel level reads full…

May 25, 2022 · Vehicle speed control

There is a small plastic cam on the throttle body that gets pulled by the throttle cable to control the butterfly valve. They break easily and cause a loss of power and engine control. I have seen many others posting on line with same issue

Nov 4, 2021 · Fuel system, gasoline · 35,000 miles

The contact owns a 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Motorcycle. The contact stated the vehicle was leaking fuel without warning. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

Dec 14, 2020 · Fuel system, gasoline · 120,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW R 1200 GS MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE FUEL SENSOR STRIPS WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES, UNDER THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE MOTORCYCLE TO IRON HORSE MOTORCYCLES (344 E. GRANT RD, TUCSON, AZ, 85716, [phone removed] AND THE THIRD FUEL…

R1200 GS model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2005 95130
2006 9900
2007 64230
2008 83211
2009 43003
2010 3800
2011 3700

Across all years, the 2005 R1200 GS has the most complaints (51). All BMW R1200 GS years →

Questions

Does the 2008 BMW R1200 GS have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2008 BMW R1200 GS, the most recent reported on August 10, 2020 (Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW R1200 GS?
Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is fuel/propulsion system (16 complaints), followed by fuel system, gasoline (6).
How many 2008 BMW R1200 GS complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 32 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 17, 2023.