Does the 2016 BMW R1200 GS have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 BMW R1200 GS, the most recent reported on July 28, 2017 (Equipment). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW R1200 GS?

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (5 complaints), followed by engine (3).

How many 2016 BMW R1200 GS complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 12 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2016 BMW R1200 GS recalls and problems

2 recalls and 12 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 BMW R1200 GS.

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.

2016 BMW R1200 GS recalls

Equipment

NHTSA campaign 17V481000 · reported July 28, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC · 47,775 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 reflectors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Suspension: front

NHTSA campaign 17V438000 · reported July 10, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC · 14,626 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 BMW R1200GS and BMW R1200GS Adventure motorcycles. The motorcycle fixed fork tube may separate from the pressed in seal plug that secures the tube to the upper triple clamp.
The risk: If the fork tube detaches from the sealing plug, the handling and stability of the motorcycle will be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will add an additional fixed fork tube bush. A fork that is sufficiently damaged will be replaced with a modified new part. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Most reported problems

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

Suspension5
Engine3
Electrical system2
Service brakes2
Fuel/propulsion system1
Power train1
Steering1

What owners report

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

May 31, 2023 · Service brakes
Rear brake on motorcycle does not stop the motorcycle. After three BMW dealer visits and rear brakes having been bled, the rear brake pedal becomes soft and does not stop the motorcycle. The same problem occurred each time within 2-3 months of the repair. The only way to stop the motorcycle is to use the front brake…

Aug 21, 2019 · Service brakes · 12,000 miles
THE REAR BRAKE BECOMES INEFFECTIVE. DEALER SAYS THAT AIR INVADES THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. BLEEDING THE OLD BRAKE FLUID AND REPLACING IT WITH NEW BRAKE FLUID SOLVES THE PROBLEM FOR A FEW MONTHS. THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN AND THE BLEEDING MUST BE DONE AGAIN. FRONT BRAKE CONTINUES TO BE EFFECTIVE AT ALL TIMES.

May 7, 2018 · Engine · 490 miles
WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE ENGINE GOES INTO A FAULTED STATE SPONTANEOUSLY WITH NO WARNING PRIOR, THE ECU IS FAULTING AND PUTTING THE ENGINE INTO "LIMP MODE" WHICH IS ALMOST EQUIVALENT OF COMPLETELY KILLING THE ENGINE THE WAY IT IS CURRENTLY DONE, AND YOU ARE LEFT TO NAVIGATE OFF THE HIGHWAY IN…

Feb 1, 2018 · Suspension · 600 miles
I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ABOUT AN IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL. NO NOTIFICATION VIA MAIL, EMAIL, PHONE CALL, ETC. I WAS ONLY ALERTED TO THIS RECALL WHEN I BROUGHT MY BMW MOTORCYCLE BACK TO THE BMW DEALER FOR NON-RELATED WARRANTY WORK. THE DEALER WAS VERY SURPRISED I HAD NOT HAD THE FRONT FORK RECALL DONE, AND MY REPLY WAS THAT…

Jun 23, 2017 · Suspension · 11,500 miles
ON MAY 13, 2017, WHILE RIDING MY 2016 BMW R1200GS WITH 11500 MILES, ONE OF MY RIDING PARTNERS NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM THE SUSPENSION FORK TUBES. AFTER PEELING THE RUBBER BOOTS THAT COVER THE STANCHIONS, WE NOTICED THAT BOTH STANCHIONS ON THE BIKE HAD SEPARATED. I WOULDN'T HAVE KNOWN ABOUT IT, EXCEPT ONE OF THE…

R1200 GS model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2013	4	12	0	0
2014	3	14	1	0
2015	2	10	1	0
2016	2	12	1	0
2017	2	3	0	1
2018	1	4	1	0

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

Questions

Does the 2016 BMW R1200 GS have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 BMW R1200 GS, the most recent reported on July 28, 2017 (Equipment). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW R1200 GS?: Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (5 complaints), followed by engine (3).
How many 2016 BMW R1200 GS complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 12 complaints report a crash and 0 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 May 31, 2023.