2008 BMW K1200 S recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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…
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 K1200 S.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V471000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. A SET SCREW MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AT ITS SPECIFIC LOCATION WITHIN THE OIL DUCT. CONSEQUENTLY, AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF OIL MAY NOT CIRCULATE WITHIN THE ENGINE.
What could happen: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT CONNECTING ROD AND CRANKSHAFT DAMAGE COULD OCCUR. IF THIS HAPPENED, THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE. IF THE MOTORCYCLE WAS IN GEAR, ENGINE SEIZING COULD RESULT IN LOCK-UP OF THE REAR TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SET SCREW IN THE OIL DUCT. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-331-1117.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 K1200 S.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 08V239000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-331-1117.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Summary: BMW IS RECALLING 30 MY 2008 K1200 S AND K1200 GT MOTORCYCLES. A SET SCREW MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AT ITS SPECIFIC LOCATION WITHIN THE OIL DUCT. CONSEQUENTLY, AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF OIL MAY NOT CIRCULATE WITHIN THE ENGINE.
Consequence: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT CONNECTING ROD AND CRANKSHAFT DAMAGE COULD OCCUR. IF THIS HAPPENED, THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE. IF THE MOTORCYCLE WAS IN GEAR, ENGINE SEIZING COULD RESULT IN LOCK-UP OF THE REAR TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SET SCREW IN THE OIL DUCT. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-331-1117.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
3. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. In October 2012, BMW recalled 2062 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles. In November 2012, BMW informed the agency that it was adding model year 2012 and 2013 K1300 S (including HP Limited Edition) motorcycles to the recall campaign, representing an additional 421 units. The total number of motorcycles being recalled is now 2,483. In certain riding conditions, the brake fluid in the front brake…
What could happen: Brake fluid that foams could lead to a reduced braking capability of the front brake system, possibly resulting in a crash.
The fix: The front brake fluid reservoir will be retrofitted with a screen insert, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 K1200 S.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 12V487000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles and 2012 and 2013 K1300 S motorcycles. In October 2012, BMW recalled 2062 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles. In November 2012, BMW informed the agency that it was adding model year 2012 and 2013 K1300 S (including HP Limited Edition) motorcycles to the recall campaign, representing an additional 421 units. The total number of motorcycles being recalled is now 2,483. In certain riding conditions, the brake fluid in the front brake fluid reservoir can foam.
Consequence: Brake fluid that foams could lead to a reduced braking capability of the front brake system, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy: The front brake fluid reservoir will be retrofitted with a screen insert, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Notes: This recall is an expansion of safety recall 09V-202. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
4. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. THE FASTENERS USED TO SECURE THE FRONT BRAKE-DISC MAY NOT BE LONG ENOUGH TO ENSURE A SECURE MOUNTING. OVER TIME, THESE FASTENERS COULD LOOSEN. IF THAT HAPPENED, THE BRAKE DISC WOULD NO LONGER BE SECURELY MOUNTED.
What could happen: FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS, AND THE RIDER'S REACTIONS, COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A LONGER FRONT BRAKE DISC FASTENERS AND REROUTE THE SENSOR CABLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 K1200 S.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 08V245000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-831-1117.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
Summary: BMW IS RECALLING 548 MY 2008 K1200 S AND GT MOTORCYCLES. THE FASTENERS USED TO SECURE THE FRONT BRAKE-DISC MAY NOT BE LONG ENOUGH TO ENSURE A SECURE MOUNTING. OVER TIME, THESE FASTENERS COULD LOOSEN. IF THAT HAPPENED, THE BRAKE DISC WOULD NO LONGER BE SECURELY MOUNTED.
Consequence: FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS, AND THE RIDER'S REACTIONS, COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A LONGER FRONT BRAKE DISC FASTENERS AND REROUTE THE SENSOR CABLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
5. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. THE BEARINGS COULD BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION. THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED MOVEMENT OF THE LINK LEVER.
What could happen: THIS COULD AFFECT THE HANDLING OF THE MOTORCYCLE INCREASING THE RISK A DRIVER MAY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 K1200 S.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 10V488000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Summary: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 MOTORCYCLES. THE BEARINGS COULD BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION. THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED MOVEMENT OF THE LINK LEVER.
Consequence: THIS COULD AFFECT THE HANDLING OF THE MOTORCYCLE INCREASING THE RISK A DRIVER MAY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2008 BMW K1200 S owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (9), Engine (5), Gasoline (4), Electrical system (2), Brakes (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/06/2018 · Electrical system
BMW K1200S 2008, ENGINE SHOTS OFF WHEN COMING TO STOP ON LOW SPEEDS. THE BIKE THEN NEEDS TO BE IN A COMPLETE STOP, SWITCH GEAR TO NEUTRAL TO RESTART. IT HAPPENS RANDOM AND COULD HAPPENED ANYWHERE. IN ONE RIDE IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES AND IT HAS HAPPENED EVERY TIME I RIDE IT SO FAR. I NEED HELP TO FIX THE ISSUE! IT FEELS REALLY UNSAFE AS THE ENGINE AND DRIVE TRA…
10/26/2014 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)
ABS BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER RAIN FALL, BRAKING IS IMPACTED, WAS TOLD THAT MANY OWNERS HAVE PROBLEMS WITH ABS BRAKE MOTOR FAILURE DUE TO BAD MOTOR AND /OR MOTOR BRUSHES STICKING TO ARMITURE IN MOTOR. I-BMW.COM USERS HAVE NOTED THE SAME THING WITH BMW MOTORCYCLES. THIS DOES EFFECT THE USE OF THE BRAKES. *TR
05/28/2014 · Fuel system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW K1200 S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL WAS EMPTY AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR BECAME INOPERABLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR STRIP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…
04/29/2014 · Engine
THE BIKE REPEATEDLY STALLED DURING DECELERATION WITH A CLOSED THROTTLE BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. CLUTCH WAS ENGAGED. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES BEFORE AND I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF IT. I'VE READ THREADS ONLINE ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND BMW DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE AN ANSWER (SEEMS TO DENY THE PROBLEM). THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE ISSUE WHEN ON A MOTORCYCLE. *JS
02/11/2014 · Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW K1200 S MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DECELERATING, THE FRONT BRAKES PULSATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A COMPUTER FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS A…
08/27/2013 · Fuel system
FAILURE OF THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT INSIDE THE GASOLINE TANK CAUSED THE FUEL GAUGE TO REPORT INACCURATE FUEL LEVEL. GAUGE SAID TANK WAS HALF FULL, BUT TANK WAS EMPTY, CAUSING ENGINE TO SPUTTER AND STALL. CHECK OF TANK FUEL LEVEL WITH A FLASH LIGHT CONFIRMED TANK WAS EMPTY. ADDED GASOLINE TO TANK AND STARTED ENGINE OK. I HAVE OWNED THIS MOTORCYCLE FOR…
02/06/2013 · Fuel system
THE BMW K-SERIES MOTORCYCLES HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH CRACKS IN THE FUEL PUMP HOUSING THAT NHTSA IS INVESTIGATING FOR THE R-SERIES BIKES (INVESTIGATION: PE 12-036 / INVESTIGATOR: [XXX]). THIS PROBLEM IS POTENTIALLY MORE SERIOUS IN THE K-SERIES BIKES BECAUSE ON THE K-SERIES MACHINES THE LEAK IS OVER THE CYLINDER HEADS WHERE THERE IS A GREATER DANGER OF FIR…
07/19/2012 · Fuel system
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AT A CONSTANT SPEED OF 30 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY MY BIKE SHUT OFF. I HAD CARS APPROACHING ME FROM THE REAR SO I DECIDED TO MAKE AN IMMEDIATE TURN ONTO A SECONDARY ROAD. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO START THE BIKE WITH NO SUCCESS. IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS OUT OF GAS BUT I KNOW I HAD AT LEAST A HALF OF A…