1998 BMW K1200rs recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. A SPRING-LOADED THERMOSTATIC ELEMENT IN THE OIL THERMOSTAT HOUSING IS HELD IN PLACE BY A COVER THAT IS RETAINED BY A SNAP RING. THE SNAP RING MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION. DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE SNAP RING COULD UNSEAT, ALLOWING THE COVER TO LOOSEN OR DETACH, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ENTIRE OIL VOLUME.
What could happen: ENGINE DAMAGE COULD OCCUR IF THE ENGINE IS NOT IMMEDIATELY SWITCHED OFF. IN ADDITION, OIL COULD TRAVEL ALONG THE ENGINE COVER AND ULTIMATELY CONTACT THE REAR TIRE, REDUCING ITS TRACTION AND AFFECTING THE STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SNAP RING INSTALLATION AND IF THE SNAP RING IS NOT FULLY SEATED, THE COMPLETE OIL PUMP INTERMEDIATE FLANGE WILL BE REPLACED.
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 1998 K1200RS.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 00V264000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- 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: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. A SPRING-LOADED THERMOSTATIC ELEMENT IN THE OIL THERMOSTAT HOUSING IS HELD IN PLACE BY A COVER THAT IS RETAINED BY A SNAP RING. THE SNAP RING MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION. DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE SNAP RING COULD UNSEAT, ALLOWING THE COVER TO LOOSEN OR DETACH, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ENTIRE OIL VOLUME.
Consequence: ENGINE DAMAGE COULD OCCUR IF THE ENGINE IS NOT IMMEDIATELY SWITCHED OFF. IN ADDITION, OIL COULD TRAVEL ALONG THE ENGINE COVER AND ULTIMATELY CONTACT THE REAR TIRE, REDUCING ITS TRACTION AND AFFECTING THE STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SNAP RING INSTALLATION AND IF THE SNAP RING IS NOT FULLY SEATED, THE COMPLETE OIL PUMP INTERMEDIATE FLANGE WILL BE REPLACED.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 13, 2000. 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. DURING EXTENDED OPERATION IN HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS, THE AREA OF THE PUMP MOUNTING SURFACE OF THE FUEL TANK CAN DEFORM, FORMING A GAP BETWEEN THE TANK MOUNTING SURFACE AND THE GASKET, ALLOWING FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE TANK AT THAT AREA.
What could happen: IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP-TO-TANK GASKET.
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 1998 K1200RS.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V258000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- 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:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. DURING EXTENDED OPERATION IN HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS, THE AREA OF THE PUMP MOUNTING SURFACE OF THE FUEL TANK CAN DEFORM, FORMING A GAP BETWEEN THE TANK MOUNTING SURFACE AND THE GASKET, ALLOWING FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE TANK AT THAT AREA.
Consequence: IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP-TO-TANK GASKET.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BY THE END OF DECEMBER 1998. 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
3. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE ADJUSTING SCREW FOR THE PRESSURE POINT OF EITHER THE BRAKE OR CLUTCH LEVERS MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY TIGHT, DUE TO GREASE CONTAMINATION OF THE THREADS.
What could happen: THE SCREW(S) CAN BACK OUT OVER TIME WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED CAUSING A CHANGE IN THE PRESSURE POINT OF THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE CLUTCH AND/OR FRONT BRAKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE ADJUSTMENT SCREWS OF THE FRONT BRAKE AND CLUTCH LEVERS FOR MOVEMENT. IF THE SCREWS ARE TIGHT, NO FURTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN. IF A SCREW IS FOUND TO BE LOOSE, IT WILL BE REMOVED, CLEANED AND REINSTALLED WITH NEW LOCTITE.
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 1998 K1200RS.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97V134000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- 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: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE ADJUSTING SCREW FOR THE PRESSURE POINT OF EITHER THE BRAKE OR CLUTCH LEVERS MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY TIGHT, DUE TO GREASE CONTAMINATION OF THE THREADS.
Consequence: THE SCREW(S) CAN BACK OUT OVER TIME WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED CAUSING A CHANGE IN THE PRESSURE POINT OF THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE CLUTCH AND/OR FRONT BRAKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE ADJUSTMENT SCREWS OF THE FRONT BRAKE AND CLUTCH LEVERS FOR MOVEMENT. IF THE SCREWS ARE TIGHT, NO FURTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN. IF A SCREW IS FOUND TO BE LOOSE, IT WILL BE REMOVED, CLEANED AND REINSTALLED WITH NEW LOCTITE.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 11, 1997. 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
4. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE CYLINDER HEAD CONTAINS TWO SEALING PLUGS COVERING HOLES IN THE AREA NEAR THE SPARK PLUGS. ONE OR BOTH PLUGS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY SEATED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. EITHER OR BOTH OF THE SEALING PLUGS COULD LOOSEN OR COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THEIR MOUNTING POINT DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW COOLANT TO ESCAPE, TRAVEL ALONG THE ENGINE COVER, AND CONTACT THE REAR TIRE, REDUCING ITS TRACTION AND AFFECTING THE STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE. IN ADDITION, THE LOSS OF COOLANT COULD LEAD TO INCREASED ENGINE OPERATING TEMPERATURE AND POSSIBLE OVERHEATING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEALING PLUGS WITH A STAINLESS STEEL PLUG DESIGN.
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 1998 K1200RS.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 00V266000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- 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: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE CYLINDER HEAD CONTAINS TWO SEALING PLUGS COVERING HOLES IN THE AREA NEAR THE SPARK PLUGS. ONE OR BOTH PLUGS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY SEATED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. EITHER OR BOTH OF THE SEALING PLUGS COULD LOOSEN OR COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THEIR MOUNTING POINT DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW COOLANT TO ESCAPE, TRAVEL ALONG THE ENGINE COVER, AND CONTACT THE REAR TIRE, REDUCING ITS TRACTION AND AFFECTING THE STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE. IN ADDITION, THE LOSS OF COOLANT COULD LEAD TO INCREASED ENGINE OPERATING TEMPERATURE AND POSSIBLE OVERHEATING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEALING PLUGS WITH A STAINLESS STEEL PLUG DESIGN.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 12, 2000. 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1998 BMW K1200rs owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (4), Gasoline (4), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (6)
04/23/2012 · Brakes
(NOTE THAT THE INCIDENT DATE AND FAILURE MILEAGE REPORTED ARE APPROXIMATE.) WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE TWO ABS WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH PANEL FLASHED ALTERNATELY AS THEY NORMALLY DO UPON ENGINE START-UP, BUT DID NOT STOP FLASHING ONCE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS UNDERWAY AS THEY NORMALLY SHOULD DO, WHICH INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. AT…
04/13/2012 · Fuel system
RECALL 14401 FROM OCT. 14, 1988. THIS VEHICLE WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY IN 2001 UNDER THIS RECALL. IT FAILED AGAIN RECENTLY AND FUEL STARTED LEAKING. THE PARTS TO DO THE REMEDY ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE PER MY DEALER. THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE IS TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK AND RELATED COMPONENTS WITH A STYLE THAT BMW DEVELOPED TO SOLVE THIS SAFETY ISSUE. MY DE…
05/15/2000 · Transmission / drivetrain
VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED WITH A TRANSMISSION THAT REFUSED, AT TIMES TO SHIFT UPWARDS TO HIGHER GEARS. USUALLY THIS OCCURED IN COLDER WEATHER AND AFTER BEING RIDDEN FOR SOME DISTANCE BEFORE A BRIEF PERIOD OF COOLING OCCURRED TRIGGERING THE PROBLEM. WARRANTEE REPLACEMENT WAS DENIED BECAUSE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY COULDN'T CAUSE IT TO HAPPEN AS I'VE DESCRIBED.…
09/19/1998 · Fuel system
MOTORCYCLE PARKED IN 90 DEGREE GARARE AFTER RIDE. ONE HALF HOUR LATER GAS PUDDLE 3' IN DIAMETER UNDER BIKE DRIPPING FROM TANK ONTO HOT ENGINE THEN HOT EXHAUST AND GARAGE FILLED WITH VAPORS. NO SMELL OF FUEL WHEN PARKING, SUDDEN FAILURE.
08/22/1998 · Fuel system
MASSIVE LEAKING OF GASOLINE FROM TANK APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO HOT WEATHER AND EXPANSION OF GASKET INTERFACE BETWEEN TANK BLADDER AND FUEL PUMP, REPAIR WORK ON TANK
08/17/1998 · Fuel system
MOTORCYCLE HAD THE ORIGINAL AND REPLACED GAS TANKS DEVELOP LEAKS. ABOUT ONE GALLON PER HOUR. NO ACCIDENT, BUT CLOSE. ALMOST CAUGHT FIRE.