2009 BMW K1300 S recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. 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 2009 K1300 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> .
2. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. POOR FUEL QUALITY MAY LEAD TO SMALL DEPOSITS WITHIN THE THROTTLE BODIES. DURING ENGINE OPERATION IN A LOW RPM RANGE, TYPICALLY NEAR IDLE SPEED (WHEN COMING TO A STOP) AIR FLOW COULD BE SUFFICIENTLY RESTRICTED AND ENGINE STALLING COULD OCCUR.
What could happen: ENGINE STALLING COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLES BY UPDATING THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW TOLL-FREE 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 2009 K1300 S.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 09V471000.
- 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: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 K1300 S AND K1300 GT MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 AND NOVEMBER 19, 2009. POOR FUEL QUALITY MAY LEAD TO SMALL DEPOSITS WITHIN THE THROTTLE BODIES. DURING ENGINE OPERATION IN A LOW RPM RANGE, TYPICALLY NEAR IDLE SPEED (WHEN COMING TO A STOP) AIR FLOW COULD BE SUFFICIENTLY RESTRICTED AND ENGINE STALLING COULD OCCUR.
Consequence: ENGINE STALLING COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLES BY UPDATING THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-831-1117.
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> .
3. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. THE SWITCHES ON THE HANDLEBARS FOR BOTH THE DIRECTION INDICATOR AND THE EMERGENCY ENGINE OFF/ENGINE-START FUNCTIONS MAY FAIL.
What could happen: IN SUCH A CASE, THE DIRECTIONAL INDICATOR AND/OR THE EMERGENCY ENGINE-OFF/START FUNCTIONS WOULD BE RENDERED INOPERATIVE. IN SOME CASES, ENGINE STALLING COULD ALSO RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2010. 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 2009 K1300 S.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 09V384000.
- 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: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Summary: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 MOTORCYCLES. THE SWITCHES ON THE HANDLEBARS FOR BOTH THE DIRECTION INDICATOR AND THE EMERGENCY ENGINE OFF/ENGINE-START FUNCTIONS MAY FAIL.
Consequence: IN SUCH A CASE, THE DIRECTIONAL INDICATOR AND/OR THE EMERGENCY ENGINE-OFF/START FUNCTIONS WOULD BE RENDERED INOPERATIVE. IN SOME CASES, ENGINE STALLING COULD ALSO RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
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> .
4. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. IN CERTAIN RIDING CONDITIONS INVOLVING INCREASED VIBRATION, THE BRAKE FLUID IN THE FRONT RESERVOIR CAN FOAM.
What could happen: THIS 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. THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2009. 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 2009 K1300 S.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 09V202000.
- 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 1,297 MODEL YEAR 2009 K1300 S AND K1300 GT MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 1, 2008 AND MAY 1, 2009. IN CERTAIN RIDING CONDITIONS INVOLVING INCREASED VIBRATION, THE BRAKE FLUID IN THE FRONT RESERVOIR CAN FOAM.
Consequence: THIS 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. THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417 OR EMAIL BMW AT CUSTOMERRELATIONS@BMWUSA.COM.
Notes: THIS RECALL HAS BEEN EXPANDED. SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V-487. 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
- Portable jump starter
- 2009 BMW K1300 S owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (35), Fuel system (14), Gasoline (7), Electrical system (6), Transmission / drivetrain (4).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/24/2018 · Fuel system
STALLING ISSUE, NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AT ALL, ALMOST FAIL WHEN I PASS THE CAR, SO DANGER...
06/20/2016 · Wheels / tires
ON AUGUST 29, 2013 MY CONTINENTAL CONTISPORT ATTACK FRONT TIRE POPPED WHILE I WAS RIDING MY 2009 BMW K1300S MOTORCYCLE NORTH OF DAHLONEGA, GA. I WAS LUCKY AND DID NOT CRASH. I WAS RIDING AT ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN THE TIRE POPPED. THE CENTER OF THE TREAD SEPARATED CAUSING THE RAPID DEFLATION. I HAD THE BIKE TOWED ON A FLAT BED TO EUROPEAN MOTORSPORTS INC. AND…
10/19/2015 · Fuel system
VEHICLE STALLS CONSTANTLY. ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN DOWNSHIFTING AND WHILE TURNING AS IT CAN LEAD TO A FALL/ACCIDENT
12/10/2013 · Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW K1300S MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 09V384000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE YEARS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS UNAV…
10/08/2012 · Transmission / drivetrain
I WAS DECELERATING AND DOWNSHIFTED TO 1ST GEAR AT 4 MPH, I PULLED THE CLUTCH IN AND COASTED TO A STOP THEN THE ENGINE STALLED. I TRIED TO START BUTTON, BUT THERE WAS NO CATCHING. I PRESSED THE START BUTTON AND ACCELERATED THE RPM'S TO 4000 THEN THE BIKE TOOK OFF ABRUPTLY. ONE THOUSAND FEET LATER, I WAS COMING TO A STOP AT 5 MPH AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF AG…
08/11/2012 · Fuel system
THE BIKE STALLS WHEN YOU SLOW DOWN AND GO TO SHIFT INTO A LOWER GEAR. IT HAS DONE IT NUMEROUS TIMES AND IS VERY DANGEROUS ON A MOTORCYCLE. THIS BIKE WAS RE-SOLD BY BMW AFTER THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. BMW'S FIX DIDN'T WORK, THE BIKE IS STILL STALLING. THE BIKE HAS NOW BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR OVER A MONTH AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT…
02/22/2012 · Engine
ENGINE STALLS CONSTANTLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP. SOMETIMES STALLS WHEN JUST CRUISING. *TR
10/22/2011 · Engine
HAD STALLING RECALL PERFORMED IN APPROXIMATELY JANUARY 2011. SOFTWARE UPDATE HAS FAILED TO CORRECT THE STALLING CONDITION. THE ENGINE STILL STALLS UNDER A VARIETY OF CONDITIONS, BUT ESPECIALLY IN STOP AND GO RIDING. PREVIOUS RECALL HAS FAILED TO CORRECT THE STALLING PROBLEM. *TR