2020 BMW R 1250 Rt recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. The front brake calipers may leak brake fluid when parked. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."
What could happen: Overtime, a leaking front brake caliper can reduce the amount of brake fluid in the reservoir. Low volume could affect brake performance, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the front brake calipers with an improved version, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 12, 2020. As of January 19, 2021, a remedy was still not available. The recall began March 8, 2021. Owners may contact B…
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 2020 R 1250 RT.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V476000.
- 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:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 R 1250 GS, GS Adventure and R 1250 RT, 2020 S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR motorcycles. The front brake calipers may leak brake fluid when parked. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."
Consequence: Overtime, a leaking front brake caliper can reduce the amount of brake fluid in the reservoir. Low volume could affect brake performance, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the front brake calipers with an improved version, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 12, 2020. As of January 19, 2021, a remedy was still not available. The recall began March 8, 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. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. The pivot pin that connects the final drive to the swing arm may be damaged, causing the connection between the final drive and swing arm to loosen.
What could happen: A loose connection between the final drive and swing arm will reduce stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the pivot pin, free of charge. The motorcycles are not with owners at this time. The recall began April 28, 2020. Please contact BMW customer service number 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 2020 R 1250 RT.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V165000.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 R1250GS and R1250RT motorcycles. The pivot pin that connects the final drive to the swing arm may be damaged, causing the connection between the final drive and swing arm to loosen.
Consequence: A loose connection between the final drive and swing arm will reduce stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the pivot pin, free of charge. The motorcycles are not with owners at this time. The recall began April 28, 2020. Please contact BMW customer service number 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.
3. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid and the process for filling the reservoir, possibly leading to an improper maintenance procedure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."
What could happen: Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. 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 2020 R 1250 RT.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V166000.
- 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:FLUID
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2020 RnineT Scrambler and RnineT, 2020 R1250R and R1250RS, 2019-2020 Rnine T Pure, R1250GS,R1250GS Adventure and R1250RT and 2018 RnineT Racer motorcycles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid and the process for filling the reservoir, possibly leading to an improper maintenance procedure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."
Consequence: Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. 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.
4. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid and the process for filling the reservoir, possibly leading to an improper maintenance procedure. As such, these caps fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."
What could happen: Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 14, 2020. Parts will be available in mid-September 2020 for the recall repairs. 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 2020 R 1250 RT.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20E013000.
- 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:FLUID
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Motorcycle Accessory Brake Fluid Reservoir Covers, part numbers 8405-752, 8405-753, 8405-754 and 9829547 designed to fit certain 2019-2020 BMW R 1250 motorcycles, and part numbers 8404-098, 8405-100, 8405-102, and 1542056 designed to fit certain 2018-2020 BMW Rnine T motorcycles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid and the process for filling the reservoir, possibly leading to an improper maintenance procedure. As such, these caps fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."
Consequence: Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 14, 2020. Parts will be available in mid-September 2020 for the recall repairs. 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.
5. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. In certain engine operating and riding conditions, the gearbox input shaft may become damaged or break, possibly resulting in a blocked rear wheel.
What could happen: A damaged gearbox input shaft or a blocked rear wheel can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 22, 2023. 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 2020 R 1250 RT.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 23V011000.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:SHAFT:INPUT
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2023 R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, and R1250RTP motorcycles. In certain engine operating and riding conditions, the gearbox input shaft may become damaged or break, possibly resulting in a blocked rear wheel.
Consequence: A damaged gearbox input shaft or a blocked rear wheel can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 22, 2023. 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.nhtsa.gov.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (5), 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)
06/05/2024 · Transmission / drivetrain
BMW Motorrad had a safety check on the driveshafts/ u joints for R1200 and R 1250 GS and RT motos. I had mine checked at D2 Powersports in Q3 or Q4, 2023 and it passed. No paperwork was given. On 3/28/24 the driveshaft / U joint failed on NC 178 south of Rosman, NC. Had this locked up in a corner it could have cause a wreck. The R1250RT was towe…
11/05/2020 · Brakes
AFTER NUMEROUS TIMES TO THE DEALER TO FIX THE LEAKING HAYES CALIPERS ON MY 2020 BMW R1250RT MOTORCYCLE THERE WAS A RECALL AND I DID RECEIVE A SECOND SET OF HAYES CALIPERS BECAUSE OF THE RECALL. IN A MATTER OF DAYS THE REPLACEMENT RECALLED HAYES CALIPERS WERE ALSO LEAKING BMW SENT OUT TWO ENGINEERS TO REMOVE AND INSPECT MY SECOND SET THAT WERE THEN SENT BACK…
09/21/2020 · Brakes
SINCE DAY ONE THIS BIKE HAS HAD LEAKING FRONT BRAKES. TODAY, I GO OUT IN MY GARAGE AND SEE MY BRAKES ARE LEAKING AGAIN FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME. THIS IS BEYOND A DEALERSHIP FIX. BOTH DEALERS I'VE TAKEN THE BIKE TO (IRON HORSE BMW IN TUCSON, GOAZ IN PEORIA) HAVE BEEN GREAT IN TRYING TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE, BUT UNFORTUNATELY HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL. THE PROBLEM…
09/21/2020 · Brakes
TWO VIDEOS OF MY LEAKING BRAKES AFTER GETTING THEM REPLACED FROM THE RECALL. STILL A PROBLEM AS THEIR FIX IS LEAKING LIKE THE ORIGINAL. TWO VIDEOS: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=2H3HTJT6NM4 HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=INYT6SPUYYA
03/31/2020 · Brakes
TOOK DELIVERY OF A NEW MOTORCYCLE ON SATURDAY. UPON RETURNING HOME WITH THE NEW BIKE, 160 MILE TRIP HOME, I NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING OUT OF BOTH FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS. FLUID WAS SPLATTERED ALL OVER THE RIM AND TIRE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE 2019'S OF THE BMW R1250RT. I WAS LED TO BELIEVE THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED FOR THE 2020 BIKES, BUT CLEARL…
02/13/2020 · Brakes
I WENT TO TEST DRIVE A NEW 2020 BMW R1250 RT MOTORCYCLE AND THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED IT BEFORE THE TEST DRIVE. DURING THE TEST DRIVE, THE BRAKES STARTED LEAKING AND I NOTICED A PERFORMANCE DROP IN THE ABILITY TO BRAKE. UPON DIGGING INTO THE SITUATION THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN FROM BMW. THAT STATED THE BRAKES ARE KNOWN TO H…