2003 BMW R Model recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE ELECTRICAL WIRING FOR THE OXYGEN SENSOR AND THE IGNITION LEAD FOR THE RIGHT-HAND SECONDARY SPARK PLUG HAVE A PARALLEL ROUTING OVER PART OF THEIR INSTALLATION PATH. THE CLOSE PROXIMITY OF THESE CABLES MAY ALLOW THE SIGNAL FROM THE IGNITION LEAD TO INTERFERE WITH THE SIGNAL FROM THE OXYGEN SENSOR WIRING.
What could happen: AS A RESULT, ENGINE HESITATION OR MISFIRING COULD OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE ELECTRICAL WIRING TO THE OXYGEN SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 10, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117, OPTION #4.
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 2003 R MODEL.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 03V483000.
- 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:WIRING
Summary: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE ELECTRICAL WIRING FOR THE OXYGEN SENSOR AND THE IGNITION LEAD FOR THE RIGHT-HAND SECONDARY SPARK PLUG HAVE A PARALLEL ROUTING OVER PART OF THEIR INSTALLATION PATH. THE CLOSE PROXIMITY OF THESE CABLES MAY ALLOW THE SIGNAL FROM THE IGNITION LEAD TO INTERFERE WITH THE SIGNAL FROM THE OXYGEN SENSOR WIRING.
Consequence: AS A RESULT, ENGINE HESITATION OR MISFIRING COULD OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE ELECTRICAL WIRING TO THE OXYGEN SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 10, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117, OPTION #4.
Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN 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
- Portable jump starter
- 2003 BMW R Model owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Visibility (wipers / glass) (2), Vehicle Speed Control (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
07/09/2004 · Vehicle Speed Control
RIDING MOTOROCYCLE DOWN ROAD, LET OFF THROTTLE. DIGITAL THROTTLE STUCK AT 2100 RPM ALMOST CAUSING ME TO RUN A STOP SIGN AND MOVE INTO THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST OCCUERENCE OF THIS I EVEN HAVE VIDEO OF THIS MACHINE WITH THE THROTTLE STUCK SITTING IN A DRIVE WAY. OTHER BIKES ARE SEEING THE SAME THING. SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN HUMIDITY GE…
03/24/2004 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
2003 BMW R1200CLC MOTORCYCLE-SIDE VIEW MIRRORS DO NOT ADJUST OUT FAR ENOUGH TO PROVIDE PROPER SIDE AND REAR VISIBILITY. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE RIDER NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE OTHER VEHICLES AND COULD BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO AN ACCIDENT. *JB
01/28/2004 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
THE 2003 BMW R1200CLC MOTORCYCLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH FUNCTIONING REAR VIEW MIRRORS.TWO MIRRORS ARE PROVIDED, BUT THEY ARE LOCATED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER'S HAND GRIPS. THEREFORE, THESE MIRRORS ONLY SHOW THE RIDER'S HANDS AND FOREARMS. WHEN ADJUSTED TO THE CENTER POSITION, BOTH MIRRORS FOCUS ON THE RIDER'S STOMACH. WHEN TILTED AS FAR INWARD AS THEY…