2004 BMW R1150 Rt recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, AN INCORRECT SEALING RING WAS MOUNTED TO THE PISTON OF THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
What could happen: IF ONLY THE REAR BRAKE WERE APPLIED DURING RIDING, INSUFFICIENT BRAKING PRESSURE WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO SLOW THE MOTORCYCLE, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD 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 2004 R1150 RT.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V304000.
- 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:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, AN INCORRECT SEALING RING WAS MOUNTED TO THE PISTON OF THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
Consequence: IF ONLY THE REAR BRAKE WERE APPLIED DURING RIDING, INSUFFICIENT BRAKING PRESSURE WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO SLOW THE MOTORCYCLE, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATION HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2 DOT ( 1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (12), Fuel system (4), Gasoline (2), Brakes (1), Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
06/15/2022 · Brakes
TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE .I COULD NOT STOP THE MOTORCYCLE.I WENT RITE THROUGH AN INTERSECTION,THANK GOD THERE WAS NO VEHICLES DRIVING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AT THE SAME TIME.
06/11/2017 · Fuel system
MY MOTORCYCLE KEPT LOSING FUEL. I NEVER LEAVE IT LOW ON GAS, BUT ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WENT TO RIDE IT AND THE TANK WAS EMPTY. SINCE THEN I FOUND A YOUTUBE VIDEO SHOWING HOW TO REPLACE WHAT BMW NEVER SHOULD HAVE INSTALLED, SAYING THIS IS COMMON IN CA BECAUSE BMW DID NOT USE METAL QUICK DISCONNECTS ON THE FUEL LINES; OUR GAS EATS THE PLASTIC. AT LEAST 10 GAL…
07/24/2013 · Fuel system
FUEL LINE QUICK DISCONNECTS ON BOTH SUPPLY AND RETURN FAILED CAUSING FUEL LEAK ON TO ENGINE AND EXHAUST. EXTREME FIRE POTENTIAL. QUICK DISCONNECT SEALS AND COMPONENTS ARE INSUFFICIENT TO HANDLE EXPOSURE TO RAW FUEL, IT IS A POOR DESIGN AND BMWNA SHOULD RECALL R1150RT'S DUE TO THIS FAILURE AND FIRE RISK. *TR
07/18/2012 · Transmission / drivetrain
THE REAR TIRE BECAME OIL COVERED AND SLICK BECAUSE OF A FAILED OIL SEAL IN THE FINAL DRIVE. THE OIL SEAL HAD FAILED AS RESULTS OF THE FINAL DRIVE BEARING FAILURE. THESE FAILURES CAUSED AN UNSAFE CONDITION AS THERE WAS EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT IN THE REAR WHEEL AND THE REAR TIRE WAS OIL SOAKED FROM THE SEAL FAILURE. THE FAILURE GAVE LITTLE ADVANCED WARNING AS ROA…
07/10/2012 · Transmission / drivetrain
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW R1150RT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE REAR END TO SEVERELY KNOCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL SPILLED OUT FROM THE VEHICLE AS WELL. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THERE WAS A 3-6 MONTH BACK ORDER ON THE PART THAT WAS NEEDED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEH…
02/04/2012 · Transmission / drivetrain · crash
FINAL DRIVE, CROWN GEAR BEARING FAILED. NO EARLY WARNING OF OIL LEAKAGE, JUST WENT SUDDENLY WHEN ON CROSS COUNTRY TRIP WHILE IN CO. FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY CAUSING THE REAR WHEEL TO WOBBLE SIGNIFICANTLY, THE OIL SEAL TO FAIL AND REAR LUBE OIL LEAKED ALL OVER REAR WHEEL. (HAVE PICTURE) SAME FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN ODI NO. 10439549, AND CURRENTLY BEING INVES…
02/03/2012 · Transmission / drivetrain
MOTORCYCLE FINAL DRIVE GEAR BEARING FAILURE. GEAR OIL LEAKING FROM FINAL DRIVE. *KB
02/03/2012 · Transmission / drivetrain
FAILURE OF FINAL DRIVE CROWN GEAR BEARING. THE BEARING SHATTERED CAUSING THE SEAL TO BE DAMAGED WITH OIL LOSS. *KB