2018 BMW R1200 GS recalls and problems

The 2018 BMW R1200 GS has 1 safety recall and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 BMW R1200 GS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 BMW R1200 GS recalls

Recall 17V-481: Equipment

Reported Jul 28, 2017 · 47,775 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2017 F800R and F800GT motorcycles, 2014-2018 R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, 2016-2017 S1000XR motorcycles and 2015-2017 R1200R and R1200RS, 2008-2012 F650GS, 2008-2018 F800GS, and 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure motorcycles. When equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blocked. The aluminum case mounts for the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure may also partially block the reflectors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install reflectors on the cases or for the case mounts, an additional bracket with rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2018 BMW R1200 GS problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	2
Steering	1
Electrical System	1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 11,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 BMW R1200 GS complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 11,500 miles · reported May 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact stated while riding the motorcycle at an undisclosed speed, the RPM's decreased and the motorcycle lost motive power. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with corrosion on the Dynamic Motor Engine (DME) connector pins. The contact was informed that the DME connector pins needed to be cleaned. The motorcycle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure…

Engine · reported Aug 21, 2021

Vehicle reported engine fault and cut engine power while on freeway (commonly known as "limp mode"). It was extremely dangerous trying to find somewhere to pull over with very little engine power. It has happened several times now. Vehicle is now longer safe for freeway use. It also happened once mid corner which upsets the chassis and is quite dangerous on a motorcycle. Dealer performed a software update and cleared codes on 10/29/2020 which clearly did not fix anything. No warning is given. Power is just suddenly removed.

Steering · at 8,000 miles · reported Nov 6, 2020

Without warning the motorcycle steering went into what is commonly know as "death wobble" or "tank slapping" with the steering uncontrollable rapidly moving right to left and immediately crashing causing severe injuries to driver.

Other BMW R1200 GS years

20182017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

Compare all BMW R1200 GS years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 BMW R1200 GS have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2018 BMW R1200 GS: 17V-481 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 BMW R1200 GS?

Owners report engine problems most often (2 reports), followed by steering (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 11,500 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.