2012 BMW R 1200 GS: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel/propulsion system; the 2013 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2012 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed in the rear-view mirror that there was fluid leaking from the motorcycle onto the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the flange for the fuel pump fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2021
“The fuel tank quick connect coupling cracked, leaked fuel and nearly caused a fire on the vehicle. I was riding the motorcycle on a roadway and when I stopped the fuel dripped onto the hot engine. The fuel started to smoke because I reacted quickly and shut down the engine I was able to prevent a fire from starting.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2019
“Spray leak from fuel pump, quick connector on the flange broke and had a strong spray of fuel leaking on the hot engine and my clothes, this happend on the freeway while riding at 70mph. There is a recall on this bikes up to 2011, mine is 2012.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2019
Show 2 more owner reports
“Fuel pump starting leaking while engine is running. This is a known problem for this model, but not for my model year 2012. Obviously, the defect wasn't corrected on my bike, causing a dangerous situation. I am planning on bringing the motorcycle to the shop tomorrow for remediation.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2017
“Braking started to feel soft and slow, I noticed that fluid had started to leak from final drive area. Took to dealer (ride west bmw, seattle), for warranty repair. Dealer verified final drive failure.to the best of my knowledge, these were the replaced items: crown bearings, sealing o-ring, support ring, outer-axle support bearing, housing cover seal, axle sealing ring, circlip, brake pads. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain accessory turn signals manufactured for 2006-2017 R1200GS, 2007-2008 and 2010-2017 R1200GS Adventure, 2017 F700GS and F800GS, 2013-2017 F800GT, 2015-2016 F800R, 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure, 2014-2016 S1000R, 2015-2017 R1200R, 2016-2017 R1200RS, and 2010-2017 S1000RR motorcycles. As designed, these accessory turn signals may be insufficiently visible to other drivers, and, as such, fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the turn signals, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2012 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact R 1200 GS by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 BMW R 1200 GS reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 BMW R 1200 GS. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.
Does the 2012 BMW R 1200 GS have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.