2012 BMW R 1200 R: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel/propulsion system; the 2010 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 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“There is a recall on fuel pumps recall # 20v-471. My fuel pump needs to be replaced as it is failing. The recall includes bikes up to model year 2011. While my bike is a 2012, it was manufactured in 2011 and should be included in the recall. I have only 6000 miles on my bike and the part has failed way to early for it not to be included with the recall. Thank you”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 bmw r1200 r. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel from the fuel pump. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed. The failure mileage was 40,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2019
“My fuel gauge failed due to the failure of the fuel level sending "strip" - this is common on many bmw motorcycle models from 2004-2014. As a result of the failure I ran out of fuel on a busy highway. This created a dangerous situation.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2016
Show 4 more owner reports
“Motorcycle engine stopped running on highway off ramp. Engine would crank, but not restart. Fuel gauge on electronic readout showed 78 miles until refill. No warning lights were flashing. Put fuel in the tank, started right up. In-tank fuel sensor is faulty. *js”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2014
“Left side mirror glass fell out. While on the highway, the lef side mirror glass fell out. It was held in by a few small dabs of silicone from the factory. Another disappointment courtesy of bmw, not covered by the warranty. Poor design and shoddy workmanship are the cause of the glass falling out under normal use conditions. The date below is a rough estimate. I do not have the receipt with the replacement date handy at this time. Lack of the left mirror made lane changes less safe.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Apr 2014
“Motorcycle ran out of gas. Fuel gauge showed full. Display said I had 226 miles to go to empty. I was traveling in an unfamiliar highway with no services within a fifty mile range. The motorcycle gas gauge remained at full for the remainder 2,100 mile of the trip to phoenix from florida. Dealer said they have ordered a fuel strip to replace the faulty one under warranty. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2013
“The fuel gauge stopped working. This happened twice. The second time it led to running out of gas while under operation. The fuel strip that senses gas in the tank was replaced on both occasions. However, this kind of failure is unsafe, because running out of fuel while you are moving on a motorcycle can cause lead to loss of control. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2012
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all R 1200 R years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact R 1200 R 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 R reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2012 BMW R 1200 R. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.
Does the 2012 BMW R 1200 R have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. 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.