2003 BMW K1200LT
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 50 |
| 2000 | 51 |
| 2001 | 25 |
| 2002 | 37 |
| 2003 | 21 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2008 | 4 |
| 2009 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
13 of 21 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and column shift assembly.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE FINAL DRIVE DIFFERENTIAL FAILED, LOCKED UP THE REAR TIRE, CAUSE CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF CONTROL, EJECTION FROM THE MOTORCYCLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED, AND TOTAL LOSS OF THE MACHINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130623
2003 BMW K1200LT MOTORCYCLE FINAL DRIVE BEARING FAILURE. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20060911
FELT A STRANGE VIBRATION. EXITED THE ROAD AT THE NEXT EXIT ABOUT A MILE DOWN THE ROAD. UPON SLOWING BELOW 20 MPH, THE VIBRATION INCREASED. BRAKING WAS DIMINISHED AND USED DOWN SHIFTING. PULLED OVER INTO A PARKING LOT AND INSPECTED THE MOTORCYCLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120705
3 of 21 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
2003 BMW K1200LT BURNED TO ASHES ON 12-08-2020. CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AFTER RUNNING FOR A FEW MINUTES. SMOKE FROM FRONT. FLAMES IN THE LOWER FRONT LEFT OF ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201209
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE
WHILE RIDING, FUEL BEGAN POURING OUT OVER MY RIGHT FOOT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140620
3 of 21 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
2 of 21 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing rear.
1 of 21 total reports mentions: service brakes.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
M/C final drive ball bearing failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 BMW K1200LT — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2003 BMW K1200LT reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW K1200LT?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 BMW K1200LT have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.