2011 BMW R 1200 GS
Only 6 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 6 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 |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 14 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2008 | 14 |
| 2009 | 12 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2014 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 6 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
Fuel pump flange failure resulting in leaking fuel while I was riding the bike. It is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because the bike could have caught fire while riding and also potentially could have caused me to crash.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241120
Found fuel vapor to be strongly smelled while at a stop light. Upon arrival at home when turning the motorcycle around there were drips coming from the right side of the motorcycle (more specifically the fuel tank).
NHTSA ODI report, 20230524
RECALL WORK WAS DONE IN 2014. NEW PART FAILED 2020 AND BMW SAYS ONLY 2 YEAR WARRANTY ON RECALL PART. THAT'S ACCORDING TO BMW SERIVICE AS WELL AS BMW OF WESTERN OREGON. THE FUEL LEAKS ONTO THE ENGINE AND EXHAUST. FIRE AND LIFE HAZARD!!!!
NHTSA ODI report, 20200625
1 of 6 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
THE ELECTRONIC SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENT EQUIPPED, NON-SERVICEABLE, REAR SHOCK FAILED AT ONLY 15,500 MILES. THE REPLACEMENT UNIT IS $2000.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150805
1 of 6 total reports mentions: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
First reported front brake failure to BMW Motorcycle dealer in Chattanooga TN in fall of 2019. Lever went to grip and had to be pumped several times to engage. Dealer could not replicate problem or find anything wrong.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220704
1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
While under hard acceleration to pass a vehicle on a two-lane highway, the engine power suddenly cut out completely that created a dangerous situation and suddenly put me at risk for a collision.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250210
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and m
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer
Campaign 13V617000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 21V060000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 BMW R 1200 GS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V617000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V060000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2011 BMW R 1200 GS 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 2011 BMW R 1200 GS?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW R 1200 GS have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.