Is the 2016 BMW R1200 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 2016 BMW R1200 GS?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 BMW R1200 GS have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 BMW R1200 GS

○ Not enough data

2016 BMW R1200 GS
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:56:12.339Z

Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 12
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2016: 12 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2004	4
2005	37
2006	4
2007	26
2008	18
2009	18
2010	6
2011	1
2013	5
2014	5
2015	10
2016	12
2017	3
2018	4

Known problem areas

Only 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Suspension

5 of 12 total reports mention: suspension.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

I was traveling in on a straight portion of pacific coast highway in huntington beach. There was no traffic around and no debris in the road.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-05-19

Also filed under Steering

I was never notified about an important safety recall. No notification via mail, email, phone call, etc. I was only alerted to this recall when I brought my BMW motorcycle back to the BMW dealer for non-related warranty work.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-01

Engine

3 of 12 total reports mention: engine.

Show complaint excerpts

While riding the motorcycle at highway speeds, the engine goes into a faulted state spontaneously with no warning prior, the ECU is faulting and putting the engine into "Limp mode" Which is almost equivalent of completely killing the engine the way...

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-07

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Service brakes

2 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes.

Electrical system

2 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing horn.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 BMW R1200 GS. On several occasions, the horn failed to operate intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was not repaired.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-04-15

Steering

1 of 12 total reports mentions: steering.

CRASH

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2017-08-31Suspension17V438000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 BMW R1200GS and BMW R1200GS Adventure motorcycles. The motorcycle fixed fork tube may separate from the pressed in seal plug that secures the tube to the upper triple clamp.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will add an additional fixed fork tube bush. A fork that is sufficiently damaged will be replaced with a modified new part. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2017.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-10-16Equipment17V481000 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...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-10-25Exterior lighting17E052000 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,...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-05-09Equipment, visibility18E016000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Accessory Windscreens, sold for installation on various motorcycles.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windscreen, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 10, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 BMW R1200 GS — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Suspension: 5 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 17V438000 · Suspension
Recall 17V481000 · Equipment
Recall 17E052000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 18E016000 · Equipment, visibility

FAQ

Is the 2016 BMW R1200 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 2016 BMW R1200 GS?: The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 BMW R1200 GS have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.