2018 BMW R1200 GS
Only 4 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 4 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 | 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 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 4 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle reported engine fault and cut engine power while on freeway (commonly known as "limp mode"). It was extremely dangerous trying to find somewhere to pull over with very little engine power. It has happened several times now.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210821
THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO TICKET # 11363230. RELATED TO THIS SAME VEHICLE. I WENT FOR A RIDE TODAY AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED, WITH THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUTTING ALMOST COMPLETELY DOWN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201008
1 of 4 total reports mentions: steering.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WITHOUT WARNING THE MOTORCYCLE STEERING WENT INTO WHAT IS COMMONLY KNOW AS "DEATH WOBBLE" OR "TANK SLAPPING" WITH THE STEERING UNCONTROLLABLE RAPIDLY MOVING RIGHT TO LEFT AND IMMEDIATELY CRASHING CAUSING SEVERE INJURIES TO DRIVER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201106
1 of 4 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2018 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact stated while riding the motorcycle at an undisclosed speed, the RPM's decreased and the motorcycle lost motive power. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred several times.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250515
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 17V481000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18E016000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 BMW R1200 GS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V481000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18E016000 (equipment, visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2018 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 2018 BMW R1200 GS?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 BMW R1200 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.