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1998 BMW K1200rsProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 1998 BMW K1200rs, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints60 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage59kFuel system, gasoline, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 23, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 BMW K1200rs has problems

6 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Fuel system, gasoline40
Power train10
Service brakes, hydraulic10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

4 recalls

1998 BMW K1200rs recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 00V-266 · Sep 12, 2000 · 188 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW COOLANT TO ESCAPE, TRAVEL ALONG THE ENGINE COVER, AND CONTACT THE REAR TIRE, REDUCING ITS TRACTION AND AFFECTING THE STABILITY OF…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 97V-134 · Aug 8, 1997 · 973 vehicles

Risk. THE SCREW(S) CAN BACK OUT OVER TIME WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED CAUSING A CHANGE IN THE PRESSURE POINT OF THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE CLUTCH AND/OR…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

1998 vs. every other K1200rs year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the K1200rs median. How we score

'97'98'99'00'01'02'03
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1998 BMW K1200rs, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FUEL TANK LEAKPE98047 · closed Oct 15, 1998
    Led to recall 98V-258
  2. REDUCED CLUTCH AND BRAKE EFFECTIVENESSSQ97023 · closed Dec 22, 1997
    No recall
In owners' words

What K1200rs owners report

Recent fuel system, gasoline complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

RECALL 14401 FROM OCT. 14, 1988. THIS VEHICLE WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY IN 2001 UNDER THIS RECALL. IT FAILED AGAIN RECENTLY AND FUEL STARTED LEAKING. THE PARTS TO DO THE REMEDY ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE PER MY DEALER. THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE IS TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK AND RELATED COMPONENTS WITH A STYLE…
Complaint 10455068 · Apr 13, 2012 · 59,000 miles
MOTORCYCLE PARKED IN 90 DEGREE GARARE AFTER RIDE. ONE HALF HOUR LATER GAS PUDDLE 3' IN DIAMETER UNDER BIKE DRIPPING FROM TANK ONTO HOT ENGINE THEN HOT EXHAUST AND GARAGE FILLED WITH VAPORS. NO SMELL OF FUEL WHEN PARKING, SUDDEN FAILURE.
Complaint 780468 · Sep 19, 1998
MASSIVE LEAKING OF GASOLINE FROM TANK APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO HOT WEATHER AND EXPANSION OF GASKET INTERFACE BETWEEN TANK BLADDER AND FUEL PUMP, REPAIR WORK ON TANK
Complaint 540232 · Aug 22, 1998

Own a 1998 K1200rs?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.