repaired · 2022 Q4
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
2008 BMW R 1200 RProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 11 owner complaints about the 2008 BMW R 1200 R, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-471 the manufacturer reports only 47% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 10, 2020. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 BMW R 1200 R has problems
11 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
5Fuel/propulsion system
4Service brakes
2Fuel system, gasoline
1Electrical system
1Service brakes, hydraulic
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2008 BMW R 1200 R 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.
repaired · 2016 Q3
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk. If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of…
repaired · 2015 Q3
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
no report yet
Service brakes, hydraulic
Risk. IF THIS GOES UNNOTICED, AND THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR RUNS EMPTY, THE FRONT BRAKES COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Show 2 more recalls
no report yet
Power train: manual transmission
Risk. IF THIS HAPPENED, LOCK-UP OF THE REAR TIRE COULD OCCUR.
no report yet
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. IF FLUID LEVEL DROPS SIGNIFICANTLY, THE FRONT BRAKES COULD FAIL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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
2008 vs. every other R 1200 R 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 R 1200 R median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 BMW R 1200 R, and the recalls they led to.
- Fuel Leak - MotorycleLed to recall 13V-617
- Fuel Leak - MotorcycleNo recall
In owners' words
What R 1200 R owners report
Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
THE FUEL TANK {FROM THE INSIDE OUT} AT THE FILLER HOLE HAS MASSIVE CORROSION RENDERING THE TANK USELESS. FUEL HAS THE ABILITY TO LEAK AN LEAK SUBSTANIALLY WHEN THE BIKE IS IN MOTION. FUME LEAKAGE READILY APPARENT AS WELL. PER THE CERTIFIED BMW MECHANIC AN THE SERVICE SUPERVISOR AND I AGREE THE FUEL…
FUEL PUMP FLANGE LEAKING DUE TO CRACKING. BMW'S 1ST FACTORY ATTEMPT WAS TO PUT A "SIZING" RING ON FLANGE TO COMPRESS THE MICRO CRACKS WHICH OF COURSE WAS A JACKLEG APPROACH QUITE COMMON TO BMW MOTORCYCLES. EVENTUALLY WITH IN 1 YR FUEL STARTED MASSIVELY FLOWING DOWN ONTO HOT ENGINE MAKING THE BIKE A…
LOW FUEL WARNING LAMP DID NOT COME ON LEADING TO ME RUNNING OUT OF FUEL ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. FUEL GAUGE INDICATED APPROXIMATELY 1/4 TANK (3 BARS) BUT WAS INACCURATE. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION SINCE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FROM RUNNING OUT OF FUEL CAN BE QUITE DANGEROUS ON A MOTORCYCLE. THE "FUEL…
Own a 2008 R 1200 R?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.