repaired · 2024 Q4
Shaft: input
Risk. A damaged gearbox input shaft or a blocked rear wheel can increase the risk of a crash.
2020 BMW R 1250 GSProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 2020 BMW R 1250 GS, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-166 the manufacturer reports only 62% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 25, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 BMW R 1250 GS has problems
8 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
7Service brakes
1Service brakes, hydraulic
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 7 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2020 BMW R 1250 GS 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 · 2022 Q4
Service brakes
Risk. Overtime, a leaking front brake caliper can reduce the amount of brake fluid in the reservoir.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Power train: driveline
Risk. A loose connection between the final drive and swing arm will reduce stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Service brakes, hydraulic: fluid
Risk. Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2022 Q1
Exterior lighting: brake lights
Risk. A flashing brake light can cause confusion to other drivers on the road, 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
2020 vs. every other R 1250 GS 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 1250 GS median. How we score
'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What R 1250 GS owners report
Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Rear brake pedal goes soft over time decreasing the effectiveness and usability of the rear brake. Multiple attempts at bleeding per BMW SIB 34 01 21 have not corrected the issue. This is a severe safety issue as the rear brake is all but useless.
Rear brake on motorcycle does not stop the motorcycle. After three BMW dealer visits and rear brakes having been bled, the rear brake pedal becomes soft and does not stop the motorcycle. The same problem occurred each time within 2-3 months of the repair. The only way to stop the motorcycle is to…
Rear brake becomes soft and non operational after a period of 9 months. Once the brake has become "soft" the rear brake fails to apply caliper pressure and will not slow or stop the rear wheel. Additionally, at this point the automatic or manual hill hold also become non operational. Note... wide…
Own a 2020 R 1250 GS?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.