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1996 BMW R1100 RTProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1996 BMW R1100 RT, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage56kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 16, 2007. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 BMW R1100 RT has problems

3 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
Power train30

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

1 recall

1996 BMW R1100 RT 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

Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 95V-202 · Oct 19, 1995 · 660 vehicles

Risk. THE HOSE CAN ABRADE TO THE POINT WHERE THE HOSE WILL LEAK BRAKE FLUID, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF THE REAR BRAKE.

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

1996 vs. every other R1100 RT 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 R1100 RT median. How we score

'96'97'99'00'01
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What R1100 RT owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TRANSMISSION FAILURE -- 2ND GEAR WILL NO LONGER STAY ENGAGED UNDER NORMAL ACCELERATION. BIKE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. UNTIL REBUILD, AVOIDING 2ND GEAR USE
Complaint 10127387 · Jul 4, 2005 · 48,000 miles
WHEN SHIFTING DOWN INTO SECOND GEAR, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD JUMP OUT OF GEAR WHILE ACCELERATING, CAUSING THE BIKE TO LURCH AND DISTRACT THE CONSUMER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. TS SCC
Complaint 10001384 · Dec 23, 2002

Own a 1996 R1100 RT?

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