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2003 BMW R1150gsProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2003 BMW R1150gs, 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 mileage44kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 11, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 BMW R1150gs 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 train20
Service brakes, hydraulic10

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

1 recall

2003 BMW R1150gs 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

Power train: manual transmission

Recall 02V-319 · Nov 27, 2002 · 515 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE GEAR WHEELS COULD CRACK RESULTING IN A LOSS OF TRANSMISSION CAPABILITY, OR, A LOCK OF TRANSMISSION COULD OCCUR.

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

2003 vs. every other R1150gs 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 R1150gs median. How we score

'00'01'02'03
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2003 BMW R1150gs, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FUEL LINE LEAKAGEPE03054 · closed Jan 23, 2004
    Led to recall 04V-028
In owners' words

What R1150gs owners report

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

FINAL DRIVE FAILURE CAUSING OIL TO SPILL ONTO REAR TIRE WHILE RIDING. THIS IS THE SAME FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN ODI NO. 10439549, AND CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED UNDER CAMPAIGN DP12001. *TR
Complaint 10470206 · Aug 11, 2012 · 44,000 miles
CROWN GEAR BEARING FAILURE, NO OIL LEAK. PROGRESSIVE VIBRATION FELT IN FOOTPEGS AND SEAT, SEVERAL VERY BRIEF REAR WHEEL LOCK-UPS. METAL FUZZ ON MAGNETIC PLUG, PULLED THE DRIVE, SENT TO AN INDEPENDENT EXPERT (NOT A BMW DEALER) WHO CONFIRMED THE FAILURE AND REBUILT THE DRIVE. *TR
Complaint 10447361 · Feb 10, 2012 · 44,692 miles

Own a 2003 R1150gs?

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