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 R1200 GSProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 32 owner complaints about the 2008 BMW R1200 GS, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 8 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 November 17, 2023. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 BMW R1200 GS has problems
32 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
16Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
6Fuel system, gasoline
5Power train1 crash/fire/injury
3Electrical system
2Fuel system, other
2Engine
1Service brakes
1Steering
1Suspension
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 16 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 5 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel system, other | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2008 BMW R1200 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 · 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 4 more recalls
no report yet
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. FAILURE OF THE FUEL PUMP WILL CAUSE INADEQUATE FUEL TO REACH THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. ANY TIME VEHICLE CONTROL IS COMPROMISED A CRASH MAY OCCUR.
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 R1200 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 R1200 GS median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 BMW R1200 GS, and the recalls they led to.
- Fuel Leak - MotorycleLed to recall 13V-617
- Fuel Leak - MotorcycleNo recall
In owners' words
What R1200 GS owners report
Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Fuel strip sensor failure. The fuel strip sensor that sends fuel level information to the motorcycle dash has failed. This is a known issue by BMW. When the strip fails, it no longer sends accurate fuel level information and the fuel indicator on the dash is no longer reliable. In my case, the fuel…
There is a small plastic cam on the throttle body that gets pulled by the throttle cable to control the butterfly valve. They break easily and cause a loss of power and engine control. I have seen many others posting on line with same issue
IN 2014 THERE WAS A BMW RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP AND AUX PUMP FLANGE AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER THAT OWNED THE BIKE REPLACED THE PUMP AND FLANGE AT THAT TIME. IT IS NOW ONLY 6 YEARS LATER; LAST YEAR I PAID MY LOCAL DEALER $382 TO REPLACE THE AUXILIARY FUEL PUMP AND GASKET IN MAY OF 2019, AND CURRENTLY…
Own a 2008 R1200 GS?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.