2009 BMW R1200 GSProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 30 owner complaints about the 2009 BMW R1200 GS, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 4 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 29, 2024. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2009 BMW R1200 GS has problems

30 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
Fuel/propulsion system162
Power train60
Electrical system62
Fuel system, gasoline31
Suspension20
Engine22
Wheels10
Equipment10
Fuel system, other10
1 other systems10

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

4 recalls

2009 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.

47%repaired · 2022 Q4

Delivery: fuel pump

Recall 20V-471 · Aug 10, 2020 · 16,926 vehicles · 7,933 repaired

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

61%repaired · 2016 Q3

Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Recall 15V-141 · Mar 11, 2015 · 43,426 vehicles · 26,452 repaired

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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

59%repaired · 2015 Q3

Delivery: fuel pump

Recall 13V-617 · Dec 12, 2013 · 50,184 vehicles · 29,775 repaired

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 10V-276 · Jun 18, 2010 · 15,532 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS GOES UNNOTICED, AND THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR RUNS EMPTY, THE FRONT BRAKES COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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

2009 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
In owners' words

What R1200 GS owners report

Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

While attempting to pass a car on the highway, the engine suddenly lost power, forcing me into a perilous maneuver to reach the breakdown lane at highway speed. Following vehicle recovery and upon further inspection, I discovered that both plastic throttle body cam pulleys had broken in half,…
Complaint 11628004 · Nov 29, 2024
The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The…
Complaint 11534609 · Jul 26, 2023
Hello I would like to open a case on a fire recall :VIN [VIN] 2009 BMW 1200gs Motorcycle, The motorcycle did start on fire casing much burn damage at the fuel line, needed the update fuel line and pump update. Rider was able to escape the flames and get a fire extinguisher and put out the fire ! I…
Complaint 11533136 · Jul 18, 2023

Own a 2009 R1200 GS?

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