BMW R 1200 RT Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used BMW R 1200 RT options? We analyzed 10 model years (2012–2021) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the BMW R 1200 RT has 26 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls across model years 2012–2021. The most reported issue area is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
- Make
- BMW
- Model
- R 1200 RT
- Model years analyzed
- 2012–2021 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 26
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Top reported issue area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Good
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
GoodThe BMW R 1200 RT has 26 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 26 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 4 federal recall campaigns
- No crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
4 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SUSPENSION
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2012–2021. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 26 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
26 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
I have a 2014 R1200RT that is leaking fuel because of a warped fuel tank. VIN: [XXX] My dealer tells me that this was a problem on my years RT and that this can only be fixed by replacing the fuel tank. I was told that ethanol was probably the culprit in taking this tank down so quickly. I was also told that BMW redesigned the tank to alleviate the problem and that replacing the old tank with the redesigned one would take care of this. BMW Motorrad is not offering to replace this as the warranty is only for 3 years or 36,000 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Motorcycle went into "limp mode" while riding.
I BOUGHT THIS NEW AND I HAVE ALWAYS SMELLED GAS ESPECILLY AFTER A FILL UP. I RECENTLY HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES VERY HARD WHILE TRAVELLING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND FUEL CAME OUT THROUGH THE GAS CAP EVEN THOUGH THE GAS CAP WAS PROPERLY SECURED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW R1200 RT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, A SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS COMPLETED TO IMPROVE THE GEAR SHIFT ASSISTANT PRO FEATURE. AFTER THE SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED, THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH BEFORE DEACTIVATING THE CRUISE CONTROL TO DECREASE THE SPEED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD ERRONEOUSLY TURN ON INCREASING THE SPEED OF THE MOTORCYCLE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 120 MILES OF DRIVING, THE MOTORCYCLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,120....UPDATED 02/03/16 *BF INVALID 4/17/18*JB *TR
6/11 RECEIVE EMAIL FROM BMW ADVISING "STOP RIDE". 6/23 RECEIVE EMAIL FROM BMW ADVISING OF 4 REMEDIES. QUICKLY LEARN THAT DEALERSHIP CANNOT PERFORM LOANER BIKE OPTION AND DEALER REFUSES TO HONOR TRADE-IN OPTION. 6/25 I EMAIL BMW ADVISING I AM SELECTING BUYBACK OPTION. 6/26 RECEIVE EMAIL FROM BMW REQUESTING DOCUMENTATION (BILL OF SALE AND COPY OF TITLE). 6/27 RECEIVED EMAIL FROM BMW CONFIRMING RECEIPT OF DOCUMENTATION. I ALSO TELEPHONED CUSTOMER SERVICE (CS) AND RECEIVED VERBAL CONFIRMATION THEY RECEIVED DOCUMENTATION. I WAS ADVISED I WOULD BE CONTACTED AND RECEIVE REPURCHASE AGREEMENT WITHIN 3-5 DAYS. AS OF 7/9 I STILL HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY ANYONE. I HAVE CALLED CS 5 MORE TIMES AND HAVE EMAILED CS TWICE. IT APPEARS CS FILTERS CALLS IN COLUMBUS, OH, BUT THE " DECISION MAKER" (MARK) IN NEW JERSEY DOES NOT RESPOND TO EMAILS OR TELEPHONE CALLS (VOICEMAILS LEFT). LAST PHONE CALL TO CS RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT PROCESS TAKES 6-8 WEEKS. IT APPEARS THAT EVEN THOUGH BMW HAS PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED REMEDIES PURSUANT TO RECALL, BMW IS NOT FULLY HONORING AFOREMENTIONED REMEDIES, NOR FULFILLING CHOSEN BUYBACKS IN A TIMELY MANNER. BMW ADVISES THAT CUSTOMERS ELECTING BUYBACK WILL RECEIVE COMPENSATION WITHIN 30 DAYS OF AGREEMENT; HOWEVER, THERE APPEARS TO BE NO TIME RESTRAINTS FOR RECEIVING SAID AGREEMENT (POSSIBLY EXTENDING COMPLETION IN HOPES OF HAVING CUSTOMERS ELECT A REPAIR IF/WHEN IT IS ANNOUNCED). *TR
ON JUNE 5TH 2014 BMW ISSUED A STOP RIDE NOTICE FOR ALL 2014 R1200 RTS WITH DYNAMIC ESA. SINCE THEN BMW HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO PRODUCE A LOANER VEHICLE NOR A DATE WHEN THE AFFECTED PART WILL BE REPLACED. SO AT THIS POINT MY PRIMARY VEHICLE IS A $25,000. PIECE OF GARAGE ART. THE ESTIMATED DATE FOR PARTS SHIPMENT IS 3 TO 4 MONTHS! *TR
Read 14 more owner reports
The drive shaft on my 2016 BMW R1200 RTW failed while I was on I 69 northbound at speed of 75 mph. I am in possession of the failed components. The back wheel locked with no warning and the bike fishtailed dangerously while I was in heavy traffic. The local BMW dealership has replaced the driveshaft and connected universal joints.There was zero warning . The director of service at the dealership revealed that a needle bearing in the assembly failed. No one official has inspected the bike or failed components except the dealership that sold me the bike and has performed 100% of the required maintenance. According to the director of service at the dealership there is not any maintenance suggested or required in the manufacturers manual or dealer instruction for the component/assembly that failed. The dealership has informed me twice that I will be reimbursed for the repair order by the manufacturer. I have not been reimbursed to date 8/12/2022. I was riding that day with two engineers (degreed) and our belief after reviewing my components and other reports via the internet of similar drive train failures for this model bike is that this is a component/assembly with multiple failure modes
When starting my BMW motorcycle it normally can be started in two modes: (1) in neutral or (2) In gear with the clutch handle pulled back to the handlebar and the clutch disengaged. However, my BMW 2015 BMW R1200RT motorcycle will NOT engage the starter motor to start the engine with the Clutch handled pulled back to the handlebar which disengages the clutch. The problem was noticed at 17,500 miles and several others have reported the same issues. BMW Motorcycles refuses to repair this latent/systemic safety defect in the BMW dual microswitches (actually two are contained within one physical unit), BMW part number 32728537609. This failure puts a rider at severe risk when the BMW motorcycles that have this switch and it is in a failed state when the motorcycle stalls in traffic. The rider must quickly shift the transmission into neutral to enable the starter motor to engage and restart the engine. This is difficult to do as one attempts to quickly shift the transmission into neutral, restart the engine, shift the transmission into gear, and move forward with traffic. BMW is aware of this critical safety issue that affects several years and models of their motorcycles but instead either sells a new dual microswitch for $103.86 or installs it with labor for a total charge of $246.36 (Cal-Moto, Livermore, CA). There was no warning this dual microswitch was beginning to fail, only total failure. BMW motorcycle dealers are well aware of this issue and many are out of stock given the demand for the replacement dual microswitch, p/n 32 72 8 537 609.
AFTER FIRST 200 MILES OIL WAS OBSERVED LEAKING FROM THE REAR SHOCK DYNAMIC ESA SYSTEM. CONFIRMED BY DEALERSHIP AND APPROVED FOR REPLACEMENT. *TR
The throttle body has plastic pulleys for the throttle flapper cam. These plastic parts fail. My motorcycle lost power in freeway traffic and I nearly was ran over by traffic when this part failed.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW R 1200. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V060000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. A local dealer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that they were awaiting parts from the manufacturer vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
RIGHT-SIDE SWINGARM PIVOT PIN BOLTS LOOSEN
FUEL PUMP FLANGE CRACKED, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKING DOWN THE SIDE OF THE BIKE AND ONTO HOT COMPONENTS WHILE RIDING OR AT IDLE. SAFETY HAZARD AND FIRE HAZARD POSSIBLY RESULTING IN FIRE AND PERSONAL INJURY.
WHILE RIDING MOTORCYCLE THERE WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE U-JOINT/DRIVE SHAFT CAUSING THE MOTORCYCLE TO STOP WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. REAR WHEEL SUBSEQUENTLY LOCKED UP. DAMAGE WAS CAUSED TO THE SWING ARM BY THE DRIVE SHAFT. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS SMOKING DUE TO THE HEAT CREATED. OVER $3100. IN DAMAGES. THIS IS THE SECOND BMW MOTORCYCLE I'VE OWNED THAT THE SAME CATESTROPHIC FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON. I HAVE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS I'D BE HAPPY TO SHARE.
LEFT SIDE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH FAILURE (INOP. SEVERAL FUNCTIONS-TURN SIGNAL, CRUISE CONTROL, HIGH/LOW BEAM LIGHTS AND INFO.DISPLAY) CAUSED TOTAL LOSS OF LOW/HIGH BEAM LIGHTS WHILE RIDING AT NIGHT. *TR
Front brakes- Front brake lever will not pull in (hard to pull) front brakes do not work, was unable to stop, rear brakes limited and was unable to stop through intersection.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW R-1200 RT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW R1200 RT motorcycle. The contact stated that the handlebars loosened and were not secured. The motorcycle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the head bearing had failed and needed to be replaced. The cause of the steering head bearing failure was undetermined. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW R 1200 RT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V060000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. MAX BMW MOTORCYCLES LOCATED AT 493 DANBURY RD, NEW MILFORD, CT 06776 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT THE PART WAS AVAILABLE HOWEVER, AFTER CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER, NO INFORMATION ON A DATE FOR PARTS AVAILABILITY WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP THE ENGINE STARTED RUNNING POORLY, HARDLY ANY POWER. I MOVED OVER 3 LANES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER & TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS INFORMED THE PLASTIC THROTTLE BODY CAMS HAD BROKEN. THIS BIKE HAS ONLY 20,000 MILES ON IT! IT PUT ME IN EXTREME DANGER.
Showing 20 of 26 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact BMW R 1200 RT
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used BMW R 1200 RT, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The BMW R 1200 RT has 26 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The BMW R 1200 RT has 4 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 0 of the BMW R 1200 RT's 26 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Good) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all BMW R 1200 RT vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two BMW R 1200 RT vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The BMW R 1200 RT has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used BMW R 1200 RT.
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BMW R 1200 RT reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the BMW R 1200 RT reliable?
Good. The BMW R 1200 RT has 26 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which BMW R 1200 RT years to avoid?
Check individual year pages for complaint breakdowns.
What are the most common BMW R 1200 RT problems?
Top reported issues: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (6 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints); SUSPENSION (4 complaints).
Does the BMW R 1200 RT have recalls?
Yes — 4 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the BMW R 1200 RT. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.