VehicleVerdict

2012 BMW F 650 GS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2012 BMW F 650 GS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other F 650 GS years?

F 650 GS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted16 complaints2001: 16 complaints2002: 9 complaints2003: 5 complaints2005: 2 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 13 complaints2010: 5 complaints2011: 5 complaints2012: 2 complaints
F 650 GS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F 650 GS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 BMW F 650 GS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System150%
Fuel System150%

Does the 2012 BMW F 650 GS have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V481000OtherJuly 28, 2017 · 47,775 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2017 F800R and F800GT motorcycles, 2014-2018 R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, 2016-2017 S1000XR motorcycles and 2015-2017 R1200R and R1200RS, 2008-2012 F650GS, 2008-2018 F800GS, and 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure motorcycles. When equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blocked. The aluminum case mounts for the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure may also partially block the reflectors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install reflectors on the cases or for the case mounts, an additional bracket with rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE STATOR AND RECTIFIER ASSEMBLIES WERE FAILING AND WOULD CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION. HEADLIGHTS, BRAKES, TURN SIGNALS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE...INSTRUMENTS WOULD NOT FUNCTION...THEN THE ENGINE WOULD QUIT RUNNING, LEAVING THE MOTORCYCLE AND MYSELF STRANDED. THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 9, 2014

“AFTER WASHING AND DRYING THE MOTORCYCLE, I NOTICED A HULL BREACH ON THE FUEL TANK RUNNING APPROXIMATELY 14 INCHES FROM FRONT TO REAR OF PLASTIC FUEL TANK. TANK HAS INNER LINER AND IS NOT OPENLY LEAKING GASOLINE, BUT CRACKING IS PROMINENT INDICATING A POSSIBILITY OF RUPTURE AND FUEL SPILLAGE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 29, 2014

2012 BMW F 650 GS — common questions

Is the 2012 BMW F 650 GS reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 BMW F 650 GS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 BMW F 650 GS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.