2012 BMW F 800 GS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2012 BMW F 800 GS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other F 800 GS years?

F 800 GS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F 800 GS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 BMW F 800 GS problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Fuel System	3	43%	— flat
Electrical System	2	29%	— flat
Engine	1	14%	▼ down
Lighting	1	14%	▼ down

Does the 2012 BMW F 800 GS have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18E016000OtherMarch 21, 2018 · 1,571 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Accessory Windscreens, sold for installation on various motorcycles. Specifically being recalled is Windscreen model number 8531917, sold for use on model year 2012-2018 F700GS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8544629, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 R1200R motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8546224, sold for use on model year 2014-2018 S1000R motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8551929, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 S1000XR motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8554726, sold for use on model year 2013-2018 R1200GS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8554727 sold for use on model year 2014-2018 R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8556927, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 R1200RS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8559548, sold for use on model year 2017-2018 R1200GS motorcycles and Windscreen model number 8561755, sold for use on model year 2012-2018 F800GS motorcycles. These windscreens have extra tinting on them that may reduce the rider's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."

Consequence

The darker windscreen can inhibit the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windscreen, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 10, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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 BIKE WOULD NOT START. THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THAT WHILE LOOKING AT IT TO REPAIR THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF A FIRE. THE BEST I CAN TELL IS SOMEONE AT THE DEALER CAUSED THE BIKE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *TR”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 14, 2013 · fire

“THE BIKE WOULD NOT START. THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THAT WHILE LOOKING AT IT TO REPAIR THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF A FIRE. THE BEST I CAN TELL IS SOMEONE AT THE DEALER CAUSED THE BIKE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *TR”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 14, 2013 · fire

“STOCK CHARGING SYSTEM FAILED AT ONLY 47,000 MILES. REPLACED WITH AFTERMARKET PARTS DUE TO COST. BMW SAYS YOU MUST REPLACE STATOR AND ROTOR, WHEN ONLY THE STATOR HAS FAILED. THE NEW STATOR FAILED WITHIN 6,000 MILES. REPLACED AGAIN, AND AGAIN. THEY FAIL ROUGHLY EVERY 8,000 MILES. THE ISSUE WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 20, 2015

“STOCK CHARGING SYSTEM FAILED AT ONLY 47,000 MILES. REPLACED WITH AFTERMARKET PARTS DUE TO COST. BMW SAYS YOU MUST REPLACE STATOR AND ROTOR, WHEN ONLY THE STATOR HAS FAILED. THE NEW STATOR FAILED WITHIN 6,000 MILES. REPLACED AGAIN, AND AGAIN. THEY FAIL ROUGHLY EVERY 8,000 MILES. THE ISSUE WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 20, 2015

2012 BMW F 800 GS — common questions

Is the 2012 BMW F 800 GS reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 BMW F 800 GS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 BMW F 800 GS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2012 compare to other F 800 GS years?

What are the most common 2012 BMW F 800 GS problems?

Does the 2012 BMW F 800 GS have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2012 BMW F 800 GS — common questions

Is the 2012 BMW F 800 GS reliable?

Does the 2012 BMW F 800 GS have recalls?

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