VehicleVerdict

2008 BMW F 800 S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2008 BMW F 800 S — 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other F 800 S years?

F 800 S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted13 complaints2007: 13 complaints2008: 2 complaints2009: 0 complaints
F 800 S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F 800 S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 BMW F 800 S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes150%
Suspension150%

Does the 2008 BMW F 800 S have recalls?

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

13V549000Tires & WheelsNovember 1, 2013 · 2,608 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 F 800 S and F 800 ST motorcycles manufactured August 2006 through January 2009. Due to incorrect tolerances, the rear wheel drive bearing and rear axle may wear.

Consequence

Bearing and axle wear may affect handling and control of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wheel bearing, and if necessary, replace the bearing and rear axle, at no charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

08V241000Fuel SystemJune 2, 2008 · 1,980 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING 1,980 MY 2007-2008 F800 S AND F800 ST MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO THE ROUTING OF THE FUEL TANK BREATHER HOSE, PRESSURE EQUALIZATION INSIDE THE FUEL TANK IS POSSIBLE ONLY TO A LIMITED EXTENT. CONSEQUENTLY, AT HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, THE FUEL TANK CAN DEFORM. IF THIS HAPPENED AT THE POINT WHERE THE FUEL TANK IS SHAPED TO PROVIDE CLEARANCE FOR THE REAR WHEEL, THEN, IN COMBINATION WITH A LARGE PAYLOAD, THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK COULD RUB AGAINST THE REAR WHEEL.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURRED, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A LEAK COULD DEVELOP IN THE TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE FUEL TANK BREATHER HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-331-1117.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW F800S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 7, 2012

“LEFT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE BIKE AND BECAME ENTANGLED WITH THE SPOKES OF THE FRONT WHEEL. WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE BIKE WENT DOWN WITH ME ON IT! *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 10, 2008 · crash

2008 BMW F 800 S — common questions

Is the 2008 BMW F 800 S reliable?

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

Does the 2008 BMW F 800 S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 BMW F 800 S. 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.