VehicleVerdict

2008 BMW F 800 ST problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 2008 BMW F 800 ST — 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.

16

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other F 800 ST years?

F 800 ST NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted16 complaints2007: 16 complaints2008: 16 complaints2009: 6 complaints2010: 1 complaints
F 800 ST NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F 800 ST years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels319%
Fuel System319%
Engine319%
Transmission213%
Brakes213%
Visibility & Wipers16%
Electrical System16%
Other16%

Does the 2008 BMW F 800 ST 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.

“I WAS RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE AT A STEADY HIGHWAY SPEED. I HAD BEEN RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE AT A STEADY HIGHWAY SPEED FOR 30 MILES CONTINUOUSLY. ENGINE CUTS-OUT COMPLETELY, WITH NO WARNING. MOTORYCLE ROLLS TO A STOP, I SWITCH ENGINE OFF, WAIT ONE MINUTE, CYCLE START SEQUENCE, ENGINE SOMETIMES STARTS,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 24, 2008

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW F800 ST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. IN ADDITION, THE ODOMETER STOPPED WORKING AND THE REAR WHEELS WOBBLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 29, 2019

“MY 2008 BMW F800ST HAD A PROBLEM WITH SHUTTING OFF DURING OPERATION. THE WOULD OCCUR IN WARM WEATHER AND WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS LESS THAN HALF FULL. THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD SHUT OFF AND STALL WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE PROBLEM WAS FINALLY CORRECTED BY REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 1, 2010

“IN RUSH-HOUR TRAFFIC, (CLEAR WEATHER, 45 DEGREES, SUNNY, DRY) I WAS FOLLOWING BEHIND A DUMP TRUCK. HE STOPPED, AND I APPLIED MY MOTORCYCLE'S BRAKES. THEY GRABBED, AS THEY ALWAYS DO, BUT THEN RELEASED. I CONTINUED TO SQUEEZE THE BRAKES, HOPING THE ABS WOULD RE-APPLY, BUT IT NEVER DID. THE FRONT END…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 20, 2008 · crash

“THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED, AND PRODUCED EXCESSIVE REAR WHEEL WOBBLE. I DETECTED THE PROBLEM AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER - NORTH TX HOUSE OF MOTORCYCLES IN HURST TX. THEY SAID THE BEARINGS, SHAFT, BRAKE PADS AND OTHER ASSOCIATED PARTS NEED REPLACED FOR A COST OF USD1,832. HAD THE MECHANISM BEEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 8, 2013

2008 BMW F 800 ST — common questions

Is the 2008 BMW F 800 ST reliable?

The record is thin — 16 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2008 F 800 ST problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (3 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints), engine (3 complaints).

Does the 2008 BMW F 800 ST have recalls?

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