1999 BMW K 1200 LT problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 55 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median K 1200 LT year — the 1999 model ranks #1 of 10 K 1200 LT years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 69% of all reports (38 of 55), far ahead of suspension at 4.
55
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other K 1200 LT years?
What are the most common 1999 BMW K 1200 LT problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 38 | 69% | new |
| Suspension | 4 | 7% | new |
| Brakes | 3 | 5% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 4% | new |
| Engine | 2 | 4% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | new |
| Other | 1 | 2% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I'VE OWNED THIS BIKE SINCE 2002 AND SILL HAVE IT. DURING THAT TIME I HAVE EXPERIENCE TWO REAR DRIVE FAILURES AS DESCRIBED IN ODI NO. 10439549, AND CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED UNDER CAMPAIGN DP12001. AT THE TIME BMW WAS IN DENIAL ABOUT THE ISSUE OR CLAIMED THAT IT WAS RARE. WELL, I KNOW 6 PEOPLE…”
“THERE HAVE BEEN MANY FAILURES OF THIS COMPONENT REGISTERED WITH BMW BUT THEY REFUSE TO ISSUE A RECALL. HAVING THE REAR END OF A MOTORCYCLE LOCK UP AT ANY SPEED CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND POSSIBLE DEATH.*AK”
“RIDING ON RESIDENTIAL STREET APPROX. 25-30 MPH. NO WARNING OR INDICATION OF FAILURE, PRIOR TO INCIDENT. RUBBING SOUND FOLLOWED BY A WOBBLE. REAR ABS BRAKE, RIM, AND TIRE COVERED BY GEAR OIL FROM FAILED REAR-DRIVE COMPONENT. DUE TO SLOW SPEED, I WAS ABLE TO STOP WITH MINIMAL LOSS OF CONTROL. IF I…”
“WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND WHEN HITTING A BUMP ON ROAD SURFACE LEFT HAND SIDE MIRROR FELL COMPLETELY OFF. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATES DEALERSHIP REPLACED MIRROR FOR FREE.*JB ”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW K1200LT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON START UP OF HIS MOTORCYCLE, THE MOTORCYCLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE MOTORCYCLE WITH WATER BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE HIS MOTORCYCLE OUT OF HIS BUILDING AND THE FIRE…”
1999 BMW K 1200 LT — common questions
Is the 1999 BMW K 1200 LT reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 55 complaints put the 1999 model at #1 of 10 K 1200 LT years. It is one of the K 1200 LT years to avoid.
What are the most common 1999 K 1200 LT problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (38 complaints), suspension (4 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).
Does the 1999 BMW K 1200 LT have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 BMW K 1200 LT.
Is the 1999 BMW K 1200 LT under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which BMW K 1200 LT years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the K 1200 LT years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2002. The cleanest record among K 1200 LT years belongs to 2006.
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.