2002 BMW K 1200 LT problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 38 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median K 1200 LT year — the 2002 model ranks #3 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 61% of all reports (23 of 38), far ahead of brakes at 7.
38
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other K 1200 LT years?
What are the most common 2002 BMW K 1200 LT problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 23 | 61% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 7 | 18% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 5 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I NOTICED LEAKING OIL COMING FROM THE APPROXIMATE CENTER OF MY VEHICLE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE LEAK WAS FROM THE MAIN TRANSMISSION SEAL & THAT IF NOT REPAIRED, WOULD GET PROGRESSIVELY WORSE; MEANING EVENTUAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THEREFORE, I HAD…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW K1200LT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BRAKE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE…”
“I STARTED MY BIKE UP AT 8:00 AM ON A WARM MORNING IN MY GARAGE AS I ALWAYS DO, AND BACKED IT OUT WHILE IT WAS IDLING PERFECTLY. SUDDENLY SMOKE BEGAN TO RISE UP FROM THE LEFT FAIRING VENT. I SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN AND JUMPED OFF THE BIKE TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE SMOKE. TO MY SURPRISE, THE ENGINE…”
“WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON A EIGHT HOUR DRIVE THE MUFFLER BURNED A HOLE IN THE SADDLE BAGS. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK *TC”
“THIS COMPLAINT IS ABOUT A BMW K1200LTS: IT IS TOP HEAVY AND WILL GET AWAY FROM THE OPERATOR AND ROLL OVER (STANDING STILL OR DURING A VERY SLOW MANEUVER): IN SHORT IF IT EXCEEDS ITS VIRTICAL BALANCE IT WILL FLOP OVER SLAMING THE OPERATOR ONTO THE PAVEMENT. *AK . I CALLED NORMAND BRODEUR, (MANAGER…”
2002 BMW K 1200 LT — common questions
Is the 2002 BMW K 1200 LT reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 38 complaints put the 2002 model at #3 of 10 K 1200 LT years. It is one of the K 1200 LT years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 K 1200 LT problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (23 complaints), brakes (7 complaints), fuel system (5 complaints).
Does the 2002 BMW K 1200 LT have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 BMW K 1200 LT.
Is the 2002 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.