VehicleVerdict

1999 BMW K 1200 RS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1999 BMW K 1200 RS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other K 1200 RS years?

K 1200 RS NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted21 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 6 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 4 complaints2001: 8 complaints2002: 21 complaints2003: 5 complaints
K 1200 RS NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K 1200 RS years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 BMW K 1200 RS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes150%
Transmission150%

Does the 1999 BMW K 1200 RS have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00V264000EngineSeptember 12, 2000 · 2,368 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. A SPRING-LOADED THERMOSTATIC ELEMENT IN THE OIL THERMOSTAT HOUSING IS HELD IN PLACE BY A COVER THAT IS RETAINED BY A SNAP RING. THE SNAP RING MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION. DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE SNAP RING COULD UNSEAT, ALLOWING THE COVER TO LOOSEN OR DETACH, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ENTIRE OIL VOLUME.

Consequence

ENGINE DAMAGE COULD OCCUR IF THE ENGINE IS NOT IMMEDIATELY SWITCHED OFF. IN ADDITION, OIL COULD TRAVEL ALONG THE ENGINE COVER AND ULTIMATELY CONTACT THE REAR TIRE, REDUCING ITS TRACTION AND AFFECTING THE STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SNAP RING INSTALLATION AND IF THE SNAP RING IS NOT FULLY SEATED, THE COMPLETE OIL PUMP INTERMEDIATE FLANGE WILL BE REPLACED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“REAR DRIVE UNIT BEARING AND SEAL FAILED. THIS BEARING SUPPORTS THE ENTIRE BIKE. WHEN SEAL FAILED IT DUMPED REAR DRIVE OIL ALL OVER THE REAR BRAKES AND REAR TIRE. IF I HAD BEEN IN A BUSY AREA AND COULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN STOPPED AS QUICKLY AS I DID THIS COULD EASILY HAVE CAUSED A WRECK. DT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 11, 2002

“REAR BRAKE CALIPER, I BELIEVE, FAILED TO RELEASE ON MY 1999 BMW K1200RS MOTORCYCLE CAUSING THE BRAKE TO SEVERELY OVERHEAT CAUSING A FIRE ON THE FINAL DRIVE PROTECTIVE BOOT AND THE ABS SENSOR WIRE. DAMAGE IS APPROXIMATELY $1000. BRAKE FLUID WAS CHANGED BY BMW DEALER (TOURING SPORT, INC. GREENVILLE,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 10, 2003 · fire

1999 BMW K 1200 RS — common questions

Is the 1999 BMW K 1200 RS reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1999 BMW K 1200 RS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 BMW K 1200 RS. 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.