VehicleVerdict

2003 BMW K 1200 S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2003 BMW K 1200 S — 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

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other K 1200 S years?

K 1200 S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted20 complaints2003: 2 complaints2004: 3 complaints2005: 20 complaints2006: 18 complaints2007: 5 complaints2008: 19 complaints2010: 1 complaints
K 1200 S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K 1200 S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 BMW K 1200 S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System150%
Transmission150%

Does the 2003 BMW K 1200 S have recalls?

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

07V066000EngineFebruary 23, 2007 · 6,631 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, FREQUENT SHORT TRIPS PARTICULARLY DURING COLD TEMPERATURES, CAN CAUSE WATER TO ACCUMULATE IN THE OIL TANK, AND WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, ESCAPING WATER VAPOR CAN CONDENSE ON THE OIL TANK AIR BLEED VALVE. IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES, THIS WATER COULD FREEZE AND BLOCK THE AIR BLEED VALVE.

Consequence

IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A PRESSURE BUILD UP IN THE OIL TANK COULD CAUSE IT TO RUPTURE, ALLOWING OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE REAR TIRE. AN OIL LEAK COULD CAUSE A FIRE. OIL ON THE REAR TIRE COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW OIL TANK CAP CONTAINING A VALVE TO PREVENT OVERPRESSURE IN THE TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“(1) EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE: NORMAL USE OF THE VEHICLE (MOTORCYCLE), NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. THE SAME FAILURE HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES (TWICE WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD (3/36) AND ONCE OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. (2) FAILURE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES: THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE CONNECTORS BETWEEN THE FUEL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 7, 2008

“CLUTCH FAILURE WHILE DRIVING CAUSED A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. WHILE PULLING OUT OF AN INTERSECTION, THE CLUTCH ON THE 2003 BMW K1200GT MOTORCYCLE FAILED, CAUSING ME TO BE UNABLE TO PULL OUT AND ACCELERATE. ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS FORCED TO SWERVE TO AVOID KILLING ME AND CAUSING A SEVERE ACCIDENT.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 10, 2007

2003 BMW K 1200 S — common questions

Is the 2003 BMW K 1200 S 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 2003 BMW K 1200 S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 BMW K 1200 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.