VehicleVerdict

2009 BMW K 1300 S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 69 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 13.8 times the median K 1300 S year — the 2009 model ranks #1 of 7 K 1300 S years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 54% of all reports (37 of 69), far ahead of fuel system at 16.

69

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

2

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other K 1300 S years?

K 1300 S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted69 complaints2009: 69 complaints2010: 5 complaints2011: 7 complaints2012: 5 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 3 complaints
K 1300 S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K 1300 S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 BMW K 1300 S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3754%
Fuel System1623%
Electrical System69%
Transmission57%
Lighting23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Brakes11%

Does the 2009 BMW K 1300 S have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V471000Fuel SystemAugust 10, 2020 · 16,926 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

15V141000Tires & WheelsMarch 11, 2015 · 43,426 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.

Consequence

If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

13V617000Fuel SystemDecember 12, 2013 · 50,184 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

10V488000SuspensionOctober 8, 2010 · 11,826 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 MOTORCYCLES. THE BEARINGS COULD BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION. THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED MOVEMENT OF THE LINK LEVER.

Consequence

THIS COULD AFFECT THE HANDLING OF THE MOTORCYCLE INCREASING THE RISK A DRIVER MAY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

09V471000EngineDecember 10, 2009 · 2,019 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 K1300 S AND K1300 GT MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 AND NOVEMBER 19, 2009. POOR FUEL QUALITY MAY LEAD TO SMALL DEPOSITS WITHIN THE THROTTLE BODIES. DURING ENGINE OPERATION IN A LOW RPM RANGE, TYPICALLY NEAR IDLE SPEED (WHEN COMING TO A STOP) AIR FLOW COULD BE SUFFICIENTLY RESTRICTED AND ENGINE STALLING COULD OCCUR.

Consequence

ENGINE STALLING COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLES BY UPDATING THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-831-1117.

09V384000Electrical SystemSeptember 29, 2009 · 1,351 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 MOTORCYCLES. THE SWITCHES ON THE HANDLEBARS FOR BOTH THE DIRECTION INDICATOR AND THE EMERGENCY ENGINE OFF/ENGINE-START FUNCTIONS MAY FAIL.

Consequence

IN SUCH A CASE, THE DIRECTIONAL INDICATOR AND/OR THE EMERGENCY ENGINE-OFF/START FUNCTIONS WOULD BE RENDERED INOPERATIVE. IN SOME CASES, ENGINE STALLING COULD ALSO RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

09V202000BrakesJune 8, 2009 · 1,297 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING 1,297 MODEL YEAR 2009 K1300 S AND K1300 GT MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 1, 2008 AND MAY 1, 2009. IN CERTAIN RIDING CONDITIONS INVOLVING INCREASED VIBRATION, THE BRAKE FLUID IN THE FRONT RESERVOIR CAN FOAM.

Consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO A REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY OF THE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

THE FRONT BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WILL BE RETROFITTED WITH A SCREEN INSERT. THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417 OR EMAIL BMW AT CUSTOMERRELATIONS@BMWUSA.COM.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I HAVE A NEW BMW K1300S WITH LESS THAN 1000MI THAT HAS STALLED 2X IN VERY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. THE FIRST STALL OCCURRED ON JULY 11TH, WHEN JUST STARTED RIDING ON A FAIRLY COOL DAY (50-DEGREES F) AND I WAS COMING TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT AND THE BIKE DIED. IT STARTED RIGHT BACK UP. I WAS ACTUALLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 24, 2009 · crash

“BMW K 1300 S. THE BIKE STALLED OUT 6 TIMES TODAY. ONE OF THE STALLS CAUSED THE BIKE TO SHUT OFF AT ABOUT 40 MPH CAUSING A TIP TO THE SIDE. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO MY BMW DEALER MAX BMW IN NH A NUMBER OF TIMES, THEY OPENED A TICKET WITH BMW CORPORATE AND ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM, BUT WOULD NOT PROVIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 23, 2009

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW K1300S MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 09V384000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE YEARS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 10, 2013

“I HAVE A NEW 2009 BMW K1300S MOTORCYCLE AND IT STALLS AT LOW SPEEDS AND THE ENGINE CUTS OFF WITH NO NOTICE. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN KILLED IN INTERSECTIONS WHEN I ROLL HALF-WAY THROUGH ONLY TO NOTICE MY BIKE IS DEAD. MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN LOGGED IN I-BMW.COM AND K1300S.NET WEBSITES (HUNDREDS). *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 18, 2009

“HAVE HAD THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH REPLACED ONCE UNDER RECALL. THE REPLACEMENT UNIT HAS NOW FAILED. TURN SIGNALS WILL NOW ONLY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY. NOTE ONCE AGAIN THAT THE UPDATED COMPONENT INSTALLED TO SATISFY PREVIOUS RECALL HAS FAILED. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 15, 2009

2009 BMW K 1300 S — common questions

Is the 2009 BMW K 1300 S reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 69 complaints put the 2009 model at #1 of 7 K 1300 S years. It is one of the K 1300 S years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 K 1300 S problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (37 complaints), fuel system (16 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).

Does the 2009 BMW K 1300 S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 BMW K 1300 S. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2009 BMW K 1300 S under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW K 1300 S years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the K 1300 S years to avoid are 2009. The cleanest record among K 1300 S years belongs to 2014.

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.