VehicleVerdict

2012 BMW K 1300 S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2012 BMW K 1300 S — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other K 1300 S years?

K 1300 S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted69 complaints2009: 69 complaints2010: 5 complaints2011: 7 complaints2012: 5 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 3 complaints
K 1300 S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K 1300 S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 BMW K 1300 S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine360%
Electrical System120%
Other120%

Does the 2012 BMW K 1300 S have recalls?

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

21V060000Fuel SystemFebruary 8, 2021 · 20,963 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.

Consequence

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

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

12V487000BrakesOctober 5, 2012 · 2,483 units

Defect

BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles and 2012 and 2013 K1300 S motorcycles. In October 2012, BMW recalled 2062 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles. In November 2012, BMW informed the agency that it was adding model year 2012 and 2013 K1300 S (including HP Limited Edition) motorcycles to the recall campaign, representing an additional 421 units. The total number of motorcycles being recalled is now 2,483. In certain riding conditions, the brake fluid in the front brake fluid reservoir can foam.

Consequence

Brake fluid that foams 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, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2012. 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.

“VEHICLE STALLS WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP. HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES. DOES NOT MATTER ABOUT THE WEATHER OR THE TEMPERATURE, ISSUE HAS OCCURRED MANY TIMES DEALER IS UNABLE TO FIX THE ISSUE. ALMOST STRUCK FROM BEHIND WHEN BIKE DID NOT MOVE FROM CHANGING TRAFFIC SIGNAL. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 13, 2012

“THE BIKE STALLS WHILE IN MOTION. FEELS LIKE THE KILL SWITCH HAS BEEN USED BUT IT HAS NOT. NO PATTERN TO SPEED, GEAR, OR ANYTHING ELSE. ALL POWER IS GONE BUT IF YOU TURN THE KEY OFF AND BACK ON IT WILL START AND KEEP GOING UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN. VERY DANGEROUS ON THE FREEWAY. TURNING HAS NOTHING TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 18, 2016

“THE BIKE STALLS WHILE IN MOTION. FEELS LIKE THE KILL SWITCH HAS BEEN USED BUT IT HAS NOT. NO PATTERN TO SPEED, GEAR, OR ANYTHING ELSE. ALL POWER IS GONE BUT IF YOU TURN THE KEY OFF AND BACK ON IT WILL START AND KEEP GOING UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN. VERY DANGEROUS ON THE FREEWAY. TURNING HAS NOTHING TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 18, 2016

2012 BMW K 1300 S — common questions

Is the 2012 BMW K 1300 S reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 BMW K 1300 S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 BMW K 1300 S. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.