VehicleVerdict

2013 BMW R 1200 GS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 2013 BMW R 1200 GS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 6 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

11

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other R 1200 GS years?

R 1200 GS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted65 complaints2004: 4 complaints2005: 65 complaints2006: 10 complaints2007: 47 complaints2008: 39 complaints2009: 39 complaints2010: 9 complaints2011: 7 complaints2012: 13 complaints2013: 11 complaints2014: 18 complaints2015: 14 complaints2016: 15 complaints2017: 5 complaints2018: 4 complaints
R 1200 GS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R 1200 GS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 BMW R 1200 GS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System655%
Transmission218%
Speed Control19%
Body & Structure19%
Suspension19%

Does the 2013 BMW R 1200 GS have recalls?

6 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.

18E016000OtherMarch 21, 2018 · 1,571 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Accessory Windscreens, sold for installation on various motorcycles. Specifically being recalled is Windscreen model number 8531917, sold for use on model year 2012-2018 F700GS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8544629, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 R1200R motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8546224, sold for use on model year 2014-2018 S1000R motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8551929, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 S1000XR motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8554726, sold for use on model year 2013-2018 R1200GS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8554727 sold for use on model year 2014-2018 R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8556927, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 R1200RS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8559548, sold for use on model year 2017-2018 R1200GS motorcycles and Windscreen model number 8561755, sold for use on model year 2012-2018 F800GS motorcycles. These windscreens have extra tinting on them that may reduce the rider's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."

Consequence

The darker windscreen can inhibit the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windscreen, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 10, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

17E052000LightingAugust 21, 2017 · 9,000 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain accessory turn signals manufactured for 2006-2017 R1200GS, 2007-2008 and 2010-2017 R1200GS Adventure, 2017 F700GS and F800GS, 2013-2017 F800GT, 2015-2016 F800R, 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure, 2014-2016 S1000R, 2015-2017 R1200R, 2016-2017 R1200RS, and 2010-2017 S1000RR motorcycles. As designed, these accessory turn signals may be insufficiently visible to other drivers, and, as such, fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

If other drivers cannot easily see the turn signals, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the turn signals, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

14V211000TransmissionApril 18, 2014 · 1,420 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 R 1200 GS motorcycles manufactured November 2012 through August 2013. Pressure inside the transmission may cause the transmission output seal to be pushed out of place.

Consequence

If the output seal ring is pushed out of its proper position, oil may leak from the transmission onto the rear tire, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will fit a bracket to prevent the transmission seal from being pushed out of position, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

14V065000Body & StructureFebruary 19, 2014 · 4,453 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 C 600 Sport, C 650 GT, F 700 GS, F 800 GS, F 800 GS Adventure, F 800 GT, R 1200 R and R1200 GS motorcycles. Water may enter the side-stand switch preventing the motorcycle from starting or potentially shutting off the motorcycle while it is being ridden.

Consequence

An unexpected shutdown increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side-stand switch, free of charge. The recall began on April 8, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

13V154000SuspensionApril 22, 2013 · 15 units

Defect

BMW is recalling certain model year 2013 R1200 GS motorcycles manufactured January 9, 2013, through February 8, 2013. Due to an insufficient torque of a locking bolt, the front fork tube may loosen.

Consequence

If the fork loosens it may hinder the rider's ability to control the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners and dealers will reinforce the affected fork locking bolt connections, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety recall by telephone on April 22 and April 23, 2013. Therefore, an owner notification letter will not be issued for this campaign. Owners may call 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.

“Riding at freeway speeds fuel system is spilling out fuel down both sides of the engine. I smelled strong fuel smell while riding but was unable to stop until almost home. At home inspected bike and discovered leak even while at idle but have not dug in to identify exact leak location. having it…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 26, 2024

“DEALER NOTIFIED ME THAT A "FLOATING SHAFT" EXISTS IN THE GEARBOX, MEANING THE SHAFT MOVES BACK AND FORTH AXIALLY, AS OPPOSED TO RADIALLY. THIS IS TYPICALLY CAUSED BY INCORRECT TORQUE PROCEDURES OR A DESIGN FLAW TO THE NUT HOLDING THE CLUTCH BASKET ON THE SHAFT. THE NUT WOULD LOOSEN, AND CAUSES THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 25, 2020

“THE VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONED AND RECORDS A SPEED 20 MPH BELOW ACTUAL SPEED. THIS LED TO BOTH A SAFETY RISK DUE TO EXCESSIVE SPEED AND AN INABILITY TO ACCURATELY COMPLY WITH THE SPEED LIMIT. EXCESSIVE SPEED IS THE #1 CAUSE OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS. I NEARLY EXPERIENCE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 27, 2018

“MY 2013 BMW R1200GS HAD A FRAME FAILURE WHERE THE FRONT SUSPENSION/HANDLE BARS ARE MOUNTED TO. FRAME TORE AT THE TRIPLE TREE MOUNT ON A BIKE USED AS A COMMUTER FOR 54K. THE BIKE WAS AT IDLE ON THE DRIVEWAY AND FELL. THE ONLY POINT OF CONTACT WAS THE ENGINE GUARD. THE FORCE OF ME PICKING UP THE BIKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 21, 2019

“LEAKS DETECTED ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FORKS/SUSPENSION. REQUIRES REPLACING THE FORK SEALS AND REBUILDING THE FORKS WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE HAS LESS THAN 26,000 MILES. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 16, 2020

2013 BMW R 1200 GS — common questions

Is the 2013 BMW R 1200 GS reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 6 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2013 R 1200 GS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (6 complaints), transmission (2 complaints), body & structure (1 complaints).

Does the 2013 BMW R 1200 GS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 BMW R 1200 GS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW R 1200 GS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the R 1200 GS years to avoid are 2005, 2007, 2009, 2008. The cleanest record among R 1200 GS years belongs to 2018.

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.