VehicleVerdict

2015 BMW R 1200 GS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 2015 BMW R 1200 GS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

14

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other R 1200 GS years?

R 1200 GS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 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, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R 1200 GS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 BMW R 1200 GS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes429%
Suspension321%
Speed Control214%
Electrical System214%
Steering17%
Engine17%
Tires & Wheels17%

Does the 2015 BMW R 1200 GS have recalls?

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

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.

17V481000OtherJuly 28, 2017 · 47,775 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2017 F800R and F800GT motorcycles, 2014-2018 R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, 2016-2017 S1000XR motorcycles and 2015-2017 R1200R and R1200RS, 2008-2012 F650GS, 2008-2018 F800GS, and 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure motorcycles. When equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blocked. The aluminum case mounts for the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure may also partially block the reflectors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install reflectors on the cases or for the case mounts, an additional bracket with rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

17V438000SuspensionJuly 10, 2017 · 14,626 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 BMW R1200GS and BMW R1200GS Adventure motorcycles. The motorcycle fixed fork tube may separate from the pressed in seal plug that secures the tube to the upper triple clamp.

Consequence

If the fork tube detaches from the sealing plug, the handling and stability of the motorcycle will be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will add an additional fixed fork tube bush. A fork that is sufficiently damaged will be replaced with a modified new part. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“REAR BRAKE REQUIRES MORE AND MORE TRAVEL UNTILL IT HIT THE STOP..NO REAR BRAKE. BLEEDING BRAKE SOLVES FOR A MONTH OR TWO, THEN CYCLE BEGINS AGAIN. BMW SAYS BLEED BRAKES EVERY 2 YEARS, I HAVE TO DO IT AT LEAST EVERY OIL CHANGE (6000 MILES). DEALER IS AWARE OF PROBLEM, HAS NO SOLUTION”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 30, 2015

“CONTROL BUTTONS ON LEFT HANDLEBAR FAILING AFFECTING CRUISE CONTROL, SUSPENSION SETTINGS, AND RIDE MODE WHICH AFFECTS ENGINE PERFORMANCE. BUTTON FAILURES OCCUR JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND WHEN MOTORCYCLE IS IN OPERATION AND SUSPENSION AND ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEMS ARE OPERATIONAL.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 1, 2018

“CONTROL BUTTONS ON LEFT HANDLEBAR FAILING AFFECTING CRUISE CONTROL, SUSPENSION SETTINGS, AND RIDE MODE WHICH AFFECTS ENGINE PERFORMANCE. BUTTON FAILURES OCCUR JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND WHEN MOTORCYCLE IS IN OPERATION AND SUSPENSION AND ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEMS ARE OPERATIONAL.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 1, 2018

“CONTROL BUTTONS ON LEFT HANDLEBAR FAILING AFFECTING CRUISE CONTROL, SUSPENSION SETTINGS, AND RIDE MODE WHICH AFFECTS ENGINE PERFORMANCE. BUTTON FAILURES OCCUR JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND WHEN MOTORCYCLE IS IN OPERATION AND SUSPENSION AND ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEMS ARE OPERATIONAL.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 1, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW R1200 GS ADVENTURER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER EVERY THREE MONTHS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 20, 2014

2015 BMW R 1200 GS — common questions

Is the 2015 BMW R 1200 GS reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2015 R 1200 GS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (4 complaints), suspension (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 2015 BMW R 1200 GS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 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.