VehicleVerdict

2012 BMW R 1200 R problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2012 BMW R 1200 R — 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.

12

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other R 1200 R years?

R 1200 R NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted14 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 7 complaints2008: 13 complaints2009: 7 complaints2010: 3 complaints2011: 7 complaints2012: 12 complaints2013: 14 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 2 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints
R 1200 R NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R 1200 R years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 BMW R 1200 R problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System867%
Transmission217%
Engine18%
Visibility & Wipers18%

Does the 2012 BMW R 1200 R have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. THE SECOND TIME IT LED TO RUNNING OUT OF GAS WHILE UNDER OPERATION. THE FUEL STRIP THAT SENSES GAS IN THE TANK WAS REPLACED ON BOTH OCCASIONS. HOWEVER, THIS KIND OF FAILURE IS UNSAFE, BECAUSE RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WHILE YOU ARE MOVING ON A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 1, 2012

“FUEL LEAK FROM BROKEN PLASTIC "QUICK DISCONNECT" FITTING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE. I NOTICED THE ISSUE WHEN I WAS RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE ON THE HIGHWAY AND RAW FUEL WAS SPRAYING ONTO MY LEG AND ONTO THE CYLINDER & CYLINDER HEAD OF THE ENGINE. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY INTO A GAS STATION TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 2, 2018

“LEFT SIDE MIRROR GLASS FELL OUT. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, THE LEF SIDE MIRROR GLASS FELL OUT. IT WAS HELD IN BY A FEW SMALL DABS OF SILICONE FROM THE FACTORY. ANOTHER DISAPPOINTMENT COURTESY OF BMW, NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. POOR DESIGN AND SHODDY WORKMANSHIP ARE THE CAUSE OF THE GLASS FALLING OUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · April 10, 2014

“MOTORCYCLE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING ON HIGHWAY OFF RAMP. ENGINE WOULD CRANK, BUT NOT RESTART. FUEL GAUGE ON ELECTRONIC READOUT SHOWED 78 MILES UNTIL REFILL. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE FLASHING. PUT FUEL IN THE TANK, STARTED RIGHT UP. IN-TANK FUEL SENSOR IS FAULTY. *JS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 27, 2014

2012 BMW R 1200 R — common questions

Is the 2012 BMW R 1200 R reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2012 R 1200 R problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (8 complaints), transmission (2 complaints), visibility & wipers (1 complaints).

Does the 2012 BMW R 1200 R have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 BMW R 1200 R. 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.