VehicleVerdict

2013 BMW R 1200 R problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 2013 BMW R 1200 R — 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.

14

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other R 1200 R years?

R 1200 R NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R 1200 R years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1286%
Electrical System214%

Does the 2013 BMW R 1200 R 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.

14V065000Electrical SystemFebruary 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“LOW FUEL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REPORTED 42 MILES TO EMPTY ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. APPROXIMATELY 7 MILES LATER THE MOTORCYCLE LOST POWER WHILE ON THE ROADWAY. FUEL GAUGE STILL SHOWED ONE BAR AND 42 MILES TO GO AT THE TIME POWER WAS LOST. BMW APPARENTLY KNOWS ALL ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT HAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 14, 2014

“THE FUEL GAUGE CEASED WORKING AND REGISTERS EMPTY ALL THE TIME. THE "LOW FUEL" LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED DESPITE HAVING GONE ONLY 50 MILES SINCE FILLING THE TANK. VISUAL EXAMINATION CONFIRMS THE TANK IS APPROX. 3/4 FULL. FROM A VERY BRIEF INVESTIGATION, I DISCOVERED THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 8, 2013

2013 BMW R 1200 R — common questions

Is the 2013 BMW R 1200 R reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2013 R 1200 R problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (12 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 2013 BMW R 1200 R have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 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.