VehicleVerdict

2012 BMW R 1200 RT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 2012 BMW R 1200 RT — 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.

13

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 RT years?

R 1200 RT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted61 complaints2004: 1 complaints2005: 36 complaints2006: 61 complaints2007: 60 complaints2008: 32 complaints2009: 41 complaints2010: 9 complaints2011: 27 complaints2012: 13 complaints2013: 10 complaints2014: 8 complaints2015: 4 complaints2016: 1 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 3 complaints
R 1200 RT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R 1200 RT years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System431%
Engine215%
Electrical System215%
Tires & Wheels18%
Brakes18%
Transmission18%
Lighting18%
Steering18%

Does the 2012 BMW R 1200 RT 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.

“WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP THE ENGINE STARTED RUNNING POORLY, HARDLY ANY POWER. I MOVED OVER 3 LANES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER & TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS INFORMED THE PLASTIC THROTTLE BODY CAMS HAD BROKEN. THIS BIKE HAS ONLY 20,000 MILES ON IT!…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 18, 2020

“2012 BMW R1200 RT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MOTORCYCLES COMMUNICATION SYSTEM CONTROLLER TURN SIGNAL ENGAGEMENT VERY DIFFICULT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED BMW RE-DESIGNED THE TURN SIGNALS, WHICH IS NOW A SINGLE SWITCH. THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WOULD NOT ALWAYS TURN ON. THE CONTROL PANEL HAD A GLARE,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 1, 2013

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW R1200RT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER STOPPED AND IN FIRST GEAR, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. THE FAILURE RECURRED AS OFTEN AS ONCE A MONTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 9, 2012

“Front brakes- Front brake lever will not pull in (hard to pull) front brakes do not work, was unable to stop, rear brakes limited and was unable to stop through intersection.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 29, 2024

“The contact owns a 2012 BMW R1200 RT motorcycle. The contact stated that the handlebars loosened and were not secured. The motorcycle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the head bearing had failed and needed to be replaced. The cause of the steering head bearing failure was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 1, 2019

2012 BMW R 1200 RT — common questions

Is the 2012 BMW R 1200 RT reliable?

The record is thin — 13 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 RT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (4 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 2012 BMW R 1200 RT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 BMW R 1200 RT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW R 1200 RT years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the R 1200 RT years to avoid are 2006, 2007, 2009, 2005, 2008. The cleanest record among R 1200 RT years belongs to 2016.

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.