VehicleVerdict

2013 BMW R 1200 RT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2013 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.

10

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other R 1200 RT years?

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

See all R 1200 RT years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System440%
Transmission220%
Electrical System110%
Lighting110%
Speed Control110%
Suspension110%

Does the 2013 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.

“FUEL PUMP FLANGE CRACKED, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKING DOWN THE SIDE OF THE BIKE AND ONTO HOT COMPONENTS WHILE RIDING OR AT IDLE. SAFETY HAZARD AND FIRE HAZARD POSSIBLY RESULTING IN FIRE AND PERSONAL INJURY.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 4, 2017

“WHILE RIDING MOTORCYCLE THERE WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE U-JOINT/DRIVE SHAFT CAUSING THE MOTORCYCLE TO STOP WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. REAR WHEEL SUBSEQUENTLY LOCKED UP. DAMAGE WAS CAUSED TO THE SWING ARM BY THE DRIVE SHAFT. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS SMOKING DUE TO THE HEAT CREATED. OVER $3100. IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 3, 2017

“LEFT SIDE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH FAILURE (INOP. SEVERAL FUNCTIONS-TURN SIGNAL, CRUISE CONTROL, HIGH/LOW BEAM LIGHTS AND INFO.DISPLAY) CAUSED TOTAL LOSS OF LOW/HIGH BEAM LIGHTS WHILE RIDING AT NIGHT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 9, 2013

“LEFT SIDE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH FAILURE (INOP. SEVERAL FUNCTIONS-TURN SIGNAL, CRUISE CONTROL, HIGH/LOW BEAM LIGHTS AND INFO.DISPLAY) CAUSED TOTAL LOSS OF LOW/HIGH BEAM LIGHTS WHILE RIDING AT NIGHT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 9, 2013

2013 BMW R 1200 RT — common questions

Is the 2013 BMW R 1200 RT reliable?

The record is thin — 10 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 2013 R 1200 RT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (4 complaints), transmission (2 complaints), suspension (1 complaints).

Does the 2013 BMW R 1200 RT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 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.