VehicleVerdict

2020 BMW S 1000 RR problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2020 BMW S 1000 RR — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

10

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other S 1000 RR years?

S 1000 RR NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted10 complaints2008: 0 complaints2010: 5 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 9 complaints2013: 2 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 5 complaints2016: 3 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 1 complaints2020: 10 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 6 complaints2023: 3 complaints2025: 2 complaints2026: 0 complaints
S 1000 RR NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S 1000 RR years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 BMW S 1000 RR problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine440%
Brakes330%
Speed Control110%
Body & Structure110%
Tires & Wheels110%

Does the 2020 BMW S 1000 RR have recalls?

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

20V476000BrakesAugust 13, 2020 · 9,392 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 R 1250 GS, GS Adventure and R 1250 RT, 2020 S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR motorcycles. The front brake calipers may leak brake fluid when parked. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."

Consequence

Overtime, a leaking front brake caliper can reduce the amount of brake fluid in the reservoir. Low volume could affect brake performance, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the front brake calipers with an improved version, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 12, 2020. As of January 19, 2021, a remedy was still not available. The recall began March 8, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

20V146000LightingMarch 12, 2020 · 4,026 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 F900R, F900XR, S1000RR, F750GS, F850GS, F850GS Adventure, R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, R1250RS, R1250R, RnineT, RnineT Pure and RnineT Scrambler and 2019-2020 S1000R motorcycles. The brake light may flash instead of remain steady during emergency braking. 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

A flashing brake light can cause confusion to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owner, and dealers will reprogram the emergency stop signal function, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

19V697000EngineOctober 2, 2019 · 416 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 S 1000 RR motorcycles. The oil cooler hoses may not be attached properly to the oil pipes, possibly resulting in an oil leak.

Consequence

Leaking oil may drip in the path of the rear tire, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil cooler assembly, including the hoses, free of charge. 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.

“Leaking coolant from weep hole after every ride, telltale sign water/oil pump is bad. Yes it’s available. Coolant and oil are very slick. I could fall and die if my rear tire decides to slip under the liquids. Yes the dealer and bmw confirmed it was leaking from the weep hole but placed blame on…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 2021

“FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS LEAKING DURING VEHICLE REST PERIODS SINCE OR BEFORE 20TH AUGUST 2020. A LARGE AMOUNT OF BRAKE RESERVOIR HAS BEEN CONSUMED BEFORE NOTICING. THIS IS A KNOWN CONDITION AS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER AS YET NO FIX HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED ON THIS VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY STORED AT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 29, 2020

“THE MOTORCYCLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE FOR UP TO 2 SECONDS WHILE OPENING THE THROTTLE IN 2ND AND 3RD GEARS, WITH A LAG OF UP TO 1 SECOND IN OTHER GEARS. THIS CREATES SITUATIONS WHERE YOU ARE UNABLE TO CONTROL YOUR THROTTLE OR ACCELERATION.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 6, 2019

“Carbon fiber rims developed bubble with minor air leakage...about ~2psi per day. First noticed this deformity around ~Nov 2024 If there is a micro crack developed along the valve stem on a carbon fiber rim, then the wheel forces can cause the crack to grow and sudden loss of pressure, resulting in…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 22, 2024

“WHILE RIDING MY 2020 S1000RR ON I495, THE FRONT FENDER BOLTS HAD BECOME DISLODGED, ALLOWING THE FENDER TO FLOP AROUND, FORTUNATELY ONE SCREW OF THE 4 WAS STILL BARELY FASTENED, I DIDN'T LOSE THE ENTIRE FENDER, IT ENDED UP LODGED IN MY WHEEL, AND THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY GET OFF THE HIGHWAY,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 17, 2019

2020 BMW S 1000 RR — common questions

Is the 2020 BMW S 1000 RR reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2020 S 1000 RR problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), brakes (3 complaints), tires & wheels (1 complaints).

Does the 2020 BMW S 1000 RR have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 BMW S 1000 RR. 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.