Total Complaints
5 filings
BMW R1200 GS · model year
2017 BMW R1200 GS
5 NHTSA complaints, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2017BMWR1200 GS carries 5 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2017 R1200 GS is engine with 2 filings, followed by vehicle speed control (1) and service brakes (1). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 34 investigation files overlapping the 2017 R1200 GS. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
5
Complaints
0
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
0 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 2 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | 1 |
Recalls (4)
17V48100028/07/2017
EQUIPMENT
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2017 F800R and F800GT motorcycles, 2014-2018 R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, 2016-2017 S1000XR motorcycles and 2015-2017 R1200R and R1200RS, 2008-2012 F650GS, 2008-2018 F800GS, and 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure motorcycles. When equi
17E05200021/08/2017
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain accessory turn signals manufactured for 2006-2017 R1200GS, 2007-2008 and 2010-2017 R1200GS Adventure, 2017 F700GS and F800GS, 2013-2017 F800GT, 2015-2016 F800R, 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure, 2014-2016 S1000R, 2015-2017 R1200R, 2016-2017 R1200RS, and
18E01600021/03/2018
EQUIPMENT
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Accessory Windscreens, sold for installation on various motorcycles. Specifically being recalled is Windscreen model number 8531917, sold for use on model year 2012-2018 F700GS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8544629, sold for use on model y
17V43800010/07/2017
SUSPENSION:FRONT
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 BMW R1200GS and BMW R1200GS Adventure motorcycles. The motorcycle fixed fork tube may separate from the pressed in seal plug that secures the tube to the upper triple clamp.
Recent Complaints
20211021FireENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2017 BMW R1200 GS. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, there was a sudden loss of motive power and the motorcycle was going at a slower speed, After an hour the motorcyclist was informed by another rider that the contact needed to pull over because they noticed smoke coming from motorcycle saddle bag due to the bag being next to the fuel pipe on the motorcycle. When the contact pulled over their saddleback was on fire due to the catalytic converter becoming so hot it started to catch the item in the saddleback on fire and melting. The contact removed the saddlebag off the bike and threw into a nearby puddle to extinguish the fire. The contact was able to place the saddlebag on top of their seat and continue to drive to their destination. The contact took the motorcycle to a local dealer was able to be diagnosed with a fractured valve spring. The motorcycle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,0
Mileage: 14,000
20211021FireENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 BMW R1200 GS. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, there was a sudden loss of motive power and the motorcycle was going at a slower speed, After an hour the motorcyclist was informed by another rider that the contact needed to pull over because they noticed smoke coming from motorcycle saddle bag due to the bag being next to the fuel pipe on the motorcycle. When the contact pulled over their saddleback was on fire due to the catalytic converter becoming so hot it started to catch the item in the saddleback on fire and melting. The contact removed the saddlebag off the bike and threw into a nearby puddle to extinguish the fire. The contact was able to place the saddlebag on top of their seat and continue to drive to their destination. The contact took the motorcycle to a local dealer was able to be diagnosed with a fractured valve spring. The motorcycle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,0
Mileage: 14,000
20201112SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BMW R1200 GS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE RIDING 50 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL, THE MOTORCYCLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE FRONT BRAKE TO BRING THE MOTORCYCLE TO A STOP. THE CONTACT CALLED TYTLERS CYCLE (2246 MID VALLEY DR, DE PERE, WI 54115, (920) 347-9144) AND INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,200.
Mileage: 14,200
20181024ENGINE
WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS DRIVEN AT A CONSTANT SPEED ON THE STREET, SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING THE ENGINE PROBLEM LIGHT COMES ON THE DASHBOARD. THE MOTORCYCLE THEN PROCEEDS INTO "EMERGENCY OPERATION MODE" WHERE THE RPMS IMMEDIATELY DROP TO 2000 RPMS OR LOWER CAUSING IMMEDIATE DECELERATION. ON A MOTORCYCLE THIS IS AN EXTREME HAZARD IN TRAFFIC, IN A TURN, OR PASSING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEPARATE TIMES. EACH TIME THE MOTORCYCLE WAS BROUGHT INTO THE BMW SHOP FOR REPAIR OF THE PROBLEM. EACH TIME THE SHOP PERFORMED A SOFTWARE UPGRADE TO THE MOTORCYCLE COMPUTER. THIS REPAIR DID NOT FIX THE RECURRING PROBLEM.
Mileage: 7,000
20181024VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS DRIVEN AT A CONSTANT SPEED ON THE STREET, SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING THE ENGINE PROBLEM LIGHT COMES ON THE DASHBOARD. THE MOTORCYCLE THEN PROCEEDS INTO "EMERGENCY OPERATION MODE" WHERE THE RPMS IMMEDIATELY DROP TO 2000 RPMS OR LOWER CAUSING IMMEDIATE DECELERATION. ON A MOTORCYCLE THIS IS AN EXTREME HAZARD IN TRAFFIC, IN A TURN, OR PASSING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEPARATE TIMES. EACH TIME THE MOTORCYCLE WAS BROUGHT INTO THE BMW SHOP FOR REPAIR OF THE PROBLEM. EACH TIME THE SHOP PERFORMED A SOFTWARE UPGRADE TO THE MOTORCYCLE COMPUTER. THIS REPAIR DID NOT FIX THE RECURRING PROBLEM.
Mileage: 7,000
Compare 2017BMWR1200 GS to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2017 BMW R1200 GS have?▼
The 2017 BMW R1200 GS has 5 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 BMW R1200 GS?▼
Yes, the 2017 BMW R1200 GS has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is EQUIPMENT. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 BMW R1200 GS?▼
The most-complained component for the 2017 BMW R1200 GS is ENGINE with 2 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL and SERVICE BRAKES.
Is the 2017 BMW R1200 GS safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.