Total Complaints
9 filings
BMW R1200 RS · model year
2016 BMW R1200 RS
9 NHTSA complaints, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2016BMWR1200 RS carries 9 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 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 2016 R1200 RS is electrical system with 2 filings, followed by engine (2) and fuel/propulsion system (2). 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 3 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 2016 R1200 RS. 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.
9
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
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 |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| ENGINE | 2 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2 |
| TIRES:TREAD/BELT | 1 |
| EQUIPMENT | 1 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1 |
Recalls (3)
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
Recent Complaints
20250107EQUIPMENT
The contact owns a 2016 BMW R1200 RS Motorcycle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the rear reflex reflectors were inoperable. The contact was informed by another motorist that the reflector lights were not illuminating as needed. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear reflex reflectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V481000 (Equipment). The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.
Mileage: 23,000
20250107EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2016 BMW R1200 RS Motorcycle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the rear reflex reflectors were inoperable. The contact was informed by another motorist that the reflector lights were not illuminating as needed. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear reflex reflectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V481000 (Equipment). The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.
Mileage: 23,000
20210923TIRES:TREAD/BELT
MC 120 / 70R 17W While riding, i noticed a shake in the front of my motorcycle. Upon stopping I noticed a bulge in the center of the tread that was approximately 1.5" higher than the rest of the tread in an area that was about 1/3 the circumference of the tire. I attempted to ride the four miles to my house, but the tire started losing air at a fast rate.
20210910ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Motorcycle Engine Control Unit (ECU) is experiencing control logic faults and forces the engine into low power "Limp Mode" operation. In my case, several of these events occurred at ~18,000-miles (May 2020) and the servicing could find no mechanical or electrical problem. The manufacturer recommended re-programming of ECU. At 27,000 (July 2021) the same control logic faults (21F961 & 21F971) occurred again. Additional fault events and limp mode operation have occurred since. The transition to Limp Mode may protect the engine, but the rapid loss of engine power when traveling on multi-lane highways places the motorcyclist at extreme risk of being rear-ended by following traffic. In addition, in many areas, there is minimal berm.
20210910ENGINE
Motorcycle Engine Control Unit (ECU) is experiencing control logic faults and forces the engine into low power "Limp Mode" operation. In my case, several of these events occurred at ~18,000-miles (May 2020) and the servicing could find no mechanical or electrical problem. The manufacturer recommended re-programming of ECU. At 27,000 (July 2021) the same control logic faults (21F961 & 21F971) occurred again. Additional fault events and limp mode operation have occurred since. The transition to Limp Mode may protect the engine, but the rapid loss of engine power when traveling on multi-lane highways places the motorcyclist at extreme risk of being rear-ended by following traffic. In addition, in many areas, there is minimal berm.
20210910FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Motorcycle Engine Control Unit (ECU) is experiencing control logic faults and forces the engine into low power "Limp Mode" operation. In my case, several of these events occurred at ~18,000-miles (May 2020) and the servicing could find no mechanical or electrical problem. The manufacturer recommended re-programming of ECU. At 27,000 (July 2021) the same control logic faults (21F961 & 21F971) occurred again. Additional fault events and limp mode operation have occurred since. The transition to Limp Mode may protect the engine, but the rapid loss of engine power when traveling on multi-lane highways places the motorcyclist at extreme risk of being rear-ended by following traffic. In addition, in many areas, there is minimal berm.
20210905ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "Throttle Valve #1 Out of Range". The Dealership consulted with BMW and was directed to update the ECU. The Dealership noted several other occurrences of this problem and reported that hardware changes had not been very successful. The Dealership suggested trying the software upgrade. In 2021, "Limp Mode" operation was activated in August 2021 at ~27500 miles and twice in September 2021 at ~28500. The stored ECU fault codes are the same as in 2020, 21F961 & 21F971, indicating the same problem. As owners of similar BMW models (R1200 RT, R1200 GS & R1200 R) have noted in their reports, the sudden shift to "Limp Mode" in Interstate or multi-lane highway traffic is going to kill some unfortun
20210905ENGINE
The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "Throttle Valve #1 Out of Range". The Dealership consulted with BMW and was directed to update the ECU. The Dealership noted several other occurrences of this problem and reported that hardware changes had not been very successful. The Dealership suggested trying the software upgrade. In 2021, "Limp Mode" operation was activated in August 2021 at ~27500 miles and twice in September 2021 at ~28500. The stored ECU fault codes are the same as in 2020, 21F961 & 21F971, indicating the same problem. As owners of similar BMW models (R1200 RT, R1200 GS & R1200 R) have noted in their reports, the sudden shift to "Limp Mode" in Interstate or multi-lane highway traffic is going to kill some unfortun
20210905FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "Throttle Valve #1 Out of Range". The Dealership consulted with BMW and was directed to update the ECU. The Dealership noted several other occurrences of this problem and reported that hardware changes had not been very successful. The Dealership suggested trying the software upgrade. In 2021, "Limp Mode" operation was activated in August 2021 at ~27500 miles and twice in September 2021 at ~28500. The stored ECU fault codes are the same as in 2020, 21F961 & 21F971, indicating the same problem. As owners of similar BMW models (R1200 RT, R1200 GS & R1200 R) have noted in their reports, the sudden shift to "Limp Mode" in Interstate or multi-lane highway traffic is going to kill some unfortun
Compare 2016BMWR1200 RS to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2016 BMW R1200 RS have?▼
The 2016 BMW R1200 RS has 9 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 BMW R1200 RS?▼
Yes, the 2016 BMW R1200 RS has 3 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 2016 BMW R1200 RS?▼
The most-complained component for the 2016 BMW R1200 RS is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 2 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Is the 2016 BMW R1200 RS 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.