2020 BMW R 1250 GS problems, complaints & recalls

2020 BMW R 1250 GS recalls (5)

• Recall 23V011000Jan 18, 202318,534 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:SHAFT:INPUT

  BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2023 R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, and R1250RTP motorcycles. In certain engine operating and riding conditions, the gearbox input shaft may become damaged or break, possibly resulting in a blocked rear wheel.

  Risk: A damaged gearbox input shaft or a blocked rear wheel can increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

• Recall 20V476000Aug 13, 20209,392 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

  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."

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 20V166000Mar 19, 2020365 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

  BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2020 RnineT Scrambler and RnineT, 2020 R1250R and R1250RS, 2019-2020 Rnine T Pure, R1250GS,R1250GS Adventure and R1250RT and 2018 RnineT Racer motorcycles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid and the process for filling the reservoir, possibly leading to an improper maintenance procedure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."

  Risk: Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

• Recall 20V165000Mar 19, 20204 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE

  BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 R1250GS and R1250RT motorcycles. The pivot pin that connects the final drive to the swing arm may be damaged, causing the connection between the final drive and swing arm to loosen.

  Risk: A loose connection between the final drive and swing arm will reduce stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the pivot pin, free of charge. The motorcycles are not with owners at this time. The recall began April 28, 2020. Please contact BMW customer service number 1-800-525-7417.

• Recall 20V146000Mar 12, 20204,026 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

  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."

  Risk: 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.

Recent 2020 BMW R 1250 GS complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Nov 25, 2025TNBrakes

   Rear brake pedal goes soft over time decreasing the effectiveness and usability of the rear brake. Multiple attempts at bleeding per BMW SIB 34 01 21 have not corrected the issue. This is a severe safety issue as the rear brake is all but useless.

   NHTSA complaint #11701398 · source
2. Filed May 31, 2023GABrakes

   Rear brake on motorcycle does not stop the motorcycle. After three BMW dealer visits and rear brakes having been bled, the rear brake pedal becomes soft and does not stop the motorcycle. The same problem occurred each time within 2-3 months of the repair. The only way to stop the motorcycle is to use the front brake. The BMW service department cannot explain the reason this keeps happening.

   NHTSA complaint #11524570 · source
3. Filed May 14, 2022CABrakes

   Rear brake becomes soft and non operational after a period of 9 months. Once the brake has become "soft" the rear brake fails to apply caliper pressure and will not slow or stop the rear wheel. Additionally, at this point the automatic or manual hill hold also become non operational. Note... wide spread problem on the majority of BMW GS 2009-2021 as seen on the fourms such as "Adventure Rider" and "R1200GS info" search for "bmw gs soft rear brakes." Brake bleeds are a…

   NHTSA complaint #11464599 · source
4. Filed Jul 16, 20213,000 miWABrakes

   The contact owns a 2020 BMW R 1250 GS. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V476000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was made aware of the issue however, the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that brake fluid was leaking from the caliper.…

   NHTSA complaint #11425194 · source
5. Filed Feb 24, 20216,000 miNCBrakes

   Excessive wear on rear braking components (pads). After 3000 miles, pads only had 3mm of material. The is a high degree of discoloration on the brake components. Issue is not attributed to user error (i.e., riding the brakes). Bmw service has refused to address, stating brake components are not covered under warranty. I'm reporting this issue to the national highway traffic safety administration as part of 'due diligence' to collect safety related information with the 2020…

   NHTSA complaint #11397766 · source
6. Filed Feb 25, 202075 miWIBrakes

   Both front brake calipers are leaking brake fluid. Observed when stationary, dripping from the bottom. Also sweats of brake fluid observed at the seam (it is a two piece brake caliper, manufactured by hayes). Dealer cannot resolve the issue (can't get replacement parts) and bmw customer service offered no other remedy. Essentially i cannot ride a new bike for 3 months now without being afraid for my safety.

   NHTSA complaint #11311520 · source
7. Filed Feb 13, 20208,200 miTXBrakes

   Both front calipers are leaking fluid. I took it to the dealer for verification and repair on nov 27 2019. I have been inquiring with them every two weeks since as to when they may be replaced with not even and estimated date. Bmw motorrad customer service has advised there is nothing they can do to escalate the case to any other department to get this issue resolved and that it must be done through the dealer. Fluid has also leaked on the front wheel and tire. At this…

   NHTSA complaint #11308994 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology