2013 BMW F800 GS Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 2, 2017 · 10 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other F800 GS years
Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 11 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 BMW F800 GS. That ranks 2nd out of 11 F800 GS model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (7 complaints, 70%), typically at around 400 miles. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

BMW F800 GS
BMW F800 GS. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: ich, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2013 BMW F800 GS problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Fuel/propulsion System7 · ~400 mi
Service Brakes2 · ~3,075 mi
Structure2 · ~434 mi
Electrical System1 · ~1,000 mi
Fuel System, Other1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel/propulsion System770%400——
Service Brakes220%3,075——
Structure220%434——
Electrical System110%1,000——
Fuel System, Other110%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2013, with 4 complaints
2013: 4201342014: 2201422016: 2201622017: 220172

n = 10 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2013 BMW F800 GS recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

EquipmentJul 28, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V481000 · 47,775 vehicles

Problem: 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 equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blocked. The aluminum case mounts for the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure may also partially block the reflectors. 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: If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install reflectors on the cases or for the case mounts, an additional bracket with rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Structure:motorcycle:kickstand/center stand; electrical systemFeb 19, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V065000 · 4,453 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 C 600 Sport, C 650 GT, F 700 GS, F 800 GS, F 800 GS Adventure, F 800 GT, R 1200 R and R1200 GS motorcycles. Water may enter the side-stand switch preventing the motorcycle from starting or potentially shutting off the motorcycle while it is being ridden.

Risk: An unexpected shutdown increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side-stand switch, free of charge. The recall began on April 8, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

Structure:motorcycle:kickstand/center stand; electrical systemJun 28, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V279000 · 870 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 F700 GS and F800 GS motorcycles manufactured June 1, 2012, through October 18, 2012. The side-stand switch that prevents the engine from running while the side-stand is down may become damaged allowing the engine to run with the side-stand down.

Risk: The rider may start riding with the side-stand down, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners and dealers will secure the side-stand switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Cpsc:2013 bmw f800gs has an issue where the plastic gas tank has cracked three times. Bmw replaces the tank under warranty, but this is a true hazard. *bf the consumer stated the mechanics cannot determine why the rear wheel and brakes would lock up. Updated 06/13/2017*js

Fuel System, Other · received Jun 8, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 10994668

Bmw has made a defective gas tank for this motorcycle. It cracks frequently. Though they warranty the tank, it is a safety issue. I am on my third tank. Secondly, the rear brake continues to lock up for no reason. I have had it with three mechanics in a year and no one can fix. It locked up today…

Service Brakes · received Apr 28, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 10981325

Upon inspection i saw the gap around the fuel tank was cracked. No movement during inspection

Fuel/propulsion System · received Jul 27, 2016 · NHTSA complaint 10889155

Motorcycle was bought new from a dealership with a crack in the gas tank. It was replaced after purchase under warranty. The tank is beginning to crack once again for the second time about a year later. Cracking fuel tanks poses a risk of not only getting stranded but potential fuel leaks and…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Mar 19, 2016 · NHTSA complaint 10850586

Motorcycle fuel tank has severe cracks on both sides, it appears that its a design flaw, bmw motorad of north america has known about this issue for at least 5 years, tanks have been replaced under the 3 year bmw warranty, however the problem appears not be going away and the new parts crack only a…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Jun 9, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10596978

Other BMW F800 GS years

← 2012 F800 GS · 2014 F800 GS →

See all BMW F800 GS problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW F800 GS?

Owners most often report fuel/propulsion system, service brakes, structure problems. The top one, fuel/propulsion system, accounts for 7 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2013 BMW F800 GS?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2013 BMW F800 GS a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other F800 GS model years, the 2013 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.