2003 BMW K Series Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 5, 2013 · 6 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other K Series years
Not enough data 1st of 5 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 BMW K Series. That is the most of any K Series model year in the database (5 years). The most reported problem area is fuel system, gasoline (3 complaints, 50%), typically at around 19,900 miles. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

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

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Most common 2003 BMW K Series problems

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

Fuel System, Gasoline3 · ~19,900 mi
Power Train3 · ~49,990 mi
Suspension1 · ~54,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel System, Gasoline350%19,900——
Power Train350%49,990——
Suspension117%54,000——

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2004, with 1 complaints
2004: 1200412009: 1200912010: 1201012011: 1201112012: 1201212013: 120131

n = 6 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2003 BMW K Series recalls (1)

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

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJan 15, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V028000 · 39,000 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the o-ring in fuel line quick-disconnect coupling could become damaged and lead to a fuel leak. There is also a problem involving crimp-type hose clamps, which can result in a fuel leak.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, adjust all crimp-type hose clamps. Also, all fuel line quick-disconnect couplings will be inspected. If a leak is detected, the quick-disconnect o-ring will be replaced. If damaged, the coupling will be replaced. Owner notification began on april 30, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Fuel line leakage (PE03054) — opened Dec 1, 2003, closed Jan 23, 2004, led to recall 04V028000.

Recent owner reports

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

While driving at 60 mph on the highway, a noise started coming from the drive train of the bike. At the same time there was a small vibration coming from the same location. It could be felt in the seat and footpegs. As i was only a few miles from home i checked everything which could be checked…

Power Train · received Oct 5, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10546834

Crown gear failure in the paralever final drive. *tr

Power Train · received Feb 8, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10447116

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw k1200 rs motorcycle. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when he discovered fuel spraying from the engine compartment. The contact located a recall for the failure under nhtsa campaign id number: 04v028000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses…

Fuel System, Gasoline · received Apr 6, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10394429

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw k 1200 lte . The contact stated while driving 75 mph the contact heard a noise and the rear wheel locked up causing the vehicle to skid. The rear wheel suddenly unlocked and the contact gained control of the vehicle and pulled over to the side of the road. The…

Power Train · received Sep 15, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10355723

Bmw k1200lt motorcycle. Quick disconnects (plastic) on fuel lines deteriorate and leak fuel. Very dangerous. No fire but could have been one. When fuel leaks it sprays over right leg and foot. I will replace with brass fittings. *tr

Fuel System, Gasoline · received Aug 10, 2009 · NHTSA complaint 10279895

Other BMW K Series years

← 2002 K Series · 2004 K Series →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2004 K Series51
200361
2002 K Series21
2001 K Series11
2000 K Series00

See all BMW K Series 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 2003 BMW K Series?

Owners most often report fuel system, gasoline, power train, suspension problems. The top one, fuel system, gasoline, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2003 BMW K Series?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2003 BMW K Series a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other K Series model years, the 2003 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.