BMW R1150GS Problems by Year
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file for the BMW R1150GS, across 4 model years (2000–2003). The 2002 model year has the most complaints (21). The most reported problem area overall is service brakes, hydraulic.
BMW R1150GS years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical R1150GS year: 2002. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2002 R1150GS: 21 complaints, 1 recall
- 2003 R1150GS: 3 complaints, 1 recall
- 2001 R1150GS: 3 complaints, 1 recall
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common BMW R1150GS problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 12 | 2 | 0 |
| Power Train | 11 | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All BMW R1150GS model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 R1150GS | 3 | 1 | — | Power Train | |
| 2002 R1150GS | 21 | 1 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2001 R1150GS | 3 | 1 | — | Power Train | |
| 2000 R1150GS | 3 | 1 | — | Power Train |
More from BMW: all BMW models · BMW VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW R1150GS years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2002 (21) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical R1150GS year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the BMW R1150GS?
Service Brakes, Hydraulic, with 12 complaints across 2 model years.
How many recalls does the BMW R1150GS have?
2 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.