2015 BMW R1200 GS Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Dec 14, 2024 · 10 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other R1200 GS years
About as many complaints as other years 8th of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 BMW R1200 GS. That ranks 8th out of 15 R1200 GS model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is service brakes (4 complaints, 40%), typically at around 7,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 injury. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

BMW R1200 GS
BMW 1200 GS 2005. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Romain9247, 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 2015 BMW R1200 GS problems

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

Service Brakes4 · ~7,000 mi
Suspension3 · ~13,100 mi
Vehicle Speed Control2 · ~36,850 mi
Electrical System1 · ~500 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)1 · ~21,200 mi
Engine1 · ~500 mi
Steering1
Wheels1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Service Brakes440%7,000——
Suspension330%13,100——
Vehicle Speed Control220%36,850——
Electrical System110%500——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)110%21,200——
Engine110%500——
Steering110%———
Wheels110%———

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2017, with 4 complaints
2015: 1201512017: 4201742018: 2201822023: 2202322024: 120241

n = 10 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2015 BMW R1200 GS recalls (2)

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.

Suspension:frontJul 10, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V438000 · 14,626 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 BMW R1200GS and BMW R1200GS Adventure motorcycles. The motorcycle fixed fork tube may separate from the pressed in seal plug that secures the tube to the upper triple clamp.

Risk: If the fork tube detaches from the sealing plug, the handling and stability of the motorcycle will be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will add an additional fixed fork tube bush. A fork that is sufficiently damaged will be replaced with a modified new part. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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.

It is not clear which brake component is failing. It seems to be either the master cylinder or the ABS control module, but nothing seems to be conclusive. The failure alters the power of and force required to apply the rear brakes, changing the riding characteristics of the motorcycle that could…

Service Brakes · received Dec 14, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11630748

While riding the 1200GS yesterday, the rear brake calliper somehow came off! Has anyone encountered such a problem before. After the caliper came off, it got stuck in the wheel spokes and completely shattered the spokes and wheels. I was very lucky not sure how the wheels did not completely jam or…

Service Brakes · received Aug 10, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11537784

Rear brake pedal gets soft and braking performance is lost. Feels like air is getting into the system. Bleeding the brake fixes the problem, but it comes back after a few thousand miles. Seems this isn't an isolated icindent based on forum information…

Service Brakes · received Apr 10, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11516417

Rear brake requires more and more travel untill it hit the stop..no rear brake. Bleeding brake solves for a month or two, then cycle begins again. Bmw says bleed brakes every 2 years, i have to do it at least every oil change (6000 miles). Dealer is aware of problem, has no solution

Service Brakes · received Jul 10, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11110571

Control buttons on left handlebar failing affecting cruise control, suspension settings, and ride mode which affects engine performance. Button failures occur just outside of warranty and when motorcycle is in operation and suspension and engine control systems are operational.

Electronic Stability Control (esc) · received Jun 5, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11100023

Other BMW R1200 GS years

← 2014 R1200 GS · 2016 R1200 GS →

See all BMW R1200 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 2015 BMW R1200 GS?

Owners most often report service brakes, suspension, vehicle speed control problems. The top one, service brakes, accounts for 4 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2015 BMW R1200 GS?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2015 BMW R1200 GS a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other R1200 GS model years, the 2015 has about as many complaints as a typical year. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.