2020 BMW R 1250 GS Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

5 safety recalls on file

The 2020 BMW R 1250 GS has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA.

The most-reported problem area is Service Brakes (7 reports).

5Recalls
8Owner complaints
0Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your R 1250 GS?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2020 BMW R 1250 GS recalls

Gearbox Shaft May Break, Risking a Locked Rear Wheel and Crash

Recall 23V011Jan 18, 202318,534 vehicles affected

A gearbox input shaft on these motorcycles can become damaged or break under certain engine operating and riding conditions.

Front brake calipers can leak fluid, risking crash

Recall 20V476Aug 13, 20209,392 vehicles affected

Front brake calipers on these motorcycles may leak brake fluid while the bike is parked.

Loose rear final drive can reduce control and raise crash risk

Recall 20V165Mar 19, 20204 vehicles affected

A pivot pin that connects the final drive to the swing arm may be damaged, which can cause that connection to loosen.

Brake fluid cap may cause improper brake maintenance

Recall 20V166Mar 19, 2020365 vehicles affected

The brake fluid reservoir cap on these motorcycles may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid or explain how to fill the reservoir.

Brake Light May Flash Instead of Staying Steady

Recall 20V146Mar 12, 20204,026 vehicles affected

On certain BMW motorcycles, the brake light may flash instead of remaining steady during emergency braking.

Most common 2020 BMW R 1250 GS problems

Problem areas named in the 8 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes7
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2

What owners report

2025-11-25, Service Brakes
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.
2023-05-31, Service Brakes
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.
2022-05-14, Service Brakes
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 temporary fix. Replacing the rear brake master cylinder is a temporary fix. Computer bleeding the Bosch ABS module is also a temporary fix. Problem always returns. I am a federal Airframe and Powerplant technician and avionics
2021-07-16, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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. The failure mileage was 3,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
2021-02-24, Service Brakes
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 BMW R1250GSA BRAKE SYSTEM. THERE MIGHT BE A SYSTEMIC ISSUE WITH THE CALIPERS AND POSSIBLY THE ABS PRESSURE MODULATOR. NON-USER ATTRIBUTED EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE BRAKE PADS IS INDICATIVE OF SOME SORT OF MECHANICAL ISS

2020 BMW R 1250 GS questions

Does the 2020 BMW R 1250 GS have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2020 BMW R 1250 GS: Gearbox Shaft May Break, Risking a Locked Rear Wheel and Crash; Front brake calipers can leak fluid, risking crash; Loose rear final drive can reduce control and raise crash risk; Brake fluid cap may cause improper brake maintenance; Brake Light May Flash Instead of Staying Steady. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 BMW R 1250 GS?

Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes (7), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2).

How do I check if a recall on my 2020 BMW R 1250 GS has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

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