2016 BMW R1200 RS Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1 safety recall on file

The 2016 BMW R1200 RS has 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA.

The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (2 reports).

1Recalls
4Owner complaints
0Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your R1200 RS?

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

2016 BMW R1200 RS recalls

Rear reflectors may be blocked by luggage cases, raising crash risk

Recall 17V481Jul 28, 201747,775 vehicles affected

On certain BMW motorcycles equipped with optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors can be partially blocked from view.

Most common 2016 BMW R1200 RS problems

Problem areas named in the 4 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Electrical System2
Engine2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Tires1
Equipment1
Exterior Lighting1

What owners report

2025-01-07, Equipment
The contact owns a 2016 BMW R1200 RS Motorcycle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the rear reflex reflectors were inoperable. The contact was informed by another motorist that the reflector lights were not illuminating as needed. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear reflex reflectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V481000 (Equipment). The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.
2021-09-23, Tires
MC 120 / 70R 17W While riding, i noticed a shake in the front of my motorcycle. Upon stopping I noticed a bulge in the center of the tread that was approximately 1.5" higher than the rest of the tread in an area that was about 1/3 the circumference of the tire. I attempted to ride the four miles to my house, but the tire started losing air at a fast rate.
2021-09-10, Electrical System
Motorcycle Engine Control Unit (ECU) is experiencing control logic faults and forces the engine into low power "Limp Mode" operation. In my case, several of these events occurred at ~18,000-miles (May 2020) and the servicing could find no mechanical or electrical problem. The manufacturer recommended re-programming of ECU. At 27,000 (July 2021) the same control logic faults (21F961 & 21F971) occurred again. Additional fault events and limp mode operation have occurred since. The transition to Limp Mode may protect the engine, but the rapid loss of engine power when traveling on multi-lane highways places the motorcyclist at extreme risk of being rear-ended by following traffic. In ad
2021-09-05, Electrical System
The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "Throttle Valve #1 Out of Range". The Dealership consulted with BMW and was directed to update the ECU. The Dealership noted several other occurrences of this problem and reported that hardware changes had not been very successful. The Dealership suggested trying the software upgrade. In 2021, "Limp Mode" operation was activated in August 2021 at ~27500 miles and twice in September 2021 at ~2850

2016 BMW R1200 RS questions

Does the 2016 BMW R1200 RS have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2016 BMW R1200 RS: Rear reflectors may be blocked by luggage cases, raising crash risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW R1200 RS?

Based on 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (2), Engine (2), Fuel/Propulsion System (2).

How do I check if a recall on my 2016 BMW R1200 RS 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.

Other BMW R1200 RS years

Other 2016 BMW models