2009 BMW F800 Gs recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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."
What could happen: If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2009 F800 GS.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V481000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT
Summary: 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."
Consequence: If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (2), Engine (1), Lights (1), Fuel system (1), Body / structure (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (7)
02/20/2025 · Engine
The contact owns a 2009 BMW F800 GS. The contact stated while riding 70 MPH, the motorcycle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and restarted the motorcycle. After restarting the motorcycle, the motorcycle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were…
10/20/2014 · Lights
HEADLIGHT REFLECTOR HAS BURNED CAUSING DIMINISHED NIGHTTIME VISIBILITY. OEM STYLE BULBS HAVE BEEN THE ONLY EQUIPMENT USED. *TR
10/05/2013 · Fuel system
THE GAS TANK IS CRACKED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BIKE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT IS HAPPENING ON MANY BMW F800'S. *TR
09/21/2013 · Body / structure
WHILE CLEANING THE MOTORCYCLE YESTERDAY, I NOTICED THE FUEL TANK IS BREAKING AT ITS SEAM ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES OF THE TANK. THE CRACK IN THE TANK IS WELL OVER 12 INCHES ON EACH SIDE. I ALSO NOTICED TODAY THAT A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS IN THE PAST AND EVEN AFTER HAVING THE FUEL TANK REPLACED, THE CRACKS TO THE PLASTIC DEVELOP ONCE AGAIN…
07/21/2013 · Electrical system
EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE CHARGING SYSTEM RESULTING IN STALLING THE INABILITY TO RESTART THE MOTORCYCLE. THIS FAILURE HAPPENED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, LEAVING ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF A MULTILANE HIGHWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE BIKE STARTED AFTER JUMP STARTING, BUT A TEST WITH A MULTIMETER SHOWED NO INCREASE IN SYSTEM VOLTAGE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, RES…
04/19/2013 · Electrical system
RIDING HOME AT NIGHT IN TRAFFIC, MY MOTORCYCLE STALLED AND DIED LOCKING UP ALL SYSTEMS INCLUDING LIGHTS. I FOUND MYSELF AT A DEAD STOP IN TRAFFIC WITH NO LIGHTS FOR VISIBILITY. IT WAS QUITE DANGEROUS. *TR
05/14/2012 · Suspension
REAR WHEEL BEARING IN EARLY STAGES OF FAILURE. NOTICED ROUGH ROTATION DURING TIRE CHANGE. BEING REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. *JS