2013 BMW G650gs recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. The affected motorcycles may stall during operation due to an engine control unit (ECU) software issue.
What could happen: If the engine stalls during operation, it increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 18, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-537. Motorcycles that were repaired under that recall need to have their software u…
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 2013 G650GS.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V689000.
- 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: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 BMW G650GS motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to October 12, 2015, and 2013-2015 BMW G650GS Sertao motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to May 23, 2014. The affected motorcycles may stall during operation due to an engine control unit (ECU) software issue.
Consequence: If the engine stalls during operation, it increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 18, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-537. Motorcycles that were repaired under that recall need to have their software updated again as part of this campaign.
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
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Portable jump starter
- 2013 BMW G650gs owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (2), Transmission / drivetrain (1), Vehicle Speed Control (1), Electrical system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
05/12/2017 · Transmission / drivetrain
THE ENGINE CONTROL SOFTWARE REGULATES IDLE SPEED. WHEN THE CLUTCH LEVER IS EGAGAGED, AND THE ENGINE IS OPERATING AT IDLE, THE MOTORCYCLE ABRUPTLY STALLS REAGARDLESS OF SPEED. IT CAUSED A NEAR -REAR END CRASH AS ANY DOWNSHIFTING RESULTED IN STALLS INSTEAD OF IDLE.
12/20/2016 · Electrical system
ENGINE CONTROL UNIT: WHEN THE CLUTCH IS ENGAGED AND THE ENGINE SPEED IS NEAR IDLE, THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT TURNS OFF THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME THE MOTORCYCLE NEEDS TO COME TO A STOP (TRAFFIC LIGHT, STOP SIGN, ETC.). WHEN THE ENGINE SPEED IS KEPT ABOVE 3000 RPMS, THE BIKE RUNS FINE AND IDLES FINE IF THERE IS SUFFICIENT THROTTLE INPUT.