2015 BMW G650gs 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. 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 2015 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
- 2015 BMW G650gs owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (1), Electronic Stability Control (esc) (1), Unknown Or Other (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
04/07/2019 · Fuel system
SOME TIMES MOTORCYCLE WILL NOT IDLE. HAS DONE IT WHILE TRYING TO MOVE IN TRAFFIC SITUATION. VERY DANGEROUS
05/04/2017 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW G650GS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE MOTORCYCLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE CLUTCH AND RESTARTED THE MOTORCYCLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SIX OTHER TIMES. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V689000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) ON NOVEMBER 17, 2015 AND JANUARY 28, 2017. THE MO…
12/30/2016 · Unknown Or Other
DEFECTIVE ECU CAUSES ENGINE TO STALL UNEXPECTEDLY DURING OPERATION, RESULTING IN SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM TO BMW AS THIS EXACT SAME MODEL HAS BEEN RECALLED IN AUSTRALIA FOR THE EXACT SAME REASONS.