2003 BMW R 1150 R 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. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE 3RD AND 4TH TRANSMISSION GEAR (SHIFT) WHEELS MAY NOT BE SECURELY SEATED ON THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. CONSEQUENTLY, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM 5TH TO 6TH GEAR, ENGAGEMENT OF THE TWO GEARS MAY OCCUR SIMULTANEOUSLY.
What could happen: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE GEAR WHEELS COULD CRACK RESULTING IN A LOSS OF TRANSMISSION CAPABILITY, OR, A LOCK OF TRANSMISSION COULD OCCUR. THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK WHICH, DEPENDING UPON TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS, AND THE RIDER'S REACTION, COULD AFFECT THE STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOTORCYCLES AND REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION GEAR BOX IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT B…
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 2003 R 1150 R.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 02V319000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-831-1117.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Summary: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE 3RD AND 4TH TRANSMISSION GEAR (SHIFT) WHEELS MAY NOT BE SECURELY SEATED ON THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. CONSEQUENTLY, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM 5TH TO 6TH GEAR, ENGAGEMENT OF THE TWO GEARS MAY OCCUR SIMULTANEOUSLY.
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE GEAR WHEELS COULD CRACK RESULTING IN A LOSS OF TRANSMISSION CAPABILITY, OR, A LOCK OF TRANSMISSION COULD OCCUR. THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK WHICH, DEPENDING UPON TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS, AND THE RIDER'S REACTION, COULD AFFECT THE STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOTORCYCLES AND REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION GEAR BOX IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117, OPTION #4.
Notes: ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (3), Engine (2), Other (2), Electrical system (1), Gasoline (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (5)
04/13/2007 · Engine
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW R1150 WITH CURRENT FAILURE OF MILEAGE OF 9,100 MILES. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN RECALL CAMPAIGN # 03V483000 CONCERNING ENGINE HESITATION OR MISFIRING. WHILE DRIVING IN GOOD WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS, THE MOTORCYCLE BACK FIRED MORE THAN ONE TIME. THE BACK FIRE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 4500 R…
01/16/2004 · Fuel system
I OWN A 2004 BMW R1150R MOTORCYCLE. THIS MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK I SMELLED A GASOLINE ODOR. I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING OBVIOUS SINCE IT WAS DARK OUT. WHEN I ARRIVED AT WORK IT APPEARED THAT ABOUT A PINT OF RAW GASOLINE HAD LEAKED OUT OF MY FUEL LINES ONTO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION, THEN DRIPPED DOWN ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST. *CB
01/07/2004 · Fuel system
WHEN STARTING THE MOTORCYCLE CONSUMER NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL HOSE. *AK
10/08/2003 · Fuel system
BMW R1150R MOTORCYCLE.*MR THIS LETTER IS TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE IN RESOLVING A WARRANTY PROBLEM WHICH THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ADDRESS FURTHER. THE CONSUMER HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS FOR TRANSMISSION, DRIVELINE AND FUEL INJECTION PROBLEMS. *CB
07/18/2003 · Engine
ENGINE SURGES AT ALL SPEEDS BELOW 4000 RPM. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM EXPERIENCED BY THOUSANDS OF OWNERS OF THIS MOTORCYCLE. ENGINE STALLS WHEN SLOWING AND DOWN SHIFTING. *JB