2004 BMW R Series 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. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE O-RING IN FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLING COULD BECOME DAMAGED AND LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK. THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM INVOLVING CRIMP-TYPE HOSE CLAMPS, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK.
What could happen: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST ALL CRIMP-TYPE HOSE CLAMPS. ALSO, ALL FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLINGS WILL BE INSPECTED. IF A LEAK IS DETECTED, THE QUICK-DISCONNECT O-RING WILL BE REPLACED. IF DAMAGED, THE COUPLING WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD…
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 2004 R SERIES.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V028000.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE O-RING IN FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLING COULD BECOME DAMAGED AND LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK. THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM INVOLVING CRIMP-TYPE HOSE CLAMPS, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST ALL CRIMP-TYPE HOSE CLAMPS. ALSO, ALL FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLINGS WILL BE INSPECTED. IF A LEAK IS DETECTED, THE QUICK-DISCONNECT O-RING WILL BE REPLACED. IF DAMAGED, THE COUPLING WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2004 BMW R Series owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (2), Gasoline (2), Transmission / drivetrain (1), Lights (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
11/02/2012 · Fuel system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW R-SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SMELLED FUEL BEING EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE O-RING IN THE FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLING WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTAC…
07/26/2011 · Fuel system
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (IN A WORK ZONE), FUEL BEGAN SPRAYING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. AFTER PULLING TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, GASOLINE CONTINUED TO LEAK ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST PIPES AND VAPORIZED INTO A CLOUD OF SMOKE. FORTUNATELY, THE LEAKING FUEL DID NOT IGNITE. THE VEHICLE WAS…
07/29/2010 · Transmission / drivetrain
BMW MOTORCYCLE FINAL DRIVE FAILURES. IN 2001 I PURCHASED A NEW BMW R1100RT. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR INTO OWNERSHIP 25K MILES THE FINAL DRIVE FAILED WHILE I WAS RIDING. I THOUGHT THE REAR WHEEL WAS FALLING OFF. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE BIKE STOPPED WITHOUT INCIDENT. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, NOT ONLY WAS THE REAR…
03/08/2004 · Lights
RIGHT REAR TURN SIGNAL STEM JUST FEEL OFF NEAR THE SIGNAL LIGHT. PLASTIC JUST BROKE AFTER A 175 MILE RIDE TO RIDGEWAY COLORADO. LESS THAN A 32ND OFF AN INCH KEEPING IT IN PLACE. HAD TO FINISH THE LAST 60 MILES WITH OUT IT.*AK