BMW K Series Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 11 consumer complaints across the 2 model years of the BMW K Series (2003–2004) that have at least 5 complaints. 2003 has the most, with 6. Across all years, the part named most often is fuel system (6 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All K Series model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 5 | 25,838 | 1 | 5 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 6 | 42,553 | 1 | 3 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Fuel system6 50%
- Transmission and drivetrain3 25%
- Vehicle speed control1 8.3%
- Suspension1 8.3%
- Brakes1 8.3%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2004: “The brake failure light lit up and I lost power brakes and even at 10 MPH it was extremely difficult to stop the bike. The module controls the servo linkage also. This is a know problem with Bmw k bikes with ABS and Bmw refuses to recall the bikes. I believe it is a serious safety problem and riders cannot get any help from Bmw. It is a 2500 dollar repair and it happens to many bikes at around 20,000 miles. No warning. We need help with putting some pressure on Bmw. If you want verification call any Bmw motorcycle dealer. There are lots of posts on I-Bmw forums as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #10694339, filed 2015-03, 24,000 miles2003: “While driving at 60 MPH on the highway, a noise started coming from the drive train of the bike. At the same time there was a small vibration coming from the same location. It could be felt in the seat and footpegs. As I was only a few miles from home I checked everything which could be checked without taking anything apart. Everything thing was fine including the wheels and tires. All seemed to be tight. There was no fluid leaks coming from the bike. As I found this unsua,l and was aware of the driveline problems with this model bike, I decided to contact this site. …”
NHTSA complaint #10546834, filed 2013-10, 49,990 milesOther BMW models
3,165 complaintsBMW 328I
2,576 complaintsBMW X3
2,016 complaintsBMW 325I
1,377 complaintsBMW Z4
1,271 complaintsBMW 3 Series
832 complaintsBMW 528I
830 complaintsBMW 330I
813 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology