2003 BMW K Series Problems
- Complaints
- 6filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 42,553miles, 6 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 BMW K Series (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 2003 BMW K Series. The part named most often is fuel system, with 3 complaints (50% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (3) and suspension (1). 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 67% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 42,553 miles. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, 1 NHTSA investigation and 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system3 50%
- Suspension1 17%
Example complaints
Fuel system: “Recall # 04v028000 as of today 3/21/2004 my Bmw dealer has no information on this recall nor have I received any notice from Bmw. My dealer will not perform recall. Bmw of salt lake city. I have a fuel smell on cold start. No leak seen.”
NHTSA complaint #10062720, filed 2004-03, 855 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “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 milesSuspension: “The contact owns a 2003 Bmw k 1200 lte . The contact stated while driving 75 MPH the contact heard a noise and the rear wheel locked up causing the vehicle to skid. The rear wheel suddenly unlocked and the contact gained control of the vehicle and pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was deemed undrivable so the contact had the vehicle towed home. The noise was due to a busted ring and pinion causing grease to spill on to the rear of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10355723, filed 2010-09, 54,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
67% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 19,900 and 54,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 04V028000Jan 15, 2004Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: BMW K Series 2001–2004, R Series 2000–2002, 2004
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.
Recall details for the 2003 BMW K Series → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE03054Fuel line leakageClosed · Dec 1, 2003
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.
- 10037025Aug 1, 2010Exterior lighting. Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10033130Dec 1, 2009Fuel system. Bmw vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it is necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery unit (suction jet…
- 10030825Nov 1, 2007Fuel system, Other or unknown. Bmw motorcycle: engine fuels containing ethanol. Bmw motorrad has no objection to the use of si engine fuels containing up to a maximum of 10% ethanol and imposes no warranty restrictions. Ethanol…
Other model years of the BMW K Series
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 5 | 25,838 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 6 | 42,553 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 BMW K Series have?
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 2003 BMW K Series as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 BMW K Series is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 3 complaints (50% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 3.
Has the 2003 BMW K Series been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 BMW K Series reported?
Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 42,553 miles and the middle half falls between 19,900 and 54,000 miles; 67% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.