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Fuel systemPart report

2013 BMW R 1200 R Fuel system Problems

Complaints
12about this part
Share
100%of 12 total for the year
Median mileage
1,100miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the fuel system of the 2013 BMW R 1200 R, 100% of the 12 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,100 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“While riding, I received a dash warning light that was I (unexpectedly) completely out of fuel. At that point I did not know how many miles were on my tank, if I had a fuel leak, etc and immediately maneuvered to a safe location to verify my fuel status. Thankfully I was in a place I could do that. Turns out I had ample fuel and no visible leaks, however the gauge and warning systems were informing me otherwise. I ended up riding to the nearest gas station and confirmed I still had 3/4 tank remaining, based on how much fuel the bike took to top off . …”

NHTSA complaint #10593623, filed 2014-05, 4,800 miles

“Purchased a brand new 2013 Bmw r1200r motorcycle and within 10 miles of riding away from dealer low fuel warning comes on and fuel gauges no longer working. Stopped at nearest gas station and checked gas tank to find full tank of gas as dealer stated. Called dealer and was told to continue to ride motorcycle for 50 miles and computer should re-set. Continued to ride for 50 miles and no resolution. Contacted dealer again and I was told I need to come in for service to replace fuel sensor strip. On a brand new motorcycle I feel this is unacceptable. …”

NHTSA complaint #10498348, filed 2013-02, 25 miles

“The fuel gauge ceased working and registers empty all the time. The low fuel light is illuminated despite having gone only 50 miles since filling the tank. Visual examination confirms the tank is approx. 3/4 full. From a very brief investigation, I discovered this has been a common issue with the r1200r for several years. I am reporting in hopes that pressure can be brought for real fix by Bmw instead of simply replacing faulty fuel strips with more faulty fuel strips. Some owners report having the strips replaced 4-5 times within a 3 year period. …”

NHTSA complaint #10534398, filed 2013-08, 750 miles

“The fuel gauge showed low level and the reserve visual alarm stayed on while there was plenty of fuel in the tank. Reported to dealer, official Bmw dealer broward motorsport of palm beach, their report claimed they have fixed the issue, the motorcycle had 1166 miles at time of service. Today, at 1540 miles the same issue occurred again, there is plenty of fuel in the tank but the gauge show the lowest bar only and the visual alarm light stays on at all times. I will now have to take the motorcycle to the dealership to install the 3rd fuel gauge in 1500 miles. …”

NHTSA complaint #10676355, filed 2015-01, 1,000 miles

“Three months and 400+ miles into my ownership of a new Bmw r1200r motorcycle, the fuel strip failed completely. Upon engine start with 3/4 full gas tank, the guage read empty. It continues to read empty regardless of the amount of fuel in the tank. This issue has plagued a very high percentage of new Bmw motorcycles and the company has yet to offer a fix. In the meantime, this problem requires a trip to an authorized Bmw motorcycle dealer for a warantee replacement, many of which have also failed again and again. This conduct on the part of Bmw is totally unacceptable.”

NHTSA complaint #10544780, filed 2013-09, 456 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Fuel system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201312100%
2012880%
2011583%
20095100%
2008764%
2007686%

Other parts of the 2013 BMW R 1200 R

Electrical system
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 BMW R 1200 R

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology