2003 BMW R1150 RT Problems
- Complaints
- 5filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 11,511miles, 5 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 R1150 RT (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 2003 BMW R1150 RT. The part named most often is electrical system, with 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by exterior lighting (1) and fuel system (1). 5 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 11,511 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year. Exterior lighting complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin 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.
- Electrical system2 40%
- Exterior lighting1 20%
- Fuel system1 20%
- Suspension1 20%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Actual model is rt1150p not listed on model list. Altenator belt broke, causing altenator failure and low voltage which negated power brakes leaving me with residual braking about 40% of normal breaking at best. I was unable to stop and rolled in front of oncoming truck who was able to avoid me by slowing and going around. Dealer replaced belt and altenator. This does not mean it wont happen again however. The owners manual even explains power loss to brakes calling it residual braking. …”
NHTSA complaint #10089009, filed 2004-09, 15,840 milesExterior lighting: “During normal operation of the vehicle, the headlights went out completely, leaving only the fog lights to get me home. Dealer replaced the head lamp assembly under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10170314, filed 2006-10, 17,200 milesFuel system: “Recall remedy failure. 04v-028. Dealer re-crimped the crimp clamps per Bmw's instructions. Still leaked substantially at 4.2 bar when system pressure-checked. Some concern that plastic components deform preventing full crimp clamp load. Replaced oe crimp clamps with ealier version, oe, screw clamps.”
NHTSA complaint #10067769, filed 2004-04, 11,511 milesSuspension: “2003 Bmw r 1150 rt motorcycle pulls to the right, I feel this is a safety hazard if you do not keep pressure to the left on the handle bars it will lean itself to the right and run off the road. Also it has excessive tire wear. I spoke with Bmw and they said this is a characteristic of these bikes.”
NHTSA complaint #10056427, filed 2004-02, 600 milesMileage when problems were reported
100% of the 5 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 11,511 and 15,840 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 02V319000Nov 27, 2002Power train › Manual transmissionCovers: BMW R1150 RT 2003, R1100 S 2003, R1150 R 2003 +3 more
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…
Recall details for the 2003 BMW R1150 RT → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
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 R1150 RT
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 18 | 33,095 | 1 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2003 | 5 | 11,511 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 BMW R1150 RT have?
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 2003 BMW R1150 RT as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 BMW R1150 RT is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by exterior lighting with 1.
Has the 2003 BMW R1150 RT 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 R1150 RT reported?
Among the 5 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 11,511 miles and the middle half falls between 11,511 and 15,840 miles; 100% 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.