BMW R1300GS

The semiconductor starter relay housing was produced with an insufficient injection-molding process, making it susceptible to damage during assembly or dealer service. Damage could let moisture in, corroding internal contacts and causing heating, scorching, smoke, or in rare cases a thermal event/fire. BMW's first attempted fix (relay housing replacement, Feb 2024) proved ineffective; a second, larger recall (July/Aug 2024) replaced the semiconductor relay entirely with an electromechanical relay plus a software update.

BMW's accessory Vario side cases and top case for the R1300GS had defective locking hooks/hinges that could allow the case lid to open while riding, dropping contents or the case itself onto the road. Multiple recall waves (top case Feb 2024, side cases March/April 2024) were issued; an improved Vario case design was not available until 2025, with interim fixes (tension straps, warning stickers) or repurchase offered in the meantime.

Insufficient 'snüffel' free play in the handbrake master cylinder, in combination with the optional Riding Assistant/Front Collision Warning package, could cause the front brake to apply automatically and fail to release, bringing the bike to an unintended stop. Affects R1300GS and R1300GS Adventure units produced through August 2024 with the Riding Assistant option (approx. 34,000 units worldwide). BMW classifies this as a non-safety-relevant service action, not an official recall, as of the reporting date.

Small amounts of brake fluid can seep from the front Brembo 'sport brake' calipers (fitted to the vast majority of delivered units — ~97-98%) after several months of the motorcycle sitting unused, attributed to low-pressure seal leakage. BMW considers current cases minor and not acutely dangerous; as of March 2025 no recall had been issued, though a US recall was considered possible due to stricter environmental requirements there. The same low-pressure seepage pattern previously affected the predecessor R1250GS's Hayes-supplied calipers.

The right handlebar switch cluster on the R1300GS and R1300GS Adventure (also R12/R12 nineT) was not adequately waterproofed; moisture ingress could cause electrical failure up to and including the engine stalling while riding.

A backend server error between May 26 and June 12, 2025 caused the optional eCall (automatic and manual emergency call) system to be incorrectly deactivated on some affected motorcycles' records, without the rider being reliably warned on subsequent incidents after the initial one-time warning message.