I own a 2010 BMW R1200RT motorcycle. The motorcycle was subject to BMW’s fuel-pump recall, and the recall repair was performed in 2014. The motorcycle has now developed a crack in the fuel-pump flange at the base of the female quick-disconnect fuel fitting. The crack is allowing gasoline to leak under pressure. The motorcycle has the metal reinforcement ring associated with the previous recall repair. This failure is particularly concerning because the fuel-pump flange and quick-disconnect area were the subject of BMW’s previous safety recall involving cracking and fuel leakage. I understand that my motorcycle may not currently be listed as subject to BMW’s later 20V‑471 recall because of the repair performed in 2014. However, I am reporting this as a new safety defect because the fuel-pump/flange assembly has now failed again and is leaking gasoline. I am concerned that a previously recalled and repaired fuel-system component has developed another crack in the same critical area, creating a potential fire hazard. I have photographs documenting the crack, the metal reinforcement ring, and the component markings. I can provide the photographs and the 2014 repair documentation. I request that the federal safety agency document this complaint and review whether this represents a continuing or recurring safety defect involving the BMW R1200RT fuel-pump flange and quick-disconnect fitting.
BMW R1200 RT fuel leak problems
61 of the 267 owner complaints about the BMW R1200 RT describe fuel leak, most of them for the 2006 model year.
- owner complaints
- 61
- worst model year
- 2006
- typical mileage
- 29,750
By model year
Often reported together
What owners say
This vehicle was subject to a recall under bulletin 16 0114. The issue was a fuel pump which cracked at flanges which leaked fuel onto the hot engine, which could cause safety issues with fire. My vehicle listed above, had the fuel pump replaced with 12,505 miles on it under the recall. The replacement fuel pump, which is apparently no better than the original that was replaced under recall, cracked again leaking fuel onto the hot motorcycle engine. This happened with 20,300 miles on the vehicle, which is less than 8000 miles later. BMW is refusing to replace under the recall or a warranty the fuel pump which means I am stuck with the bill. I believe that BMW should be replacing a defective part with a new design and better part not an old design faulty part. I would encourage you to issue another recall on the vehicles in question under bulletin 160114 in the interest of motorist safety.
I have a 2014 R1200RT that is leaking fuel because of a warped fuel tank. VIN: [XXX] My dealer tells me that this was a problem on my years RT and that this can only be fixed by replacing the fuel tank. I was told that ethanol was probably the culprit in taking this tank down so quickly. I was also told that BMW redesigned the tank to alleviate the problem and that replacing the old tank with the redesigned one would take care of this. BMW Motorrad is not offering to replace this as the warranty is only for 3 years or 36,000 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The OEM plastic 90° quick discount fitting on top of the fuel pump started spraying fuel. I started smelling fuel on the interstate highway 10 and by the time I could pull over safely off the interstate I was covered with fuel. The fuel was running down on the hot exhaust pipe’s on the front left side of the motorcycle and spraying all over my face and legs. I could have been set on fire and burnt to death because of where the fuel was spraying from. This also could have cost the lives of the people on the interstate had i burst into flames and lost control of the motorcycle. When I called the BMW dealership in Tucson AZ the service tech told me that they had a medal aftermarket 90° fitting that would fix my problem. I replaced the fitting and the fuel leak was fixed. This motorcycle fuel pump was replaced 07/01/2014 at mileage 12,482 because of a fuel leak recall. I’m filling this report because this fitting fail happened without warning 15,700 miles after the fuel flange recall. This must be a common problem for the service tech to know over the phone the fox and have a aftermarket medal part that fixed the fuel leak. The location of this potential leak makes it extremely dangerous hazard.
Development of a major fuel leak after starting motorcycle, leak is coming from the high pressure fitting on the fuel pump. Very dangerous as the fuel is dripping on the hot exhaust and pooling on top of the fuel pump. Risk of fire and possibility of fuel getting on pant leg and burning riders leg. I talked to a couple dealers in the Phoenix area and it’s more common than not.
The contact owns a 2005 BMW R 1200 RT. The contact stated while starting the motorcycle and it began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The motorcycle was not drivable. The motorcycle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The motorcycle was repaired. The contact stated that on 7/2021, he noticed fuel leaking from the fuel pump onto the engine. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The motorcycle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V617000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW R 1200 RT Motorcycle. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from motorcycle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20V471000 (Fuel System. Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
A fuel leak around at the fuel pump flange. Leaking around the support ring installed by the previous remedy. I contacted a dealer several times, but they have been unable to remedy due to no parts since April 2021. I also contacted [email protected] and they said "at this time the remedy for the recall: 20V‑471 is available; however, the parts are on backorder for all models. We currently don't have an eta we can provide." BMW has failed to prepare sufficient replacement parts and they are unable to remedy for 20V‑471 in a timely manner.
I have a 2010, r1200rt motorcycle that is spraying large amounts of atomized gas out from the top of the plastic fuel pump housing from a hairline crack near the high pressure outlet. The housing is a non wear part. In looking at the recalls I see that on december 12, 2013 there was a recall campaign (the federal safety agency # 13v617000) on fuel leaks for my motorcycle that describes my issue exactly. I requested that bmw take action and fix the problem free of charge. They have refused. I believe that their scope analysis of the vins with this problem was too narrow. I see that I will now be the 4th complaint filed this year and is a pattern that needs addressed. When this happens, there is a very dangerous situation of a fire developing while people are driving or stopped. This is not a situation where someone can separate themselves from the flash fire while driving. It's effects (burns, losing control) are instant to the motorcycle driver.
Spontaneous development of a copious fuel leak after starting bike, subsequently found to be originating from fuel pump around high pressure fitting. Very dangerous scenario, as fuel drips close to hot engine. I asked around and apparently is not an uncommon issue. Hard to believe there has not been a recall on this.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.
- Risk
- A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 21V060000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V‑617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 20V471000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Recall number 13V617000 · Recall details
Questions about the BMW R1200 RT fuel leak
Which BMW R1200 RT years have fuel leak problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2006 (18 complaints), 2007 (14 complaints) and 2005 (11 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used BMW R1200 RT?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history