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BMW Motorcycle Front Brake Fluid Leak

NHTSA campaign 20V476000 · Reported Aug 13, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC

high How serious is it? About this label

A low brake fluid level can affect brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	20V476000
Reported to NHTSA	Aug 13, 2020
Manufacturer	BMW of North America, LLC
Part affected	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper
Vehicles covered	7 model/year combinations, model years 2019–2020
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

On these BMW motorcycles, the front brake calipers can leak brake fluid while the bike is parked. Over time, this leak can lower the amount of fluid in the brake fluid reservoir. If the fluid level gets too low, it can affect how well the front brakes work.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your motorcycle is included. 2. Contact a BMW dealer for an inspection; if needed, they will replace the front brake calipers with an improved version. You can also call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. 3. The repair is free.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 20V476000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (7)

2019 BMW R 1250 GS
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
2019 BMW R 1250 RT
2020 BMW R 1250 GS
2020 BMW R 1250 RT
2020 BMW S 1000 RR
2020 BMW S 1000 XR

Who to contact

BMW — official BMW recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-525-7417

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

BMW Hydraulic Brake Recalls Involving Leaks, Calipers, and Brake Assistance · all 11 BMW recalls in this area

Other BMW R 1250 GS recalls

Jan 18, 2023BMW Motorcycle Gearbox Shaft May Breakhigh
Aug 20, 2020BMW motorcycle tire pressure labels may fall offmedium
Mar 19, 2020BMW R1250GS/RT Final Drive Pivot Pin May Loosenhigh
Mar 19, 2020BMW Aftermarket Brake Fluid Cap Missing Fluid Infohigh
Mar 19, 2020BMW R 1250 Motorcycles Have Unclear Brake Fluid Caphigh
Mar 12, 2020BMW Motorcycles: Brake Light May Flash Insteadhigh

Official notice

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 R 1250 GS, GS Adventure and R 1250 RT, 2020 S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR motorcycles. The front brake calipers may leak brake fluid when parked. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."
Safety risk: Overtime, a leaking front brake caliper can reduce the amount of brake fluid in the reservoir. Low volume could affect brake performance, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the front brake calipers with an improved version, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 12, 2020. As of January 19, 2021, a remedy was still not available. The recall began March 8, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.