Faulty brake lights force BMW into major US recall

BMW issues a recall affecting more than 4,000 motorcycles across 15 model lines in the United States over faulty brake lights

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

More than 4,000 BMW motorcycles sold in the United States have been recalled after it was discovered a fault with the brake lights meant they did not conform to the law.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a recall notice that affects a total of 4,026 motorcycles across 15 new models in its 2020 range.

The manufacturer says the models feature an emergency stop signal function that should keep the rear brake light on when braking. However, in some cases it was found the light flashed instead of stayed on, which makes the models non-compliant with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, citing it as a safety hazard because a flashing light could be misinterpreted by road users.

In the United States, brake lights must remain on, otherwise known as ‘stead burning’.

BMW dealers in the US have been notified and owners are urged to arrange with them to get the models fixed. Advice will no doubt be needed in the midst of the coronavirus, which is limiting movement and initiating social distancing rules across the world.

The models affected are:

  • 2020 BMW F 750 GS
  • 2020 BMW F 850 GS
  • 2020 BMW F 850 GS Adventure
  • 2020 BMW F 900 R
  • 2020 BMW F 900 XR
  • 2020 BMW Rnine T
  • 2020 BMW Rnine T Pure
  • 2020 BMW Rnine R Scrambler
  • 2019-2020 BMW S 1000 R
  • 2020 BMW S 1000 RR
  • 2020 BMW R 1250 GS
  • 2020 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
  • 2020 BMW R 1250 R
  • 2020 BMW R 1250 RS
  • 2019 – 2020 BMW K 1600 B