AI Damage2013 BMW F800 GS: common problems
Owners of the 2013 BMW F800 GS filed 10 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel/propulsion system and service brakes. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 10
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel/propulsion system 70% of all complaints
- 2 Service brakes 20% of all complaints
- 3 Structure 20% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 10% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel system 10% of all complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system: 7 complaints (70% of all).
- Service brakes: 2 complaints (20% of all).
- Structure: 2 complaints (20% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (10% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (10% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 10 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Cpsc:2013 bmw f800gs has an issue where the plastic gas tank has cracked three times. Bmw replaces the tank under warranty, but this is a true hazard. The consumer stated the mechanics cannot determine why the rear wheel and brakes would lock up. Updated 06/13/2017
Bmw has made a defective gas tank for this motorcycle. It cracks frequently. Though they warranty the tank, it is a safety issue. I am on my third tank. Secondly, the rear brake continues to lock up for no reason. I have had it with three mechanics in a year and no one can fix. It locked up today as I was riding.
Cracking fuel tanks poses a risk of not only getting stranded but potential fuel leaks and subsequent associated fires. The crack occurs along the seam by the seat along the rim of the fuel tank.
Motorcycle fuel tank has severe cracks on both sides, it appears that its a design flaw, bmw motorad of north america has known about this issue for at least 5 years, tanks have been replaced under the 3 year bmw warranty, however the problem appears not be going away and the new parts crack only a few months after…
On the internet it is reported by many owners as being an issue and has stated that it is most likely that the fuel pump over heats due to the close proximity to the engine in warm weather and seizes.shutting off the fuel flow causing engine failure.
Both sides of the gas tanks have cracks in the black plastic.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 10,921 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 30% most complained about).
On average one model year of the F800 GS has 3 complaints (13 years in the data). This year has 10, above average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW F800 GS?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel/propulsion system, service brakes, structure. Total complaints: 10. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (20%), engine failure or replacement (10%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2013 BMW F800 GS?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2013 BMW F800 GS from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2013 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.