2020 BMW F 850 GS

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

1RecallsNHTSA Verified0ComplaintsLimited Data0InvestigationsLimited Data
Expert Verdict
โœ“Good Reliability

The 2020 BMW F 850 GS showcases commendable reliability, with only one recall issue that primarily affects the brake light system. Regular users should stay mindful of this recall to ensure visibility during emergency situations.

Key Factor:Single minor recall

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

A single recall in a motorcycle like the 2020 BMW F 850 GS is impressive for its class. The issue pertains to the brake light flashing instead of remaining steady, which can lead to miscommunication during critical braking situations. This not only poses a safety risk but also highlights the manufacturerโ€™s commitment to compliance with federal safety standards, indicating that they take quality seriously.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis

Year-over-year, BMW has maintained a solid reputation for producing reliable bikes. The single recall noted is less severe than many other models in the market, suggesting that overall risk is manageable for potential buyers.

Critical Component: Various

Safety & Reliability Score

90/100
Excellent

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-2
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 BMW F 850 GS

Model Year2020
MakeBMW
ModelF 850 GS
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan20
NEWProduction
Dec20
RECALLRecall Issued
May21
ISSUEFirst Report
โœ…

No Consumer Complaints Reported

Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2020 BMW F 850 GS. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Exterior Lighting

Issue: Brake light may flash instead of remaining steady during emergency braking.

โœ…

Stay updated on recall notifications and have the brake light system inspected promptly.

๐Ÿ”

Confirm that the recall has been addressed before finalizing any purchase.

Campaign:20V123
๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your BMW dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 20V146000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 F900R, F900XR, S1000RR, F750GS, F850GS, F850GS Adventure, R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, R1250RS, R1250R, RnineT, RnineT Pure and RnineT Scrambler and 2019-2020 S1000R motorcycles. The brake light may flash instead of remain steady during emergency braking. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

A flashing brake light can cause confusion to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owner, and dealers will reprogram the emergency stop signal function, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
โœ“

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

0 complaints
โœ“

No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common issues reported with the 2020 BMW F 850 GS?

While there are currently no widespread complaints, there is a notable recall related to exterior lighting where the brake light may flash under emergency conditions. This could lead to confusion among drivers regarding your stopping intentions.

How does the reliability of the BMW F 850 GS compare to other motorcycles in its class?

'The BMW F 850 GS stands out with its reliability as it has faced minimal recalls compared to competitors. With just one minor issue related to lighting compliance, it emphasizes BMW's focus on safety and quality engineering.'

๐ŸงญWhat This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official BMW records to ensure no 1 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in BMW's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
  • This specific F 850 GS year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.
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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.