2020 BMW S 1000 XR

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
Good Reliability

This 2020 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the BMW brand.

Key Factor:below-average recall rate

📋Why This Matters

Brake and steering systems are the foundation of vehicle control. Issues in these areas directly influence insurance risk assessments.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:critical safety systems
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Expert Analysis

The 2020 S 1000 XR analysis highlights key safety metrics.

Safety & Reliability Score

84/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-0.1
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 BMW S 1000 XR

Model Year2020
MakeBMW
ModelS 1000 XR
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb21
ISSUEFirst Report
Mar23
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

1 complaints (50% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 2 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟡Medium
1(50%)
🟢Low
1(50%)
Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

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

Primary Risk Areas

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Official Safety Recalls (2)

Campaign: 20V476000

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."

Consequence

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.

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

Campaign: 23V051000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S 1000R and 2020-2023 S 1000XR motorcycles. During a software update performed at a dealership, the "Dynamic Pro" riding mode feature "front wheel lift-off assistant" may have been inadvertently deactivated without alerting the rider.

Consequence

Riding a motorcycle without knowing that the "front wheel lift-off assistant" has been deactivated can result in unexpected handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will instruct owners to check the configuration settings in the "Dynamic Pro" riding mode and adjust the settings as needed. Dealers will also inspect the motorcycles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2023. 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.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

2 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 S 1000 XR.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Stall50%
Power Loss50%
Warning50%
Display50%
Other🔶 Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On multiple occasions the motorcycle engine has stopped/stalled as I approached a stop sign or traffic light and pulled in the clutch. In the most recent incident I was exiting a highway after several hours of riding, including multiple stops and starts and a range of speeds and weather conditions. I decelerated using engine braking from 6th to 1st gear, and then pulled in the clutch, whereupon the engine immediately stopped/stalled. I tried to restart it while still moving using the electric starter without success. I tried again after pulling to the side of the road, again without success. I moved the transmission to neutral, and still couldn't restart. Then I pulled in the clutch again, and the motorcycle began running. No other incident occurred during this day. No warnings or indicators were displayed on the dash. A few months ago, I had a similar situation. As I approached a "Y" in the road, decelerating using engine braking and downshifts, when I pulled in the clutch approaching the stop, the engine stalled/stopped. This time the adjoining road was pointed downhill, and I continued moving after making the right turn. Again, using the electric starter didn't work, but I was able to bump start the engine by releasing the clutch while in gear. I am concerned as this random loss of power doesn't appear to be covered by any recalls, can be found as an issue with other riders by Googling/Searching "2020 S1000XR Stall", and because the loss of power potentially places the rider in a dangerous situation in the road without the ability to move while traffic approaches from behind.

Brakes🔵 Low
SERVICE BRAKES

BMW ISSUED A STOP SALE RECALL FOR MY S1000XR AS WELL AS THE S1000RR SO THEY COULD REPLACE THE BRAKE CALIPERS. WHEN NEW, BOTH OF THESE BIKES CAME WITH THE SAME BRAKE CALIPERS. BMW IS REPLACING THE S1000XR BRAKES WITH A MUCH LOWER QUALITY BRAKE THAN THEY ARE REPLACING ON THE S10000RR. AS THEY BOTH CAME WITH THE SAME HIGH QUALITY BRAKES WHEN SOLD NEW, THEY SHOULD BOTH GET EQUAL BRAKES AS REPLACEMENTS. BOTH OF THESE MOTORCYCLES ARE SOLD AS BEING READY TO USE ON RACE TRACKS, BUT THE REPLACEMENT BRAKES FOR THE S1000XR ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR THAT USE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2020 BMW S 1000 XR?

Yes, the 2020 BMW S 1000 XR has 2 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE.

Is the 2020 BMW S 1000 XR safe to drive?

The 2020 BMW S 1000 XR has 2 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2020 BMW S 1000 XR has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local BMW dealer.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Service brakes, hydraulic

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm service brakes, hydraulic recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all service brakes, hydraulic recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:20V476000
2

Electrical system

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm electrical system recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all electrical system recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:23V051000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your BMW dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

This analysis is particularly important for drivers who navigate steep terrain, tow regularly, or drive in frequent rain or snow.

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

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 2 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your BMW dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
  • This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.