Recall 12V177 affects 1,414 2012 BMW S 1000 Rr motorcycles for loose connecting rod bolts. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 1,414 2012 S 1000 Rr motorcycles because connecting rod bolts can loosen during high engine temperatures or high engine speeds and cause catastrophic engine damage. If the engine is damaged, escaping oil can affect handling and increase crash risk; the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The connecting rod bolts inside the 2012 BMW S 1000 Rr engine hold each connecting rod tightly around the crankshaft. The connecting rod links the piston to the crankshaft, so each combustion stroke turns into engine rotation. Those bolts have to stay clamped while the engine is hot and spinning at high speed.
On the recalled motorcycles, a manufacturing process error left the connecting rod bolts vulnerable to loosening during high engine temperatures or high engine operating speeds. Once a bolt loosens, the rod no longer stays secured the way the engine was designed to run. That loss of clamping force is what BMW linked to catastrophic engine damage in recall 12V177.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not count on a noise, light, or change in engine feel to appear before the internal engine damage starts.
Who's affected?
| 2012 BMW S 1000 Rr | Engine |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,414 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Escaping oil after engine damage can create handling problems and increase the risk of a crash. Treat visible oil loss or unusual handling as a reason to stop when safe and call a BMW dealer before continuing. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 BMW S 1000 Rr is included in this recall.
- Contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 if you do not have the owner letter mailed on June 8, 2012.
- Ask a franchised BMW dealer about the free connecting-rod-bolt replacement that prevents loose bolts from causing engine damage and escaping oil.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 12V177 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop riding if you notice oil loss, engine damage, or handling changes.
What happens at the repair
BMW's remedy calls for a BMW technician to replace the connecting rod bolts in the engine. Those bolts clamp the connecting rod assembly, so the repair targets the fasteners that loosen under high engine temperature or high engine speed. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under recall 12V177. BMW Customer Relations and Services is the contact point listed in the recall remedy if the service desk needs campaign support.
Timeline
| April 20, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 8, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V177?
Recall 12V177 covers 1,414 2012 BMW S 1000 Rr motorcycles with connecting rod bolts that can loosen during high engine temperatures or high engine speeds. Engine damage can release oil and create handling issues, increasing crash risk. BMW dealers replace the connecting rod bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2012 BMW S 1000 Rr is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 12V177. If it is, contact a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer to schedule the connecting rod bolt replacement. Reference recall number 12V177 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW dealers replace the connecting rod bolts free of charge. The recall repair began on June 8, 2012.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is engine damage that releases oil and affects handling. BMW says loose connecting rod bolts can lead to catastrophic engine damage during high engine temperatures or high engine speeds. Escaping oil can create handling issues and increase crash risk.
What if I bought my BMW S 1000 Rr used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your motorcycle is included, then call a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer and reference recall number 12V177.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V177000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V177 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V177000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →