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Campaign 20V476 Posted August 13, 2020 9,392 units

2019-2020 BMW R 1250/S 1000 Recall 20V476: Brake Fluid Leak

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 24, 2026

Recall 20V476 affects 9,392 2019-2020 BMW R 1250 and S 1000 motorcycles for leaking front brake calipers. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.

BMW is recalling 9,392 2019-2020 R 1250 RT, R 1250 Gs Adventure, R 1250 Gs, S 1000 Rr, and S 1000 Xr motorcycles because the front brake calipers can leak brake fluid while parked. Low brake fluid can affect braking performance and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free at a BMW dealer once available.

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What's wrong?

The front brake calipers on the 2019-2020 BMW R 1250 RT, R 1250 Gs Adventure, R 1250 Gs, S 1000 Rr, and S 1000 Xr are the clamping parts at the front wheel. When you squeeze the brake lever, hydraulic pressure pushes pistons inside each caliper, and the caliper presses the brake pads against the disc to slow the motorcycle.

On affected motorcycles, the front brake calipers do not keep brake fluid sealed inside the brake system while the motorcycle is parked. Brake fluid is the liquid that carries lever pressure to the caliper. If fluid leaks out, the system has less fluid available to build the pressure needed for normal front brake operation.

There is no warning sign before failure. After parking, an owner can find brake fluid near the front calipers, wheel, tire, or ground, but that means the leak has already started.

Who's affected?

The scope spans 5 BMW motorcycle models across 2 model years, with the front brake caliper listed as the shared part.

2019 BMW R 1250 RT brake system
2019 BMW R 1250 RT hydraulic brake system
2020 BMW R 1250 Gs Adventure brake system
2020 BMW R 1250 Gs Adventure hydraulic brake system
2019 BMW R 1250 Gs Adventure brake system
Units affected9,392

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.

What's the safety risk?

A leaking front brake caliper can lower the brake-fluid level in the reservoir. Low brake fluid can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash. Schedule the recall repair and avoid riding if braking feels weak or the fluid level is low. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 BMW R 1250 RT, R 1250 Gs Adventure, R 1250 Gs, S 1000 Rr, or S 1000 Xr is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer to ask about the free front brake-caliper inspection and replacement that addresses brake-fluid leaks.
  3. Reference recall number 20V476 when you call BMW or the dealer.
  4. Bring the recall notice if BMW sent one, along with any service records related to front brake-fluid loss.
  5. Inspect the brake-fluid reservoir before riding and avoid riding with low brake fluid or reduced brake performance.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the front brake calipers for the brake fluid leak covered by this recall. If the inspection shows the calipers need replacement, the technician installs improved front brake calipers. The inspection and any required replacement are free under the recall, including parts and labor. Ask the service desk to confirm that your VIN is included before the appointment so the dealer can prepare the right parts.

Timeline

August 13, 2020 NHTSA published the recall
March 8, 2021 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 20V476?

Recall 20V476 covers 9,392 2019-2020 BMW R 1250 RT, R 1250 Gs Adventure, R 1250 Gs, S 1000 Rr, and S 1000 Xr motorcycles with front brake calipers that can leak brake fluid when parked. BMW dealers inspect the calipers and replace them for free when needed.

What should I do if my 2019-2020 BMW motorcycle is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 20V476. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask for the front brake caliper inspection. Reference recall number 20V476 when you call. The dealer repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires BMW to repair this safety defect at no cost. A franchised BMW dealer will inspect the front brake calipers and replace them with improved calipers for free if the inspection shows replacement is needed.

What is the safety risk?

A leaking front brake caliper can lower the brake fluid level in the reservoir over time. Low brake fluid can affect front brake performance and increase crash risk. Until the repair is complete, watch for fluid near the front calipers and changes in brake feel.

When did BMW start the repair for recall 20V476?

BMW issued an interim owner notice on October 12, 2020, and the full recall repair began March 8, 2021. If your VIN is included, a franchised BMW dealer can inspect the front brake calipers and replace them for free when needed.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V476000
BMW customer service1-800-525-7417
NHTSA recall #20V476
NHTSA recall # (full)20V476000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →