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BMW K 1600 GTL problems & recalls

NHTSA records for 2011–2025: 8 recall campaigns and 72 owner complaints. Pick a model year.

201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025

By year

YearRecallsComplaints
201110
2012433
201317
201417
201501
201603
201710
2018216
201933
202030
202111
202211
202310
202420
202510

What owners complain about (all years)

Steering17
Fuel/Propulsion System14
Electrical System10
Power Train9
Engine8
Fuel System, Gasoline6
Unknown Or Other3
Vehicle Speed Control2

Recent recalls

Power Train #26V214000 · 2026 · 9,160 units

Problem: Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2017-2025 k 1600 gt, gtl, b and 2018-2025 grand america vehicles. the seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.

Risk: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed may 28, 2026. a second letter will be mailed once the remedy is available. owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417. vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall will be searchable on nhtsa.gov beginning may 25, 2026.

Suspension #24V165000 · 2024 · 191 units

Problem: Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2024 r 1250rt, k 1600gt, k 1600gtl, and k 1600b motorcycles. the front spring strut may contain an incorrectly manufactured proportional valve that can loosen, and result in strut failure and a loss of stability.

Risk: A loss of stability while riding can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the strut production dates and replace the front spring struts as necessary, free of charge. owner notification letters were mailed april 29, 2024. owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Suspension #22V023000 · 2022 · 5,063 units

Problem: Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2019-2020 k1600 gt, k1600 gtl, and k1600 b motorcycles. the link strut connecting the rear suspension to the frame may have insufficient strength, which can cause the link strut to become damaged.

Risk: A damaged link strut can cause the rear of the motorcycle to contact the rear wheel, affecting riding stability and control, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rear link strut, free of charge. interim owner notification letters to inform owners of the safety risk were mailed on march 11, 2022. owner notification letters were mailed june 21, 2022. owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel System, Gasoline #21V060000 · 2021 · 20,963 units

Problem: Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2011-2014 s 1000 rr/r/ hp4, r 1200 gs/gs adventure/r/rt, k 1300 s, k 1600 gt/gtl/gtl exclusive and 2014 r nine t motorcycles. the fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.

Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. the recall began march 17, 2021. owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel System, Gasoline #20V471000 · 2020 · 16,926 units

Problem: Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2009-2011 k1300 (s, gt), 2010-2011 s1000 rr, 2005-2011 r1200 (gs, gs adventure, r, rt, s, st), 2006-2010 hp2 (enduro, megamoto, sport), 2005-2008 k1200 (r, r sport, s, gt), and 2012 k1600 (gt, gtl) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13v-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. this recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. the affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. the recall began january 18, 2021. owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Power Train #19V692000 · 2019 · 4,672 units

Problem: Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2017-2020 k 1600 gt and 2018-2020 k 1600 gtl and k 1600 b motorcycles. certain transmission parts may not have been produced to the appropriate hardness level. this could affect the function of the transmission, possibly causing double engagement of two gears and/or the damage of transmission parts.

Risk: Double gear engagement or transmission damage can cause the rear wheel to lock up, affecting the vehicle stability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shift forks, the selector sleeve of 5th/6th gear and the gear wheel of 6th gear, free of charge. interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed november 1, 2019. a second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel System, Gasoline #13V617000 · 2013 · 50,184 units

Problem: Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year r-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 k-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 s 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 hp2 motorcycles. in the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. the recall began on april 16, 2014. owners may contact bmw customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email bmw at customerrelations@bmwusa.com.

Engine, Electrical System #13V526000 · 2013 · 2,475 units

Problem: Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain model year 2012 k1600 gt and k1600 gtl motorcycles. in certain riding conditions, an incorrect throttle valve control signal may be received by the engine control unit, limiting the engine speed.

Risk: As a result of the reduced engine speed, the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will update the throttle control software, free of charge. the safety recall is expected to begin in december 2013. owners may contact bmw customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email bmw at customerrelations@bmwusa.com.

Want the full repair deets? Get the service manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the K 1600 GTL.

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