Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | 0 | 2 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2020 | 0 | 3 |
| 2019 | 3 | 3 |
| 2018 K 1600 GTL | 16 | 2 |
| 2017 | 0 | 1 |
| 2016 | 3 | 0 |
| 2015 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014 K 1600 GTL | 7 | 1 |
| 2013 K 1600 GTL | 7 | 1 |
| 2012 K 1600 GTL | 33 | 4 |
| 2011 | 0 | 1 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Steering18
- Fuel/propulsion system14
- Power train12
- Electrical system11
- Engine9
- Fuel system, gasoline6
- Unknown or other5
- Suspension5
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 13 K 1600 GTL vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died, and 12 people died inside them. These are counts, not crash rates: a model with more cars on the road shows up more often, and people killed outside the vehicle are not counted here.
| Model year | Vehicles in fatal crashes | Deaths in the vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 | 3 | 4 |
| 2016 | 1 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014 | 2 | 1 |
| 2013 | 4 | 4 |
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain) · how we count
EU safety alerts
Safety Gate, the European Union's rapid alert system, names the K 1600 GTL in 3 alerts. European versions can differ from the North American car.
The screw connection between the valve housing and the damper at the front and rear of the spring legs may become detached. If the front spring leg is affected, driving stability may be impaired. This can cause the driver to lose control of the motorcycle, inc…
The functional "shift fork / selector sleeve / gearwheel" group of the gearbox might become damaged. Consequently, two gears might be engaged at the same time causing the rear wheel to be blocked, or the teeth of the gears sheared off, increasing the risk of a…
The plausibility limits stored in the engine control unit for monitoring throttle signals are too narrow. Incorrect processing of the signals may cause the engine to cut out when the motorcycle is in motion with the risk of the rider falling from the motorcycl…
Safety Gate (European Commission) · CC0
Recalls
8 campaigns cover the K 1600 GTL.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA recalls