BMW K 1600 GTL Complaints

72 consumer complaints on file.

#11762100September 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am filing this complaint regarding NHTSA Safety Recall 26V214 for my 2021 BMW K1600GTL. The reverse gear system on my motorcycle has completely failed and is currently inoperative. Recall 26V214 concerns the reverse gear control unit. According to the recall, moisture may enter the unit, causing internal corrosion and loss of reverse function. The condition may also cause overheating and, in rare cases, increase the risk of a thermal event or fire. NHTSA currently shows my motorcycle as: “Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available.” For approximately three months, I have been attempting to obtain the recall repair through an authorized BMW Motorrad dealer in Connecticut. The dealer has been helpful but cannot obtain the required replacement reverse gear control unit. I escalated the matter to BMW Motorrad USA. After written correspondence and two telephone calls, BMW Motorrad USA informed me on September 3, 2026 that it cannot currently provide a solution and does not know when the required replacement part will become available. I also contacted BMW in Germany but was referred back to BMW Motorrad USA and the dealer. There has been no fire, crash, or injury. However, the reverse system has already completely failed, and after approximately three months BMW still cannot provide the recall remedy, a confirmed part allocation, or an estimated availability date. I respectfully request that NHTSA review BMW's inability to provide the remedy for Recall 26V214 in a timely manner.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742011June 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
At the end of April, 2026, I was using the 'Reverse Gear' function to assist with parking the motorcycle. I needed to move back about 15 feet into the parking spot. As I was moving backward, at approximately 3 to 5 feet, the reverse function suddenly stopped propelling the motorcycle backward causing me to loose balance. I tipped and had to lay the bike down to prevent injury. The lay down caused minor scratching and indentations to the motorcycle. At the time I thought I smelled a burning electronics smell - but can't be certain. Since this incident occurred, the Reverse Gear has not been operational at all. I have contacted my local dealer to facilitate the 26V-214 recall repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687646September 16, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Strong scent of fuel odor. Plastic elbow connectors is the culprit . This is the 2nd time this bike went in for Fuel leak problem. 1st time it went in the Bmw service bike was at 19,500 miles went in for fuel leak recall. They said they fixed it but 300+ miles later at 19,800 miles it started a fuel leak again. This time bmw charge me to fix the fuel leak issue. Should have been part of the fuel leak recall issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11579464March 26, 2024
POWER TRAIN
Motorcycle has 45000miles and the transmission started to stutter in 4th gear, the symptoms match the recalled transmission for 2017 bmw k1600. This is very dangerous and in 4th gear the vehicle is traveling at around 50mph, when applying throttle the whole bike bucks and becomes unstable
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11551187October 21, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Started the motorcycle in my garage, then shut it off within a few seconds as soon as I realized that gasoline was streaming at high volume out the bottom of the motorcycle. In seconds I had a 4 foot diameter puddle on the floor of my garage. The exhaust pipes got hot enough in just the few seconds (less than 5 seconds) that the engine was running that the gasoline drops hitting the exhaust pipes were vaporizing. I am very-very lucky the motorcycle did not light itself on fire and since it was in my garage, light my house on fire. Reading the K16oo Forum (an online users group blog) I find that there is another instance of this failure on an identical motorcycle (make, model, year and trim level) in September in Southern California. And we both had the same cause. I now have the bike back from the dealer repair under warranty and the root cause of the failure was a fuel line hose clamp which was improperly/incompletely crimped while being manufactured. This allowed the fuel line to eventually disconnect itself from the fitting. This improperly crimped hose clamp was at the fuel line quick disconnect elbow just underneath the gas tank, which is on the high pressure side of the fuel pump. I'm attaching the repair invoice showing it took one hose clamp (and a proper crimp) to fix and also an image of the bike dripping gasoline. Keep in mind this photo was taken after I shut off the bike and thereby turned off the fuel pump, so this is just residual gasoline draining after the spray was shutoff. I have a nice video of the bike dripping gas and the gas vaporizing as it hits the exhaust pipes taken right after this photo, but its MP4 format, which your site does not accept.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11530509July 5, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I noticed a smell of gasoline in my garage. Checking my motorcycle, I found fuel residue on the engine cases. I had a similar problem with an earlier BMW that I owned. My 2009 BMW R1200RT had a recall for a fuel pump replacement that I had done. A couple of years later I experienced a fuel leak. My mechanic replaced the quick disconnect in the line from the fuel tank to the carburetor. I suspect this is the same problem, but I have not had it fixed yet. By the way, when I looked up the VIN on this website, all I got was an error and a note to call BMW.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11487455October 1, 2022
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
BMW K1600 GTL 2013 have the same issues that lates model, engine a lot noise and clank engine, unstable when you raided up 70 mph, really dangerous. Have to be responsable and do recalls in all those motorcycles. Thanks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11464467May 13, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE
The contact owns a 2018 BMW K1600 GTL motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding at an undisclosed speed, the motorcycle inadvertently shifted into limp mode. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with throttle body failure. The dealer informed the contact that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446077January 3, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On December 26, 2021, I purchased a used BMW K1600 GTL from a private party near Houston, TX. I then proceeded to drive the motorcycle to my home located just north of Dallas, TX. The motorcycle exhibited no issues and ran perfectly. Two days later as I was driving it to get the title and registration put into my name, I began to notice the smell of fuel. At first I thought it might have been running rich and needing a tune up. It had close to 30,000 miles on it and had not been driven since the previous owner passed away in March. After about 15 miles and a couple of stops the smell proceeded to get much worse. When I got back home, the smell was really bad and I noticed fuel dripping from the bottom of the motorcycle at a fairly steady pace. I took the body panels off to gain access to where the fuel might be coming from. Once I located the leak, I was shocked at how much fuel was actually spraying out of the fuel pump. If this leak happened two days earlier, it could have easily ignited on a hot motor, a cigarette being tossed out of another car or any other source of ignition. I am attaching a video of the actual fuel pump spraying gas and soaking the motor. In a very short ride, my pants leg and shoe smelled of fresh gasoline. I could have been been consumed in fire. This is a time bomb ready to happen which could have killed me. This problem needs more attention put on it before someone dies in a fiery crash.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11438710October 29, 2021
ENGINE
Greetings. I was notified earlier this year of a recall on my bike. The recall was issued in February, 2021 for a safety issue with the fuel pump. While my dealer has been very understanding and responsive, I am told the part is not available and they have no idea when they will be able to repair this important safety defect. It has now been over 8 months since the recall and there is no information about the required repair. I am growing concerned about the safety issue with this situation and would like to know when I can expect the part to be available so that my personal safety is not at risk. Please advise. Thanks. NHTSA Recall Number21V060
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11438549October 28, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL Motorcycle. The contact stated fuel was leaking from intake. There was an abnormal odor of fuel detected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted who referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11436183October 9, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
BMW has an open recall regarding a defective fuel pump. Affected bikes: BMW K 1600 GT, K 1600 GTL, K 1600 GTL Exclusive (2011-2014) When I contact BMW they tell me my VIN is not affected, but I have 100% confirmed that my fuel pump is leaking gas at a very unsafe rate. My bike year and model matches, and the effected part also matching, including the failure. This can cause my motorbike to turn into flames very easily as soon as it is turned on. I have seen it throw a flame but it stopped soon after. BMW is not willing to help me, even though there is an open recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11434723September 28, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2013 BMW K1600 GTL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424777July 14, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dealer has not received ANY parts to repair this and cannot provide a date when they expect to receive them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424491July 12, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump replacement recall due to potential fire hazard was issued April 8, 2021. There are no parts being made available to dealers to make the repair. It has been over 3-months and per discussion with the BMW customer service there is no information as to when parts will be available. This is not being remedied in a reasonable period of time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11423239July 2, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The dealer has been unable to make a repair in a reasonable time. I called my dealer in May at Moon Motorsports in Monticello, MN to schedule an appointment for Recall Campaign No. 21V-060. They said replacements for this recall have been backordered. I called again today (July 2) to get an update. He said there are 32 standing orders and the #1 person had called on April 15. My bike is now smelling of fuel, so my riding season is over until this can be resolved. I am contacting you because my recall notice says I should do this if my BMW motorcycle dealer is unable to remedy the defect within a reasonable period of time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11422557June 28, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2012 BMW K-1600. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11416412May 13, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW K 1600 GTL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V160000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE AND WHILE IT WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT DETECTED AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR. MATHIAS BMW (851 COMMERCIAL AVE SE, NEW PHILADELPHIA, OH 44663) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND WAS AWARE OF THE RECALL HOWEVER, INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE NOT RECEIVING PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE MIGHT CATCH ON FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11414373April 28, 2021
STEERING
WHILE RIDING THIS MOTORCYCLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (60+MPH) NEAR SEMI TRUCK TRAFFIC. THE AIR FLOW COMING OFF OF THE TRUCK WOULD IMPACT THE MOTORCYCLE, THE BIKE WOULD WOBBLE SIGNIFICANTLY MAKING IT VERY HARD TO CONTROL AND ON THE CUSP OF LOSING CONTROL. THE SAME WOULD HAPPEN WHEN THERE WERE CROSS WINDS OF 30+MPH. IN BOTH OF THESE CONDITIONS THE BIKE BECAME DANGEROUS TO RIDE. THIS WOBBLE HAPPENED EACH TIME I WAS NEAR A TRUCK ON A HIGHWAY AND IN SIGNIFICANT CROSS WINDS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11407053April 8, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V060000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT CALLED BMW MOTORCYCLES OF GREATER CINCINNATI (140 N VERITY PKWY, MIDDLETOWN, OH 45042) WHERE AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED HOWEVER, HE WAS CALLED THREE DAYS PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER AND NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO CALLED TOM WOOD POWERSPORTS INDY (3400 E 96TH ST, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240) WHO ALSO INFORMED HIM THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOR MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.*DT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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