2018 BMW K 1600 Gtl
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › BMW › K 1600 Gtl › 2018
These records cover every 2018 BMW K 1600 Gtl. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2018 BMW K 1600 Gtl. Newest first.
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 and remedy
Risk
An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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, anticipated late October 2026. 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.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
16 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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).
- 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…
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.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2018 BMW k-1600. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the engine fault warning light illuminated and the motorcycle immediately stalled. The contact pulled the motorcycle off to the side of the roadway, restarted the motorcycle without further incidence. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2018 BMW k-1600. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the engine fault warning light illuminated and the motorcycle immediately stalled. The contact pulled the motorcycle off to the side of the roadway, restarted the motorcycle without further incidence. The motorcycle was taken to big sky motorsports (2315 south ave w, missoula, mt 59801) where the contact was informed that the motorcycle needed a software update. The software update was performed and returned to the contact. Recently, while driving 72 mph with the cruise control engaged, the engine fault light illuminated and the motorcycle stalled again. The contact was also able to restart the motorcycle soon after failure. The contact called the same dealer and made an appointment for the motorcycle to be inspected. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the motorcycle. The contact was also informed that he would receive a callback for more information on the failure. The motorcycle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 8,500.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2018 BMW k 1600 gtl. The contact stated while driving at 65 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated engine problem warning message displayed. The contact was able to park on the side of road and after a couple of…
TL* the contact owns a 2018 BMW k 1600 gtl. The contact stated while driving at 65 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated engine problem warning message displayed. The contact was able to park on the side of road and after a couple of minutes the vehicle was restarted and the contact was able to drive home. The contact stated he had experience the failure multiple times. The contact stated the failure was indeterminately and felt unsafe to drive to the dealer. the motorcycle was towed to local (dealer motorcycles of charlotte located at 731 westinghouse blvd, charlotte, nc 28273, (704) 882-6106) but were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 2,755. *bf *as
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2018 BMW k1600 gtl. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v692000 (power train) however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. BMW…
TL* the contact owns a 2018 BMW k1600 gtl. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v692000 (power train) however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. BMW motorcycles fort lauderdale (4201 peters road, plantation, fl 33317) was contacted and it was informed that the remedy part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the motorcycle was safe to operate. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a BMW k1600. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v-692000 (power train) however, the parts to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. An unknown…
TL* the contact owns a BMW k1600. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v-692000 (power train) however, the parts to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. An unknown dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin tool confirmed the parts are not available.
- Steering · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2018 BMW k 1600 gtl. While riding at approximately 50-60 mph, the contact stated that the motorcycle started to vibrate abnormally. The contact stated that the wobbling in the steering and suspension was more noticeable while riding behind a high profile vehicle. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2018 BMW k 1600 gtl. While riding at approximately 50-60 mph, the contact stated that the motorcycle started to vibrate abnormally. The contact stated that the wobbling in the steering and suspension was more noticeable while riding behind a high profile vehicle. The motorcycle was taken to grand junction BMW (located at 2747 crossroads blvd, grand junction, co 81506, (970) 245-0812) where it was diagnosed that it was unsafe to operate. Additionally, the contact previously owned a 2018 BMW grand america that experienced the same failure. The manufacturer authorized the grand america be replaced with the current vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2.
- Steering
This IS a new, 2018 motorcycle purchased from the dealer on 4/6/2019 with 6 miles on the odometer. After a short test ride through several short back-roads around the dealership I decided to purchase the vehicle. Upon leaving the dealership and heading home on the interstate at highway speeds the…
This IS a new, 2018 motorcycle purchased from the dealer on 4/6/2019 with 6 miles on the odometer. After a short test ride through several short back-roads around the dealership I decided to purchase the vehicle. Upon leaving the dealership and heading home on the interstate at highway speeds the issue revealed itself. the motorcycle has a dangerously aggressive left pull. Constant pulling of the left bar and/or pushing of the right bar IS required for the vehicle to track properly. easing off of the pressure will result in the motorcycle initially leaning and turning left. if not corrected by reapplying the pulling/pushing of the handlebars the bike will aggressively pull left across lanes or into oncoming lanes. I notified the sales person of the issue and was advised to bring the vehicle in the following friday (4/12/19) to be checked. Upon arrival the service manager stated he didn't have time to look at the vehicle and scheduled another date (4/17/19) to bring the bike in. upon inspection and a test ride the service manager stated that he couldn't find anything wrong with the vehicle but he said the wind was blowing strongly at the time of his ride. his solution was to adjust the front tire air pressure and send me on my way. this pulling IS dangerous not to mention extremely fatiguing by constantly having to correct the tracking of the bike. because of the constant effort involved to correct the tracking of the bike I do not feel safe driving this vehicle more than a few miles at a time. I have tried riding in different lanes and in different positions in those lanes all with the same results so the crown/grade of the road IS not causing the issue.
- Unknown or other
Vehicle unstable at highway speed. Reported to manufacturer,. Dealer made attempts to fix by balancing wheels that did not help. Then replaced tires and that also did not help. This IS a safety concern and not getting proper response from BMW to rectify the problem. Attached invoice for work done.
- Unknown or other
This vehicle IS a motorcycle. When starting engine from a stationary position, while in neutral, the throttle gets stuck revving at approximately 3000 rpm. Can't shift out of neutral or decelerate/acelerate throttle. This has happened on multiple occasions.
- Unknown or other
When turning the engine on throttle dose not respond, it happened a few times notify dealer they have no solution, vehicle was stationary
- Steering · Unknown or other
I owned a 2012 model of this bike few years back and I had the same symptoms only apparent in this model of BMW brand bikes. This problem well known in the BMW riders community as "pulling tothe left" issue only on k1600gtl model bikes since years. Some pulls extremely aggressive in nature and some…
I owned a 2012 model of this bike few years back and I had the same symptoms only apparent in this model of BMW brand bikes. This problem well known in the BMW riders community as "pulling tothe left" issue only on k1600gtl model bikes since years. Some pulls extremely aggressive in nature and some milder. BMW ignores it yet all service centers around the country are aware of the issue. At least half of the bikes of this models on the roads are effected. bike requires constant pressure applied to the right in order to track a straight line on a straight away road. If pressure even slightly release bike moves on to the left and on a single lane roads it means towards to the oncoming traffic. I hope BMW IS not waiting to look at this issue seriously until someone gets killed. if all current and past BMW k1600gtl owners were surveyed I am sure you'll find at least 50% of them will say yes they have this issue. But not many are aware that they can notify authorities like you guys and only complain it to their service centers and when BMW says "tough luck" they keep continue to ride their $30,000 bikes they are stuck with. No other similarly designed BMW touring bikes have this issue. So it IS a model specific problem. Same was on a 2012 model and 6 years later still same problem exist on a 2018 model. this symptom causing fatigue on long rides which resulting less pressure being applied to the right side of the handle bar and as a chain reaction bike begins to pull left more and more aggressively.
- Steering
BMW introduced the k1600 motorcycle in 2011. At that time close to 50% of the units surveyed (210 out of 424) want to steer left (into oncoming traffic), unless you counter steer to the right. here IS a link to the online poll and subsequent discussion by the owners…
BMW introduced the k1600 motorcycle in 2011. At that time close to 50% of the units surveyed (210 out of 424) want to steer left (into oncoming traffic), unless you counter steer to the right. here IS a link to the online poll and subsequent discussion by the owners: http://www.k1600forum.com/forum/bmw-k1600-general-discussions/1425-bike-pulls-one-side-poll.html I just purchased a new 2018 k1600b BMW motorcycle and it too wants to drift into oncoming traffic, unless the bike IS steered to the right. This requires constant pressure adjustment, so any distraction can cause the bike to veer to the left into oncoming traffic. additionally, it will cause uneven tire wear, increasing costs to the consumer for new tires on a more frequent basis. BMW has known about this issue since 2011 and has done nothing to correct it in over 7 years. before I purchased the bike, I specifically asked the dealer to check to ensure the bike did not pull to the left and was assured it would be done. As it was only 20 degrees when I picked up the bike I had to trailer it home. But, upon doing the first ride, sure enough it drifts to the left. I would like BMW to issue a recall to fix the bikes that pull to one side.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Motorcycle has a delay in wireless throttle which will not engage engine causing delays in taking off & causing vehicle in-op & laying motorcycle down from lack of power or running, 1 st time in parking lot with passenger no throttle response ,hurt left knee & leg trying to keep motorcycle up…
Motorcycle has a delay in wireless throttle which will not engage engine causing delays in taking off & causing vehicle in-op & laying motorcycle down from lack of power or running, 1 st time in parking lot with passenger no throttle response ,hurt left knee & leg trying to keep motorcycle up right without going down since no engine response, 2 nd time delay caused me almost to go down in inner section & to cause oncoming traffic to bail out & do unsafe lane change so not to hit me & my wife,then tried to use reverse witch stuck in 3RD gear, & broke ,has been in dealers service dept since january for no parts avail for reverse repair
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
- 10230742Due to a hardware change to the angular rate sensor, certain sub functions will not be active until after a software update.
- 10218366Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the N63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166).
- 10218352Due to a hardware change to the angular rate sensor, a specific function "Front Wheel Lift Detection" of the Pro Driving Modes is not activated.
- 10214996General Electric Systems.
- 10212064Emission Control Information.?
- 10203319BMW Motorrad has ascertained that Keyless Ride radio keys produced before March 28, 2014 have faulty software. This can result in the radio key ceasing to work; resulting in the engine not being able to start. If the radio key stops working while riding, the warning and indictor lamps light up to indicate the fault but the engine will not stop running until it is shut off.
- 10201170When diagnosing fault codes (0x3A13D7, 0x3A13D9), technicians erroneously condemn the electronic throttle grip, which analyses show is rarely the culprit.
- 10200269The bike does not shut down with a short press of the keyless ride button. The keyless Ride button must be pressed for several seconds to shut the bike down
- 10156337Engine warning lights come one when the vehicle is in motion. Throttle Fault "Comparison fault adapted values" is stored in memeory. Reprogramm DME.
- 10151395Engine sysmbol stays on after software update. Software error which is resolved with upgrade.
- 10151297During programming ith ISTA/P software version3.58.2.001. a programming abort occurred. Afterwards the vehicle is inoperative and can no longer be started. Repeated programming is not possible with this tversion. Software bug.
- 10150092Fault code memory entry Ox21F960, throttle valve
- 10149288Navigator V maintains a Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone for a short period.
- 10147912Map data should be stored on a 64 GB SD card. In GARMIN Express the note appears that a maximum of 32 GB is possible.
- 10147806Ticking noises can be heard from the motorcycle speakers and also from the Bluetooth communication system when a Navigator V is in the cradle. Lin Messages are transmitted through the cradled Navigator at high volume.
- 10147804After activation of the alarm system, the turn indicators remain on for 1 minute with integration levels higher than k001-15-03-510.
- 10147756Mist forms in the headlight. This is due to condensation and goes away again.
- 10147754After activation of th ealarm system, the turn signals remain on for 1 minute. Previously they turned off automatically. Software malfunction.
- 10147752When riding faster thatn 100mph, the armrest folds up and blocks the view in the mirror. A catch is missing.
- 10135006Incorrect tire pressure appears in the instrument cluster. Contamination or obstruction of the RDC sensor.
Every BMW K 1600 Gtl model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.