U.S. public vehicle records

2012 Bmw K 1600 GTL problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

33 owner complaints analyzed

4 distinct recall campaigns

4,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2012 model year. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 25 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 33 complaints (21.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Fuel system concerns	5	15.2%
Steering behavior	3	9.1%
Transmission and shifting	2	6.1%
Engine operation	2	6.1%
Braking behavior	2	6.1%
Electrical and battery issues	2	6.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System

Steering

Fuel/Propulsion System

Engine

Exterior Lighting

Fuel System, Gasoline

Power Train

Suspension

Electrical System: 7; Steering: 7; Fuel/Propulsion System: 6; Engine: 4; Exterior Lighting: 4; Fuel System, Gasoline: 4; Power Train: 3; Suspension: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 23; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (23). 8 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2011

2013

2014

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2024

2025

2011: 7; 2013: 12; 2014: 1; 2017: 1; 2018: 1; 2019: 1; 2020: 3; 2021: 5; 2024: 1; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns appears in 5 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10438769 · 2011-12-06 (December 6, 2011)

ON TURNING ON THE IGNITION KEY IN MY GARAGE, THE FUEL PUMP WAS AUDIBLE, AND THE BIKE FAILED TO START WHEN THE STARTER BUTTON WAS PRESSED. IMMEDIATELY I NOTICED A VERY LARGE TORRENT OF GASOLINE POURING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE, RIGHT OVER THE EXHAUST HEADERS, WHICH WERE FORTUNATELY NOT YET HOT. THE AMOUNT OF GASOLINE LOST WAS AROUND 1 LITER, BEFORE I REALIZED WHAT WAS HAPPENING, AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION KEY. FORTUNATELY, NO FIRE RESULTED AS I ROLLED THE BIKE OUT OF THE POOL OF GASOLINE AND ON OUT OF THE GARAGE. AFTER THE BIKE WAS…

Owner-reported narrative. 150 miles reported. Look up ODI 10438769 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11280916 · 2019-11-18 (November 18, 2019)

AFTER RETURNING FROM A RIDE, I NOTICED A FUEL SMELL. I LOCATED DROPS OF FUEL BENEATH THE BIKE AND BEGAN TO TRACE THE LIQUID TO IT'S SOURCE. THE SOURCE WAS A CRACKED FUEL PUMP FLANGE WHERE A THREADED FITTING WAS INSTALLED. BMW ISSUED A RECALL ON 2012 K1600 GTLS, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE MY VIN. BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE CLAIMED MY BIKE WAS PRODUCED TWO MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL CUT OFF DATE. MY BIKE EXPERIENCED THE SAME LEAK AS DESCRIBED IN THEIR RECALL. THIS WAS VERIFIED BY THE LOCAL BMW DEALER, RIDENOW IN CHANDLER ARIZONA PER THE REQUEST OF BMW. AFTER "R…

Owner-reported narrative. 16,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11280916 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10429391 · 2011-10-11 (October 11, 2011)

THE BIKE HAS PULLED TO THE LEFT FROM THE TIME I PURCHASED IT. BMW DEALER TESTED IT AND VERIFIED THE PULL TO THE LEFT. LAST WEEK A STEERING PART WAS REPLACED AND THE DEALER SAID IT WAS FIXED. AFTER RIDING IT I KNOW THAT IT IS NOT FIXED. STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT - PERHAPS NOT QUITE AS MUCH AS BEFORE THE "REPAIR". *KB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10429391 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10543150 · 2013-09-11 (September 11, 2013)

THE MOTORCYCLE "PULLS" SEVERELY TO THE LEFT AT ALL TIMES WHEN IN MOTION RESULTING IN DRIVER FATIGUE AND PAIN IN ARMS AND SHOULDERS FROM CONSTANT COUNTER-STEERING. THE BIKE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THEY REPORT THAT BMW DOESN'T CONSIDER IT A PROBLEM AND WILL NOT FIX IT. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE OF 2011. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 12,040 miles reported. Look up ODI 10543150 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10440023 · 2011-12-15 (December 15, 2011)

HAD A BAD OIL LEAK FROM THE TRANSMISSION ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BIKE. NEW TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED BY BMW DEALER. BAD OIL AND COOLANT FLUID LEAK FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE. NEW PUMP WAS INSTALLED. THE BIKE WAS OUT OF SERVICE AT THE DEALER FOR 2.5 MONTHS TO FIX IT. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 3,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10440023 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11579464 · 2024-03-26 (March 26, 2024)

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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11579464 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10415521 · 2011-07-28 (July 28, 2011)

I HAVE SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUES WITH MY 2012 TRIUMPH TIGER 800 ABS. IT RELATES TO ENGINE STALLING. OTHERS HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON INTERNET FORUMS, AND SO I HAVE DECIDED TO FILE A SAFETY COMPLAINT. I HAVE HAD MY TIGER 800 FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, AND HAVE PUT ON ABOUT 1500 MILES. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH STALLING. ON BOTH OCCASIONS I HAD BEEN RIDING ON RELATIVELY HOT DAYS (85 DEGREES F) FOR SEVERAL HOURS. I HAD NO ISSUES WITH OVERHEATING. SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING, MY BIKE BEGAN TO STALL EVERY TIME I ROLLED OFF…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10415521 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10512968 · 2013-05-21 (May 21, 2013)

LEFT AND RIGHT HANDLEBAR CONTROLLER QUITS FUNCTIONING. THE LEFT CONTROLLER HOUSES THE HORN, TURN SIGNALS, CRUISE CONTROL, BRIGHT LIGHTS, FOG LAMPS, TRACTION CONTROL, HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS, AND THE DAMPING ON THE MOTORCYCLE AMONG OTHER THINGS THAT ARE NOT SO HAZARDOUS SUCH AS RADIO VOLUME AND WIND SHIELD HEIGHT. RIGHT HANDLEBAR CONTROLLER HOUSES THE ENGINE CUTOFF SWITCH, RIDING MODE (RAIN, DRY, DYNAMIC) WHICH CONTROLS THE RESPONSIVE OF THE BIKE, AND LESS CRITICAL ITEMS SUCH AS THE POWER LOCKS FOR LUGGAGE COMPARTMENTS. THESE HAVE B…

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10512968 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10413494 · 2011-07-19 (July 19, 2011)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW K1600 GTL MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 72 MPH, HE ENGAGED THE HORN AND ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE LANES, BUT THE DRIVER OF ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO HEAR THE HORN, ALMOST RESULTING IN A CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN OUTPUT WAS NOT LOUD ENOUGH TO BE HEARD BY OTHER DRIVERS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HORN WAS OPERATING ADEQUATELY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH A T…

Owner-reported narrative. 520 miles reported. Look up ODI 10413494 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10523171 · 2013-07-04 (July 4, 2013)

MY BMW K1600GTL HAS EXPERIENCED FOUR (4) FAILURES OF THE ELECTRICAL CONTROL SWITCHES ON THE HANDLEBARS. THE FIRST FAILURE WAS ON THE LEFT SIDE CAUSING THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL TO NOT FUNCTION. THE SECOND FAILURE WAS OF THE REPLACED LEFT HANDLEBAR CLUSTER CAUSING THE HIGH BEAM (HEADLIGHTS) TO NOT FUNCTION. THE THIRD SWITCH FAILURE WAS AGAIN ON THE LEFT SWITCH CLUSTER ON THE TURN SIGNAL CANCEL SWITCH CAUSING THE TURN SIGNALS TO FUNCTION FOR 0.2 MILES UNTIL THEY SELF CANCELED. THIS WAS THE MOST HAZARDOUS SITUATION AS OTHER VEHICLES WOULD ATTEMPT TO PU…

Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10523171 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10525449 · 2013-07-13 (July 13, 2013)

MY BMW K1600GTL HAS EXPERIENCED 3 FAILURES OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE ELECTRICAL CONTROL SWITCH ON THE LEFT HANDLEBAR AND 1 FAILURE OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE SWITCH ON THE RIGHT HANDLEBAR. THE LEFT HANDLEBAR FAILURES WERE THE HIGH/LOW BEAM SWITCH 2 TIMES AND THE MENU BUTTON 1 TIME. THE RIGHT HANDLEBAR FAILURE WAS THE MODE SWITCH THAT CONTROLS ENGINE MAPPING FOR ROAD, DYNAMIC AND RAIN. I WAS TOLD BY TWO BMW MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEES THAT THESE FAILURES ARE VERY COMMON AND BMW DENIES THERE IS A PROBLEM. THE ISSUE WITH THESE SWITCHES ARE SAFETY RELATED…

Owner-reported narrative. 6,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10525449 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

33 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

75.8%Usable mileage25 / 33 records

100.0%Valid incident date33 / 33 records

100.0%Valid filing date33 / 33 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates33 / 33 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
Steering	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	721.2% ODI 10429376 · 30 mi THE MOTORCYCLE HAS A PRONOUNCED PULL TO THE LEFT. SO MUCH SO THAT THE BIKE WILL WANDER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC IF THERE IS ANY INATTENTION. *KB Look up ODI 10429376 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 10576066 · 50 mi SINCE NEW IN JUNE 2013, THE MOTORCYCLE HAS PULLED TO THE LEFT AT ALL SPEEDS REQUIRING CONSTANT COUNTER-STEERING. FATIGUE IN THE RIGHT ARM AND SHOULDER IS NOTICEABLE AND A MOMENT OF INATTENTION ON A RIDE WOULD LEAD TO THE MOTORCYCLE SWERVING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS IS A TREMENDOUS SAFETY HAZARD. THE BMW DEALER CONSIDERS THIS TO BE NORMAL. *TR Look up ODI 10576066 at NHTSA ↗	457.1% ODI 10557848 · 3 mi THE MOTORCYCLE DOES NOT NATURALLY STEER STRAIGHT. IT REQUIRES SIGNIFICANT RIGHT HANDLEBAR PRESSURE TO KEEP IT STEERING STRAIGHT WHICH IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY AND A HEALTH HAZARD. WITHOUT THIS ADDITIONAL RIGHT HANDLEBAR PRESSURE, THE MOTORCYCLE QUICKLY STEERS TO THE LEFT. *TR Look up ODI 10557848 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 11350858 · 11,000 mi IWHILE OPERATING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, IT WILL PULL TO THE LEFT IF YOU DON'T INPUT EFFORT TO KEEP IT GOING STRAIGHT Look up ODI 11350858 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	531.3% ODI 11082340 · 100 mi 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 ADJ… Look up ODI 11082340 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Fuel/Propulsion System	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	618.2% ODI 11280916 · 16,000 mi AFTER RETURNING FROM A RIDE, I NOTICED A FUEL SMELL. I LOCATED DROPS OF FUEL BENEATH THE BIKE AND BEGAN TO TRACE THE LIQUID TO IT'S SOURCE. THE SOURCE WAS A CRACKED FUEL PUMP FLANGE WHERE A THREADED FITTING WAS INSTALLED. BMW ISSUED A RECALL ON 2012 K1600 GTLS, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE MY VIN. BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE CLAIMED MY BIKE WAS PRODUCED TWO MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL CUT OFF DATE. MY BIKE EXPERIENCED THE SAME LEAK AS DESCRIBED IN THEIR RECALL. THIS WAS VERIFIED BY THE LOCAL BMW DEALER, RIDENOW IN CHANDLER ARIZONA PER THE REQUEST OF BMW. AFTER "R… Look up ODI 11280916 at NHTSA ↗	457.1% ODI 11416412 · 14,000 mi 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 HOW… Look up ODI 11416412 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 11436183 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 … Look up ODI 11436183 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 11530509 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 … Look up ODI 11530509 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	16.3% ODI 11065815 · 700 mi 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 G… Look up ODI 11065815 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11551187 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 … Look up ODI 11551187 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	39.1% ODI 10440023 · 3,800 mi HAD A BAD OIL LEAK FROM THE TRANSMISSION ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BIKE. NEW TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED BY BMW DEALER. BAD OIL AND COOLANT FLUID LEAK FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE. NEW PUMP WAS INSTALLED. THE BIKE WAS OUT OF SERVICE AT THE DEALER FOR 2.5 MONTHS TO FIX IT. *TR Look up ODI 10440023 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 11487455 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. Look up ODI 11487455 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 10995023 · 16,200 mi 1. THE MOTORCYCLES PULLS TO THE LEFT. CONSTANT CORRECTION IS STRESSFUL ON HIGHWAYS AND TAXES ONE'S MUSCLES. 2. ENGINE HAS A TICKING NOISE (VALVE CHATTERING) AT 3000-3500 RPM BAND (FIRST NOTICED AT 8000 MILES) AND DEALER/MANUFACTURER IS UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THERE ARE LOTS OF K1600 ON THE ROAD WITH THIS ISSUE AND BMW HAS NO RESOLUTION FOR THIS. 3. SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL - FIRST OBSERVED AT APPROX 16000 MILES (IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIRD SERVICE) - THE MOTORCYCLE DOES NOT SLOT INTO 2ND AND NEUTRAL GEARS WITH PRECISION. FIRST GEAR HAS A LOUD … Look up ODI 10995023 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 11001665 · 77 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW K 1600 GTL MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EUROTEK-OKC BMW, DUCATI, & TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES (417 HUDIBURG CIR C, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73108) WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT THE NOISE WAS NORMAL AND ORIGINATED FROM EITHER THE GEAR BOX OR THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE WITH THE MOTORCYCLE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77. Look up ODI 11001665 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	318.8% ODI 11301367 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. Look up ODI 11301367 at NHTSA ↗	3100.0% ODI 11277574 · 1,030 mi MY MOTORCYCLE HAD A TICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE GEARBOX. THE DEALER DECIDED IT WAS NOT SAFE TO RIDE THE BIKE, THAT I SHOULD LEAVE IT UNTIL BMW COMES WITH A SOLUTION. I CURRENTLY HAVE A 2019 K1600 GTL SITTING IN SERVICE WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTION. THE BIKE IS WITH EUROCYCLES OF DAYTONA. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AT THE TIME WHEN THE SERVICE MANAGER NOTICES TH SOUND COING FROM THE GEARBOX. THIS IS OART OF THE CURRENT TRANSMISSION RECALL. I'VE SPOKEN TO BMW BUT THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION. Look up ODI 11277574 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	721.2% ODI 10512968 · 5,000 mi LEFT AND RIGHT HANDLEBAR CONTROLLER QUITS FUNCTIONING. THE LEFT CONTROLLER HOUSES THE HORN, TURN SIGNALS, CRUISE CONTROL, BRIGHT LIGHTS, FOG LAMPS, TRACTION CONTROL, HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS, AND THE DAMPING ON THE MOTORCYCLE AMONG OTHER THINGS THAT ARE NOT SO HAZARDOUS SUCH AS RADIO VOLUME AND WIND SHIELD HEIGHT. RIGHT HANDLEBAR CONTROLLER HOUSES THE ENGINE CUTOFF SWITCH, RIDING MODE (RAIN, DRY, DYNAMIC) WHICH CONTROLS THE RESPONSIVE OF THE BIKE, AND LESS CRITICAL ITEMS SUCH AS THE POWER LOCKS FOR LUGGAGE COMPARTMENTS. THESE HAVE B… Look up ODI 10512968 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	16.3% ODI 11742011 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. Si… Look up ODI 11742011 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11762100 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 appr… Look up ODI 11762100 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	412.1% ODI 10520335 · 16,000 mi THREE (3) K1600 GTL SUDDEN ENGINE CUTOFF EVENTS THAT I EXPERIENCED ON JUNE 14, AND JUNE 16, 2013. THIS DOCUMENTS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN ON MY 2012 BMW K1600GTL. IN THREE SEPARATE EVENTS, MY K1600GTL ENGINE SHUTDOWN AT FULL SPEED (75 MPH, 55 MPH) WHILE ON THE THROTTLE WITH NO ADVANCE NOTICE. ALL THREE EVENTS WERE 'ON THE THROTTLE' EVENTS - NOT COASTING. THE BIKE ENGINE SHUTDOWN ABRUPTLY AND THE BIKE JOLTED FORWARD. I HAD TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION DURING ALL THREE EVENTS TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I CONSIDER THEM TO BE SIGNIFICANT… Look up ODI 10520335 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 11487455 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. Look up ODI 11487455 at NHTSA ↗	228.6% ODI 10586473 · 504 mi WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING. WE WERE FORCED TO GO OFF THE ROAD ON LEFT SHOULDER TO AVOID BEING STRUCK FROM BEHIND. ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART, AND WE COASTED ACROSS TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER WHEN IT WAS SAFE TO DO SO. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS WERE STILL WORKING, JUST NOT THE ENGINE. *TR Look up ODI 10586473 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	212.5% ODI 11351396 · 2,755 mi 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 … Look up ODI 11351396 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Fuel System, Gasoline	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	412.1% ODI 10438769 · 150 mi ON TURNING ON THE IGNITION KEY IN MY GARAGE, THE FUEL PUMP WAS AUDIBLE, AND THE BIKE FAILED TO START WHEN THE STARTER BUTTON WAS PRESSED. IMMEDIATELY I NOTICED A VERY LARGE TORRENT OF GASOLINE POURING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE, RIGHT OVER THE EXHAUST HEADERS, WHICH WERE FORTUNATELY NOT YET HOT. THE AMOUNT OF GASOLINE LOST WAS AROUND 1 LITER, BEFORE I REALIZED WHAT WAS HAPPENING, AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION KEY. FORTUNATELY, NO FIRE RESULTED AS I ROLLED THE BIKE OUT OF THE POOL OF GASOLINE AND ON OUT OF THE GARAGE. AFTER THE BIKE WAS… Look up ODI 10438769 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 11434723 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. Look up ODI 11434723 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	16.3% ODI 11438549 · 45,000 mi 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). Look up ODI 11438549 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Suspension	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	26.1% ODI 10429376 · 30 mi THE MOTORCYCLE HAS A PRONOUNCED PULL TO THE LEFT. SO MUCH SO THAT THE BIKE WILL WANDER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC IF THERE IS ANY INATTENTION. *KB Look up ODI 10429376 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 11130793 · 1,500 mi WHILE RIDING THE BMW MOTORCYCLE THERE IS A PRONOUNCED PULL TO THE LEFT. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS. THE HIGHER THE SPEED THE GREATER THE PULL IS. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE APRIL 2014. DIFFERENT TIRES AND CHANGING THE RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE MAKES NO IMPROVEMENT IN THE LEFT PULL. Look up ODI 11130793 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 11350858 · 11,000 mi IWHILE OPERATING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, IT WILL PULL TO THE LEFT IF YOU DON'T INPUT EFFORT TO KEEP IT GOING STRAIGHT Look up ODI 11350858 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	16.3% ODI 11253455 · 2 mi 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, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO OPERATE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2018 BMW GRAND AMERICA THAT EXPERIENCED … Look up ODI 11253455 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 11130793 · 1,500 mi WHILE RIDING THE BMW MOTORCYCLE THERE IS A PRONOUNCED PULL TO THE LEFT. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS. THE HIGHER THE SPEED THE GREATER THE PULL IS. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE APRIL 2014. DIFFERENT TIRES AND CHANGING THE RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE MAKES NO IMPROVEMENT IN THE LEFT PULL. Look up ODI 11130793 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	425.0% ODI 11082379 · 100 mi 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 … Look up ODI 11082379 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	5,300–14,500 mi	6,000 mi	7	ODI 10512968 · 5,000 mi LEFT AND RIGHT HANDLEBAR CONTROLLER QUITS FUNCTIONING. THE LEFT CONTROLLER HOUSES THE HORN, TURN SIGNALS, CRUISE CONTROL, BRIGHT LIGHTS, FOG LAMPS, TRACTION CONTROL, HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS, AND THE DAMPING ON THE MOTORCYCLE AMONG OTHER THINGS THAT ARE NOT SO HAZARDOUS SUCH AS RADIO VOLUME AND WIND SHIELD HEIGHT. RIGHT HANDLEBAR CONTROLLER HOUSES THE ENGINE CUTOFF SWITCH, RIDING MODE (RAIN, DRY, DYNAMIC) WHICH CONTROLS THE RESPONSIVE OF THE BIKE, AND LESS CRITICAL ITEMS SUCH AS THE POWER LOCKS FOR LUGGAGE COMPARTMENTS. THESE HAVE B… Look up ODI 10512968 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10520335 · 16,000 mi THREE (3) K1600 GTL SUDDEN ENGINE CUTOFF EVENTS THAT I EXPERIENCED ON JUNE 14, AND JUNE 16, 2013. THIS DOCUMENTS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN ON MY 2012 BMW K1600GTL. IN THREE SEPARATE EVENTS, MY K1600GTL ENGINE SHUTDOWN AT FULL SPEED (75 MPH, 55 MPH) WHILE ON THE THROTTLE WITH NO ADVANCE NOTICE. ALL THREE EVENTS WERE 'ON THE THROTTLE' EVENTS - NOT COASTING. THE BIKE ENGINE SHUTDOWN ABRUPTLY AND THE BIKE JOLTED FORWARD. I HAD TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION DURING ALL THREE EVENTS TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I CONSIDER THEM TO BE SIGNIFICANT… Look up ODI 10520335 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10523171 · 2,000 mi MY BMW K1600GTL HAS EXPERIENCED FOUR (4) FAILURES OF THE ELECTRICAL CONTROL SWITCHES ON THE HANDLEBARS. THE FIRST FAILURE WAS ON THE LEFT SIDE CAUSING THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL TO NOT FUNCTION. THE SECOND FAILURE WAS OF THE REPLACED LEFT HANDLEBAR CLUSTER CAUSING THE HIGH BEAM (HEADLIGHTS) TO NOT FUNCTION. THE THIRD SWITCH FAILURE WAS AGAIN ON THE LEFT SWITCH CLUSTER ON THE TURN SIGNAL CANCEL SWITCH CAUSING THE TURN SIGNALS TO FUNCTION FOR 0.2 MILES UNTIL THEY SELF CANCELED. THIS WAS THE MOST HAZARDOUS SITUATION AS OTHER VEHICLES WOULD ATTEMPT TO PU… Look up ODI 10523171 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	18–3,425 mi	115 mi	6	ODI 10429376 · 30 mi THE MOTORCYCLE HAS A PRONOUNCED PULL TO THE LEFT. SO MUCH SO THAT THE BIKE WILL WANDER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC IF THERE IS ANY INATTENTION. KB Look up ODI 10429376 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10429394 · 14 mi MY BRAND NEW BMW MOTORCYCLE PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT AT ALL SPEEDS. THIS CAUSES EXTREME FATIGUE TO MY ARMS AND BACK. THE LEFT PULL WILL TAKE THE BIKE ACROSS THE CENTER LANE RAPIDLY UNLESS CONSTANT PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE RIGHT BAR TO KEEP THE BIKE GOING STRAIGHT. NUMEROUS OWNERS ARE REPORTING THAT THEIR BRAND NEW BIKES ARE DOING THE SAME THING. SO FAR, BMW HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE AS THE BIKE GOES LEFT VERY QUICKLY UNLESS CONSTANT PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE HANDLEBARS TO FORCE IT GO… Look up ODI 10429394 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10543150 · 12,040 mi THE MOTORCYCLE "PULLS" SEVERELY TO THE LEFT AT ALL TIMES WHEN IN MOTION RESULTING IN DRIVER FATIGUE AND PAIN IN ARMS AND SHOULDERS FROM CONSTANT COUNTER-STEERING. THE BIKE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THEY REPORT THAT BMW DOESN'T CONSIDER IT A PROBLEM AND WILL NOT FIX IT. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE OF 2011. TR Look up ODI 10543150 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	Too few reports for a range	19,000 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 11280916 · 16,000 mi AFTER RETURNING FROM A RIDE, I NOTICED A FUEL SMELL. I LOCATED DROPS OF FUEL BENEATH THE BIKE AND BEGAN TO TRACE THE LIQUID TO IT'S SOURCE. THE SOURCE WAS A CRACKED FUEL PUMP FLANGE WHERE A THREADED FITTING WAS INSTALLED. BMW ISSUED A RECALL ON 2012 K1600 GTLS, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE MY VIN. BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE CLAIMED MY BIKE WAS PRODUCED TWO MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL CUT OFF DATE. MY BIKE EXPERIENCED THE SAME LEAK AS DESCRIBED IN THEIR RECALL. THIS WAS VERIFIED BY THE LOCAL BMW DEALER, RIDENOW IN CHANDLER ARIZONA PER THE REQUEST OF BMW. AFTER "R… Look up ODI 11280916 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11353561 · 22,000 mi FUEL PUMP FAILURE; GAS WAS GUSHING ( APPROX. ONE-HALF LITER IN 2 MINUTES OUT OF BOTTOM OF MOTORCYCLE ON TO VERY HOT EXHAUST PIPE. VERY LUCKY BIKE DID NOT IGNITE GAS THAT WAS LEAKING DUE TO FAULTY FUEL PUMP.BIKE WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET (GREENFIELD AND BASELINE; GILBERT, AZ 85234 AT 1;00PM). TURNED OFF BIKE PUSHED TO PARKING LOT AND THEN MOVED BIKE TO STORAGE AREA. Look up ODI 11353561 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11360678 · 28,000 mi WHEN MOTORCYCLE IS TURNED ON, GAS STARTS GUSHING OUT. I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE WITH MY YEAR/MAKE/MODEL AND THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS ABOUT THE EXACT SAME THING OCCURRING. MOTORCYCLE WAS STATIONARY ON IT'S SIDE-STAND. Look up ODI 11360678 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	Too few reports for a range	16,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10520335 · 16,000 mi THREE (3) K1600 GTL SUDDEN ENGINE CUTOFF EVENTS THAT I EXPERIENCED ON JUNE 14, AND JUNE 16, 2013. THIS DOCUMENTS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN ON MY 2012 BMW K1600GTL. IN THREE SEPARATE EVENTS, MY K1600GTL ENGINE SHUTDOWN AT FULL SPEED (75 MPH, 55 MPH) WHILE ON THE THROTTLE WITH NO ADVANCE NOTICE. ALL THREE EVENTS WERE 'ON THE THROTTLE' EVENTS - NOT COASTING. THE BIKE ENGINE SHUTDOWN ABRUPTLY AND THE BIKE JOLTED FORWARD. I HAD TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION DURING ALL THREE EVENTS TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I CONSIDER THEM TO BE SIGNIFICANT… Look up ODI 10520335 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10536276 · 6,500 mi I WAS RIDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE SUDDENLY QUIT. THIS HAPPENED EIGHT TIMES WITHIN 400 MILES. *TR Look up ODI 10536276 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11056276 · 30,000 mi THE BIKE WAS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD AND 18,000 MILES AND BROKE 3 OF THE 6 PISTONS SO INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE MOTOR THEN, THEY DECIDED TO REBUILD WITH NEW PISTONS NOW ONLY 2 YEARS LATER MORE PISTON TROUBLE ONLY 12,000 MILES THIS TIME NOW BMW SAYS ITS OUT OF WARENTY !!!! Look up ODI 11056276 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	5,300 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10512968 · 5,000 mi LEFT AND RIGHT HANDLEBAR CONTROLLER QUITS FUNCTIONING. THE LEFT CONTROLLER HOUSES THE HORN, TURN SIGNALS, CRUISE CONTROL, BRIGHT LIGHTS, FOG LAMPS, TRACTION CONTROL, HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS, AND THE DAMPING ON THE MOTORCYCLE AMONG OTHER THINGS THAT ARE NOT SO HAZARDOUS SUCH AS RADIO VOLUME AND WIND SHIELD HEIGHT. RIGHT HANDLEBAR CONTROLLER HOUSES THE ENGINE CUTOFF SWITCH, RIDING MODE (RAIN, DRY, DYNAMIC) WHICH CONTROLS THE RESPONSIVE OF THE BIKE, AND LESS CRITICAL ITEMS SUCH AS THE POWER LOCKS FOR LUGGAGE COMPARTMENTS. THESE HAVE B… Look up ODI 10512968 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10525449 · 6,000 mi MY BMW K1600GTL HAS EXPERIENCED 3 FAILURES OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE ELECTRICAL CONTROL SWITCH ON THE LEFT HANDLEBAR AND 1 FAILURE OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE SWITCH ON THE RIGHT HANDLEBAR. THE LEFT HANDLEBAR FAILURES WERE THE HIGH/LOW BEAM SWITCH 2 TIMES AND THE MENU BUTTON 1 TIME. THE RIGHT HANDLEBAR FAILURE WAS THE MODE SWITCH THAT CONTROLS ENGINE MAPPING FOR ROAD, DYNAMIC AND RAIN. I WAS TOLD BY TWO BMW MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEES THAT THESE FAILURES ARE VERY COMMON AND BMW DENIES THERE IS A PROBLEM. THE ISSUE WITH THESE SWITCHES ARE SAFETY RELATED… Look up ODI 10525449 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10525985 · 3,000 mi THE SWITCH FOR THE SIGNALS ( LEFT TURN ) STOP FUNCTIONING. I WAS 30 MILES FROM HOME AND HAD TO USE HAND SIGNALS. *TR Look up ODI 10525985 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	Too few reports for a range	150 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10438769 · 150 mi ON TURNING ON THE IGNITION KEY IN MY GARAGE, THE FUEL PUMP WAS AUDIBLE, AND THE BIKE FAILED TO START WHEN THE STARTER BUTTON WAS PRESSED. IMMEDIATELY I NOTICED A VERY LARGE TORRENT OF GASOLINE POURING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE, RIGHT OVER THE EXHAUST HEADERS, WHICH WERE FORTUNATELY NOT YET HOT. THE AMOUNT OF GASOLINE LOST WAS AROUND 1 LITER, BEFORE I REALIZED WHAT WAS HAPPENING, AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION KEY. FORTUNATELY, NO FIRE RESULTED AS I ROLLED THE BIKE OUT OF THE POOL OF GASOLINE AND ON OUT OF THE GARAGE. AFTER THE BIKE WAS… Look up ODI 10438769 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	2,900 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10440023 · 3,800 mi HAD A BAD OIL LEAK FROM THE TRANSMISSION ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BIKE. NEW TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED BY BMW DEALER. BAD OIL AND COOLANT FLUID LEAK FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE. NEW PUMP WAS INSTALLED. THE BIKE WAS OUT OF SERVICE AT THE DEALER FOR 2.5 MONTHS TO FIX IT. *TR Look up ODI 10440023 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10513210 · 2,000 mi EXCESSIVE DRIVELINE BACKLASH THROUGH GEAR BOX OR DRIVESHAFT. RESULT, I NEARLY CRASHED ON THE MOTORWAY AT A LOWER SPEED WHEN MANAGING THE BIKE ON AN OFF THE THROTTLE. THE SUSPENSION GETS UNBALANCED WITH THE KANGAROOING OF THE BIKE BACK AND FORWARD WHEN IN GEAR AND GOING FROM A POWER TO ENGINE BREAKING VICE VERSA SITUATION. I HAVE BEEN RIDING FOR 20 YEARS AND THIS IS THE MOST DANGEROUS DRIVELINE I HAVE EVERY FELT AND DID NOT AT ALL FEEL SAFE RIDING IT. EXPERIENCE BMW MOTORCYCLES IN AUCKLAND SOLD THE BIKE BUT STILL MAINTAIN ITS NORMAL!! GO … Look up ODI 10513210 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	Too few reports for a range	6,035 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10429376 · 30 mi THE MOTORCYCLE HAS A PRONOUNCED PULL TO THE LEFT. SO MUCH SO THAT THE BIKE WILL WANDER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC IF THERE IS ANY INATTENTION. KB Look up ODI 10429376 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10543150 · 12,040 mi THE MOTORCYCLE "PULLS" SEVERELY TO THE LEFT AT ALL TIMES WHEN IN MOTION RESULTING IN DRIVER FATIGUE AND PAIN IN ARMS AND SHOULDERS FROM CONSTANT COUNTER-STEERING. THE BIKE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THEY REPORT THAT BMW DOESN'T CONSIDER IT A PROBLEM AND WILL NOT FIX IT. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE OF 2011. TR Look up ODI 10543150 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	1	None	ODI 11687646 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. Look up ODI 11687646 at NHTSA ↗
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2022: 1 complaints · 2023: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2022	0	1	1
2023	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2022	1	0	0
2023	0	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System	Steering	Fuel/Propulsion System	Engine	Exterior Lighting	Fuel System, Gasoline	Power Train	Suspension
Electrical System	—	0	0	1 ODI 10520335 · 16,000 mi THREE (3) K1600 GTL SUDDEN ENGINE CUTOFF EVENTS THAT I EXPERIENCED ON JUNE 14, AND JUNE 16, 2013. THIS DOCUMENTS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN ON MY 2012 BMW K1600GTL. IN THREE SEPARATE EVENTS, MY K1600GTL ENGINE SHUTDOWN AT FULL SPEED (75 MPH, 55 MPH) WHILE ON THE THROTTLE WITH NO ADVANCE NOTICE. ALL THREE EVENTS WERE 'ON THE THROTTLE' EVENTS - NOT COASTING. THE BIKE ENGINE SHUTDOWN ABRUPTLY AND THE BIKE JOLTED FORWARD. I HAD TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION DURING ALL THREE EVENTS TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I CONSIDER THEM TO BE SIGNIFICANT… Look up ODI 10520335 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10512968 · 5,000 mi LEFT AND RIGHT HANDLEBAR CONTROLLER QUITS FUNCTIONING. THE LEFT CONTROLLER HOUSES THE HORN, TURN SIGNALS, CRUISE CONTROL, BRIGHT LIGHTS, FOG LAMPS, TRACTION CONTROL, HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS, AND THE DAMPING ON THE MOTORCYCLE AMONG OTHER THINGS THAT ARE NOT SO HAZARDOUS SUCH AS RADIO VOLUME AND WIND SHIELD HEIGHT. RIGHT HANDLEBAR CONTROLLER HOUSES THE ENGINE CUTOFF SWITCH, RIDING MODE (RAIN, DRY, DYNAMIC) WHICH CONTROLS THE RESPONSIVE OF THE BIKE, AND LESS CRITICAL ITEMS SUCH AS THE POWER LOCKS FOR LUGGAGE COMPARTMENTS. THESE HAVE B… Look up ODI 10512968 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10525449 · 6,000 mi MY BMW K1600GTL HAS EXPERIENCED 3 FAILURES OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE ELECTRICAL CONTROL SWITCH ON THE LEFT HANDLEBAR AND 1 FAILURE OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE SWITCH ON THE RIGHT HANDLEBAR. THE LEFT HANDLEBAR FAILURES WERE THE HIGH/LOW BEAM SWITCH 2 TIMES AND THE MENU BUTTON 1 TIME. THE RIGHT HANDLEBAR FAILURE WAS THE MODE SWITCH THAT CONTROLS ENGINE MAPPING FOR ROAD, DYNAMIC AND RAIN. I WAS TOLD BY TWO BMW MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEES THAT THESE FAILURES ARE VERY COMMON AND BMW DENIES THERE IS A PROBLEM. THE ISSUE WITH THESE SWITCHES ARE SAFETY RELATED… Look up ODI 10525449 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10538182 · 5,600 mi TURN SIGNALS WILL NOT TURN OFF BY SWITCH ONCE ACTIVATED. THIS CAUSES AN UNSAFE CONDITION, AS TRAFFIC COULD ENTER FROM THE RIGHT OR LEFT ASSUMING THE MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR INTENDS TO TURN, CAUSING THE POTENTIAL FOR A BROADSIDE COLLISION WHICH WOULD LIKELY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR. THE TURN SIGNAL FIRST PRESENTED THIS DEFECT DURING A RELATIVELY HOT DAY (90 DEGREE) AND DURING COOLER WEATHER WORKED NORMALLY. NOW THE CONDITION IS MORE RECURRING EVEN AT LOWER TEMPERATURES. THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH IS PART OF THE LEFT MUL… Look up ODI 10538182 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Steering	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	2 ODI 10429376 · 30 mi THE MOTORCYCLE HAS A PRONOUNCED PULL TO THE LEFT. SO MUCH SO THAT THE BIKE WILL WANDER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC IF THERE IS ANY INATTENTION. KB Look up ODI 10429376 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10543150 · 12,040 mi THE MOTORCYCLE "PULLS" SEVERELY TO THE LEFT AT ALL TIMES WHEN IN MOTION RESULTING IN DRIVER FATIGUE AND PAIN IN ARMS AND SHOULDERS FROM CONSTANT COUNTER-STEERING. THE BIKE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THEY REPORT THAT BMW DOESN'T CONSIDER IT A PROBLEM AND WILL NOT FIX IT. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE OF 2011. TR Look up ODI 10543150 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Engine	1 ODI 10520335 · 16,000 mi THREE (3) K1600 GTL SUDDEN ENGINE CUTOFF EVENTS THAT I EXPERIENCED ON JUNE 14, AND JUNE 16, 2013. THIS DOCUMENTS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN ON MY 2012 BMW K1600GTL. IN THREE SEPARATE EVENTS, MY K1600GTL ENGINE SHUTDOWN AT FULL SPEED (75 MPH, 55 MPH) WHILE ON THE THROTTLE WITH NO ADVANCE NOTICE. ALL THREE EVENTS WERE 'ON THE THROTTLE' EVENTS - NOT COASTING. THE BIKE ENGINE SHUTDOWN ABRUPTLY AND THE BIKE JOLTED FORWARD. I HAD TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION DURING ALL THREE EVENTS TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I CONSIDER THEM TO BE SIGNIFICANT… Look up ODI 10520335 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting	3 ODI 10512968 · 5,000 mi LEFT AND RIGHT HANDLEBAR CONTROLLER QUITS FUNCTIONING. THE LEFT CONTROLLER HOUSES THE HORN, TURN SIGNALS, CRUISE CONTROL, BRIGHT LIGHTS, FOG LAMPS, TRACTION CONTROL, HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS, AND THE DAMPING ON THE MOTORCYCLE AMONG OTHER THINGS THAT ARE NOT SO HAZARDOUS SUCH AS RADIO VOLUME AND WIND SHIELD HEIGHT. RIGHT HANDLEBAR CONTROLLER HOUSES THE ENGINE CUTOFF SWITCH, RIDING MODE (RAIN, DRY, DYNAMIC) WHICH CONTROLS THE RESPONSIVE OF THE BIKE, AND LESS CRITICAL ITEMS SUCH AS THE POWER LOCKS FOR LUGGAGE COMPARTMENTS. THESE HAVE B… Look up ODI 10512968 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10525449 · 6,000 mi MY BMW K1600GTL HAS EXPERIENCED 3 FAILURES OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE ELECTRICAL CONTROL SWITCH ON THE LEFT HANDLEBAR AND 1 FAILURE OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE SWITCH ON THE RIGHT HANDLEBAR. THE LEFT HANDLEBAR FAILURES WERE THE HIGH/LOW BEAM SWITCH 2 TIMES AND THE MENU BUTTON 1 TIME. THE RIGHT HANDLEBAR FAILURE WAS THE MODE SWITCH THAT CONTROLS ENGINE MAPPING FOR ROAD, DYNAMIC AND RAIN. I WAS TOLD BY TWO BMW MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEES THAT THESE FAILURES ARE VERY COMMON AND BMW DENIES THERE IS A PROBLEM. THE ISSUE WITH THESE SWITCHES ARE SAFETY RELATED… Look up ODI 10525449 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10538182 · 5,600 mi TURN SIGNALS WILL NOT TURN OFF BY SWITCH ONCE ACTIVATED. THIS CAUSES AN UNSAFE CONDITION, AS TRAFFIC COULD ENTER FROM THE RIGHT OR LEFT ASSUMING THE MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR INTENDS TO TURN, CAUSING THE POTENTIAL FOR A BROADSIDE COLLISION WHICH WOULD LIKELY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR. THE TURN SIGNAL FIRST PRESENTED THIS DEFECT DURING A RELATIVELY HOT DAY (90 DEGREE) AND DURING COOLER WEATHER WORKED NORMALLY. NOW THE CONDITION IS MORE RECURRING EVEN AT LOWER TEMPERATURES. THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH IS PART OF THE LEFT MUL… Look up ODI 10538182 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Power Train	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Suspension	0	2 ODI 10429376 · 30 mi THE MOTORCYCLE HAS A PRONOUNCED PULL TO THE LEFT. SO MUCH SO THAT THE BIKE WILL WANDER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC IF THERE IS ANY INATTENTION. KB Look up ODI 10429376 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10543150 · 12,040 mi THE MOTORCYCLE "PULLS" SEVERELY TO THE LEFT AT ALL TIMES WHEN IN MOTION RESULTING IN DRIVER FATIGUE AND PAIN IN ARMS AND SHOULDERS FROM CONSTANT COUNTER-STEERING. THE BIKE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THEY REPORT THAT BMW DOESN'T CONSIDER IT A PROBLEM AND WILL NOT FIX IT. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE OF 2011. TR Look up ODI 10543150 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

3 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 6.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 3,200 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10415521 · 1,400 mi

Look up ODI 10415521 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10512968 · 5,000 mi

Look up ODI 10512968 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 3.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 16,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10520335 · 16,000 mi

THREE (3) K1600 GTL SUDDEN ENGINE CUTOFF EVENTS THAT I EXPERIENCED ON JUNE 14, AND JUNE 16, 2013. THIS DOCUMENTS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN ON MY 2012 BMW K1600GTL. IN THREE SEPARATE EVENTS, MY K1600GTL ENGINE SHUTDOWN AT FULL SPEED (75 MPH, 55 MPH) WHILE ON THE THROTTLE WITH NO ADVANCE NOTICE. ALL THREE EVENTS WERE 'ON THE THROTTLE' EVENTS - NOT COASTING. THE BIKE ENGINE SHUTDOWN ABRUPTLY AND THE BIKE JOLTED FORWARD. I HAD TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION DURING ALL THREE EVENTS TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I CONSIDER THEM TO BE SIGNIFICANT…

Look up ODI 10520335 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 3.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11687646

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.

Look up ODI 11687646 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b