2021 Bmw K 1600 B: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
0 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data updated: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
No owner complaints are recorded for this selection. A complaint can name multiple components.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
No usable records for this chart.
| Category | Count |
|---|
No records.
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 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: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
No usable failure mileage is recorded. 0 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.
No usable records for this chart.
| Category | Count |
|---|
No records.
Pattern summary
There is not enough complaint evidence to summarize patterns.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Recall history
1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
26V214000 · Power Train:Manual Transmission:Seals/Gaskets
Reported: 2026-04-02 (April 2, 2026)
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.
Consequence: 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. 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
0 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
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.
| Component | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11425956I'm a recent owner of this motorcycle and have experienced a consistent feeling of what motorcyclists refer to as a "Death wobble" or at a minimum the beginnings of one. It happens during interstate highway speeds and predominantly during heavy traffic and it's magnified even more while approaching and passing tractor-trailers. I've been riding motorcycles both competitively as well as for personal use for well over 40 years and have NEVER experienced this phenomenon with any other motorcycle I've owned, well over 30 different models at this po… | 1100.0%ODI 11417724At highway speeds when approaching any large vehicle the motorcycle oscillates to the point of loss of control. This occurs at distances up to 300 yards. In brisk cross winds on open road the same condition exists, but is multiplied in close proximity to other vehicles. I had the bike inspected and serviced by a BMW dealer and nothing mechanical was found. My background is in aviation, and in my 30 years experience this acts and feels like an aerodynamic instability issue. I have been riding for 40 years and outside of "tank slap," when racing … | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 266.7%ODI 11485921The motorcycle is unstable at speeds above 60 mph from excessive wind buffeting. The issue is made even worse when riding on freeways with semi-trucks. The steering starts to shake and the motorcycle feels out of control. | 2100.0%ODI 11540698At speeds over 60 MPH, the BMW K1600 B motorcycle is unstable and wobbles. The instability at speeds over 60 MPH are unsafe, and I, nor my wife, will ever ride it again as it feels like the motorcycle is going to lose control and fall over at high speeds causing injury or death to us or others. BMW Motorcycles of Cleveland inspected it, rode it and verbally stated that they agree it has stability issues over 60 MPH, but only indicated in the written report that it handles to spec. It is available for inspection by any other BMW or Independen… | 1100.0%ODI 11679407I purchased this NEW BMW motorcycle on 7/26/2025. On my ride home from the dealership the safety incident occurred on the freeway trying to pass a semi with a trailer. All factory original equipment and only me on the motorcycle. While passing the semi the motorcycle started shaking out of control and I had to slow down to 40 mph in a 70 mph zone trying regain stability of the motorcycle. The dealership was now closed when this occurred. There were no freeways located by the dealership to test this scenario prior to purchase. I posted what o… | 1100.0%ODI 11755407 · 100 miThe contact owns a 2025 BMW K1600 B. The contact stated that while riding 55 MPH or higher, the motorcycle became unstable, with a noticeable left-right movement. The contact stated that the failure was most noticeable while overtaking other vehicles going in the same direction. There were no warning lights illuminated. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was caused by a torquing issue with the rear-wheel bolts. The motorcycle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The motorcycle was … |
| Unknown Or Other | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 342.9%ODI 11625112When I drive my motorcycle on the highway with 70 mph +/- 5 miles, the bike is unstable, the steering bar is shaking, and it is hard to keep the bike in the lane. I complained to the dealer, they balanced the wheel, tested the bike, but the problem has not been solved. | 133.3%ODI 11425956I'm a recent owner of this motorcycle and have experienced a consistent feeling of what motorcyclists refer to as a "Death wobble" or at a minimum the beginnings of one. It happens during interstate highway speeds and predominantly during heavy traffic and it's magnified even more while approaching and passing tractor-trailers. I've been riding motorcycles both competitively as well as for personal use for well over 40 years and have NEVER experienced this phenomenon with any other motorcycle I've owned, well over 30 different models at this po… | 1100.0%ODI 11417724At highway speeds when approaching any large vehicle the motorcycle oscillates to the point of loss of control. This occurs at distances up to 300 yards. In brisk cross winds on open road the same condition exists, but is multiplied in close proximity to other vehicles. I had the bike inspected and serviced by a BMW dealer and nothing mechanical was found. My background is in aviation, and in my 30 years experience this acts and feels like an aerodynamic instability issue. I have been riding for 40 years and outside of "tank slap," when racing … | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11614864On this motorcycle while traveling at highway speeds oscillation or swaying occurs. Or described by a wobble. Mine definitely does this and it’s very unsafe. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11679407I purchased this NEW BMW motorcycle on 7/26/2025. On my ride home from the dealership the safety incident occurred on the freeway trying to pass a semi with a trailer. All factory original equipment and only me on the motorcycle. While passing the semi the motorcycle started shaking out of control and I had to slow down to 40 mph in a 70 mph zone trying regain stability of the motorcycle. The dealership was now closed when this occurred. There were no freeways located by the dealership to test this scenario prior to purchase. I posted what o… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Suspension | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 114.3%ODI 11625112When I drive my motorcycle on the highway with 70 mph +/- 5 miles, the bike is unstable, the steering bar is shaking, and it is hard to keep the bike in the lane. I complained to the dealer, they balanced the wheel, tested the bike, but the problem has not been solved. | 266.7%ODI 11425956I'm a recent owner of this motorcycle and have experienced a consistent feeling of what motorcyclists refer to as a "Death wobble" or at a minimum the beginnings of one. It happens during interstate highway speeds and predominantly during heavy traffic and it's magnified even more while approaching and passing tractor-trailers. I've been riding motorcycles both competitively as well as for personal use for well over 40 years and have NEVER experienced this phenomenon with any other motorcycle I've owned, well over 30 different models at this po… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11614864On this motorcycle while traveling at highway speeds oscillation or swaying occurs. Or described by a wobble. Mine definitely does this and it’s very unsafe. | 150.0%ODI 11579342After spending 500 miles on the motorcycle, having spent money on a set of new tires (supposedly was the fix) even and I even had the dealer look over the motorcycle, I have came to the conclusion that there is a serious engineering issue with this motorcycle. At speeds above 55mph, the motorcycle is having a steering oscillation issue. Basically, it does not track straight and exhibits a wobble. This can happen at any time, even on open highways, in traffic it seems to be worse. It can feel like it is becoming uncontrollable at times. This has… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 228.6%ODI 11715491 · 8,600 miThe contact owns a 2018 BMW K-1600 B Motorcycle. The contact stated that the fuel pump was leaking. The motorcycle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was related to the fuel pump. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was contacted, who confirmed there was no open recall associated with the VIN. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 114.3%ODI 11433817The motorcycle (BMW K1600 Grand America) goes into "Limp Mode" with the engine warning light where the motorcycle has no power until stopped, shutdown, and restarted. This happened to my motorcycle 4 times. Each time the BMW service cannot find any indication stored in the onboard computer. Also, there have been many reported issues of this in the BMW motorcycle forums. This issue is extremely dangerous because the last time this issue occurred, I was on a highway traveling at 70MPH in the left lane and suddenly lost power. Another time th… | 133.3%ODI 11753120The fuel pump failed in a way that it soaked my left leg with fuel while riding the motorcycle. My safety was at risk from major burns if the fuel had ignited on the exhaust. No warning lights came on. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 114.3%ODI 11416431 · 7,500 miTHE MOTORCYCLE WILL RANDOMLY GO INTO WHAT BMW CALLS "LIMP MODE" AND THE OPERATOR WILL LOSE ALL THROTTLE CONTROL. POTENTIALLY FATAL IF IT HAPPENS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES LIKE HEAVY TRAFFIC ON AN INTERSTATE, AT NIGHT WITH NOWHERE TO PULL OVER LIKE IT DID WITH ME. THIS HA HAPPENED TWICE SO FAR WITH NO FIX IN SIGHT | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 11540698At speeds over 60 MPH, the BMW K1600 B motorcycle is unstable and wobbles. The instability at speeds over 60 MPH are unsafe, and I, nor my wife, will ever ride it again as it feels like the motorcycle is going to lose control and fall over at high speeds causing injury or death to us or others. BMW Motorcycles of Cleveland inspected it, rode it and verbally stated that they agree it has stability issues over 60 MPH, but only indicated in the written report that it handles to spec. It is available for inspection by any other BMW or Independen… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Wheels | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 114.3%ODI 11625112When I drive my motorcycle on the highway with 70 mph +/- 5 miles, the bike is unstable, the steering bar is shaking, and it is hard to keep the bike in the lane. I complained to the dealer, they balanced the wheel, tested the bike, but the problem has not been solved. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 1100.0%ODI 11755407 · 100 miThe contact owns a 2025 BMW K1600 B. The contact stated that while riding 55 MPH or higher, the motorcycle became unstable, with a noticeable left-right movement. The contact stated that the failure was most noticeable while overtaking other vehicles going in the same direction. There were no warning lights illuminated. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was caused by a torquing issue with the rear-wheel bolts. The motorcycle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The motorcycle was … |
| Power Train | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11616722The Reverse function failed at 18,000 miles and 2 years in service. I am told that on the BMW K1600 motorcycles it's a matter of "when" the reverse fails rather than "if" . stopped facing downhill could be bad on a fully loaded motorcycle built for touring and packed for a trip, and the reverse function doesn't work. If the vehicle didn't have the feature one could take precautions, but this cold be dangerous. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%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 | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No usable records for this analysis. | ||||
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
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
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 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 | 26V214000 | 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 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (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.
2022: 3 complaints · 2023: 2 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 2023 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 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 |
|---|
| No usable records for this analysis. |
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.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.