IllustrationTHIS MOTORCYCLE HAS A RECALL THAT HAS BEEN IN PLACE FOR OVER TWO MONTHS WITHOUT REPAIRS IDENTIFIED. IT IS RELATED WITH PARTS IN THE TRANSMISSION NOT BUILD TO THE RIGHT SPECIFICATIONS. POTENTIAL OUTCOME WOULD BE A LOCKED REAR WHEEL WHILE TRAVELING
2018 BMW K 1600 Gt
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all K 1600 Gt years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 3 of 5 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports
Unknown Or Other complaints
2 reportsWHEN STARTING ENGINE FROM A STATIONARY POSITION, WHILE IN NEUTRAL, THE THROTTLE GETS STUCK REVVING AT APPROXIMATELY 2000 RPM. CAN’T SHIFT OUT OF NEUTRAL OR DECELERATE/ACELERATE THROTTLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS.AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF TURNING ON/OFF THE MAIN SWITCH,AND ROCKINING THE BIKE BACK AND FORTH T…
Read full complaint
WHEN STARTING ENGINE FROM A STATIONARY POSITION, WHILE IN NEUTRAL, THE THROTTLE GETS STUCK REVVING AT APPROXIMATELY 2000 RPM. CAN’T SHIFT OUT OF NEUTRAL OR DECELERATE/ACELERATE THROTTLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS.AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF TURNING ON/OFF THE MAIN SWITCH,AND ROCKINING THE BIKE BACK AND FORTH THE ISSUE SOMETIME GOES AWAY ...BIKE HAS 3100 MILES ON IT
Official recalls
226V214000 · Power Train:manual Transmission:seals/gaskets
Apr 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 & remedy
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.
19V692000 · Power Train:manual Transmission
Oct 1, 2019
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE19002 · Steering Oscillation
Opened Mar 25, 2019 · Closed Oct 16, 2019
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar; Suspension; Suspension:front
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE19-002 on March 25, 2019. This investigation was opened based on six consumer complaints alleging 2018 and 2019 BMW K-1600 motorcycles were unstable at highway speeds and that the instability was exacerbated while in traffic.ODI opened the PE to determine the severity and frequency associated with the alleged defect.In response to an ODI Information Request (IR) letter, BMW submitted a total of 20 complaints, 15 field reports and 5 warranty claims. Although the subject vehicles of the investigation include 2018 and 2019 model years, all the complaints, warranty and field reports submitted by BMW were on the 2018 MY bikes.BMW stated in its response that it did not have any complaints, warranty or field reports for the 2019 MY K 1600 series. Since opening the PE, ODI has received an additional six consumer complaints related to this investigation.In July 2019, ODI met with BMW at its New Jersey facility to see a presentation and then follow (in a trailing vehicle) a BMW rider on a subject bike. The purpose of the trailing exercise was to observe how the motorcycle handled on various road types and traffic conditions. During this demonstration the ODI investigator witnessed some instability or ?wobble? that was aggravated when passing large trucks. There were, however, no lane departures experienced by the subject vehicle?s rider during the trailing event. The ODI investigator was unable to fully determine the safety impact of the observed phenomena.In addition to witnessing the BMW rider demonstration in New Jersey, ODI interviewed complainants who allege their bikes felt unsafe and were dangerous above 55 mph. To better understand the safety impact described by consumers and quantifiably measure the level of instability experienced, ODI has decided to upgrade the investigation to an Engineering Analysis (EA). As part of the EA, ODI will conduct an analysis of the subject motorcycle?s geometry, suspension and other characteristics as well as conduct stability testing. ODI will have the subject motorcycle tested at NHTSA's Vehicle Research Testing Center (VRTC) under controlled conditions to both quantifiably and subjectively measure the subject motorcycle?s stability. VRTC will obtain the subject vehicle(s) for evaluation and testing.These tests will be performed by professional riders to learn if they experience riding discomfort they feel is unsafe and gauge if the ?wobble? condition presents a safety concern.An Engineering Analysis (EA19-003) has been opened to examine and better understand the severity of the alleged defect.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11098821, 11111044, 11111232, 11128491, 11149745, 11166420, 11191569, 11194573, 11208774, 11219239, 11246011, 11257720
Additional source detail variants (4)
Steering
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE19-002 on March 25, 2019. This investigation was opened based on six consumer complaints alleging 2018 and 2019 BMW K-1600 motorcycles were unstable at highway speeds and that the instability was exacerbated while in traffic.ODI opened the PE to determine the severity and frequency associated with the alleged defect.In response to an ODI Information Request (IR) letter, BMW submitted a total of 20 complaints, 15 field reports and 5 warranty claims. Although the subject vehicles of the investigation include 2018 and 2019 model years, all the complaints, warranty and field reports submitted by BMW were on the 2018 MY bikes.BMW stated in its response that it did not have any complaints, warranty or field reports for the 2019 MY K 1600 series. Since opening the PE, ODI has received an additional six consumer complaints related to this investigation.In July 2019, ODI met with BMW at its New Jersey facility to see a presentation and then follow (in a trailing vehicle) a BMW rider on a subject bike. The purpose of the trailing exercise was to observe how the motorcycle handled on various road types and traffic conditions. During this demonstration the ODI investigator witnessed some instability or ?wobble? that was aggravated when passing large trucks. There were, however, no lane departures experienced by the subject vehicle?s rider during the trailing event. The ODI investigator was unable to fully determine the safety impact of the observed phenomena.In addition to witnessing the BMW rider demonstration in New Jersey, ODI interviewed complainants who allege their bikes felt unsafe and were dangerous above 55 mph. To better understand the safety impact described by consumers and quantifiably measure the level of instability experienced, ODI has decided to upgrade the investigation to an Engineering Analysis (EA). As part of the EA, ODI will conduct an analysis of the subject motorcycle?s geometry, suspension and other characteristics as well as conduct stability testing. ODI will have the subject motorcycle tested at NHTSA's Vehicle Research Testing Center (VRTC) under controlled conditions to both quantifiably and subjectively measure the subject motorcycle?s stability. VRTC will obtain the subject vehicle(s) for evaluation and testing.These tests will be performed by professional riders to learn if they experience riding discomfort they feel is unsafe and gauge if the ?wobble? condition presents a safety concern.An Engineering Analysis (EA19-003) has been opened to examine and better understand the severity of the alleged defect.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11098821, 11111044, 11111232, 11128491, 11149745, 11166420, 11191569, 11194573, 11208774, 11219239, 11246011, 11257720
Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE19-002 on March 25, 2019. This investigation was opened based on six consumer complaints alleging 2018 and 2019 BMW K-1600 motorcycles were unstable at highway speeds and that the instability was exacerbated while in traffic.ODI opened the PE to determine the severity and frequency associated with the alleged defect.In response to an ODI Information Request (IR) letter, BMW submitted a total of 20 complaints, 15 field reports and 5 warranty claims. Although the subject vehicles of the investigation include 2018 and 2019 model years, all the complaints, warranty and field reports submitted by BMW were on the 2018 MY bikes.BMW stated in its response that it did not have any complaints, warranty or field reports for the 2019 MY K 1600 series. Since opening the PE, ODI has received an additional six consumer complaints related to this investigation.In July 2019, ODI met with BMW at its New Jersey facility to see a presentation and then follow (in a trailing vehicle) a BMW rider on a subject bike. The purpose of the trailing exercise was to observe how the motorcycle handled on various road types and traffic conditions. During this demonstration the ODI investigator witnessed some instability or ?wobble? that was aggravated when passing large trucks. There were, however, no lane departures experienced by the subject vehicle?s rider during the trailing event. The ODI investigator was unable to fully determine the safety impact of the observed phenomena.In addition to witnessing the BMW rider demonstration in New Jersey, ODI interviewed complainants who allege their bikes felt unsafe and were dangerous above 55 mph. To better understand the safety impact described by consumers and quantifiably measure the level of instability experienced, ODI has decided to upgrade the investigation to an Engineering Analysis (EA). As part of the EA, ODI will conduct an analysis of the subject motorcycle?s geometry, suspension and other characteristics as well as conduct stability testing. ODI will have the subject motorcycle tested at NHTSA's Vehicle Research Testing Center (VRTC) under controlled conditions to both quantifiably and subjectively measure the subject motorcycle?s stability. VRTC will obtain the subject vehicle(s) for evaluation and testing.These tests will be performed by professional riders to learn if they experience riding discomfort they feel is unsafe and gauge if the ?wobble? condition presents a safety concern.An Engineering Analysis (EA19-003) has been opened to examine and better understand the severity of the alleged defect.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11098821, 11111044, 11111232, 11128491, 11149745, 11166420, 11191569, 11194573, 11208774, 11219239, 11246011, 11257720
Suspension
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE19-002 on March 25, 2019. This investigation was opened based on six consumer complaints alleging 2018 and 2019 BMW K-1600 motorcycles were unstable at highway speeds and that the instability was exacerbated while in traffic.ODI opened the PE to determine the severity and frequency associated with the alleged defect.In response to an ODI Information Request (IR) letter, BMW submitted a total of 20 complaints, 15 field reports and 5 warranty claims. Although the subject vehicles of the investigation include 2018 and 2019 model years, all the complaints, warranty and field reports submitted by BMW were on the 2018 MY bikes.BMW stated in its response that it did not have any complaints, warranty or field reports for the 2019 MY K 1600 series. Since opening the PE, ODI has received an additional six consumer complaints related to this investigation.In July 2019, ODI met with BMW at its New Jersey facility to see a presentation and then follow (in a trailing vehicle) a BMW rider on a subject bike. The purpose of the trailing exercise was to observe how the motorcycle handled on various road types and traffic conditions. During this demonstration the ODI investigator witnessed some instability or ?wobble? that was aggravated when passing large trucks. There were, however, no lane departures experienced by the subject vehicle?s rider during the trailing event. The ODI investigator was unable to fully determine the safety impact of the observed phenomena.In addition to witnessing the BMW rider demonstration in New Jersey, ODI interviewed complainants who allege their bikes felt unsafe and were dangerous above 55 mph. To better understand the safety impact described by consumers and quantifiably measure the level of instability experienced, ODI has decided to upgrade the investigation to an Engineering Analysis (EA). As part of the EA, ODI will conduct an analysis of the subject motorcycle?s geometry, suspension and other characteristics as well as conduct stability testing. ODI will have the subject motorcycle tested at NHTSA's Vehicle Research Testing Center (VRTC) under controlled conditions to both quantifiably and subjectively measure the subject motorcycle?s stability. VRTC will obtain the subject vehicle(s) for evaluation and testing.These tests will be performed by professional riders to learn if they experience riding discomfort they feel is unsafe and gauge if the ?wobble? condition presents a safety concern.An Engineering Analysis (EA19-003) has been opened to examine and better understand the severity of the alleged defect.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11098821, 11111044, 11111232, 11128491, 11149745, 11166420, 11191569, 11194573, 11208774, 11219239, 11246011, 11257720
Suspension:front
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE19-002 on March 25, 2019. This investigation was opened based on six consumer complaints alleging 2018 and 2019 BMW K-1600 motorcycles were unstable at highway speeds and that the instability was exacerbated while in traffic.ODI opened the PE to determine the severity and frequency associated with the alleged defect.In response to an ODI Information Request (IR) letter, BMW submitted a total of 20 complaints, 15 field reports and 5 warranty claims. Although the subject vehicles of the investigation include 2018 and 2019 model years, all the complaints, warranty and field reports submitted by BMW were on the 2018 MY bikes.BMW stated in its response that it did not have any complaints, warranty or field reports for the 2019 MY K 1600 series. Since opening the PE, ODI has received an additional six consumer complaints related to this investigation.In July 2019, ODI met with BMW at its New Jersey facility to see a presentation and then follow (in a trailing vehicle) a BMW rider on a subject bike. The purpose of the trailing exercise was to observe how the motorcycle handled on various road types and traffic conditions. During this demonstration the ODI investigator witnessed some instability or ?wobble? that was aggravated when passing large trucks. There were, however, no lane departures experienced by the subject vehicle?s rider during the trailing event. The ODI investigator was unable to fully determine the safety impact of the observed phenomena.In addition to witnessing the BMW rider demonstration in New Jersey, ODI interviewed complainants who allege their bikes felt unsafe and were dangerous above 55 mph. To better understand the safety impact described by consumers and quantifiably measure the level of instability experienced, ODI has decided to upgrade the investigation to an Engineering Analysis (EA). As part of the EA, ODI will conduct an analysis of the subject motorcycle?s geometry, suspension and other characteristics as well as conduct stability testing. ODI will have the subject motorcycle tested at NHTSA's Vehicle Research Testing Center (VRTC) under controlled conditions to both quantifiably and subjectively measure the subject motorcycle?s stability. VRTC will obtain the subject vehicle(s) for evaluation and testing.These tests will be performed by professional riders to learn if they experience riding discomfort they feel is unsafe and gauge if the ?wobble? condition presents a safety concern.An Engineering Analysis (EA19-003) has been opened to examine and better understand the severity of the alleged defect.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11098821, 11111044, 11111232, 11128491, 11149745, 11166420, 11191569, 11194573, 11208774, 11219239, 11246011, 11257720