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2012 BMW K 1600 Gtl

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

25 reports with mileage · 8 unknown

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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 6 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 reports0 injury reports

What owners actually said

33 reports
16,000 miles · Nov 18, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System

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…

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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 "REVIEWING MY CASE", THEY HAVE DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE I EXPERIENCED, THOUGH THE SAME AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL. I SUGGEST THAT BMW HAS NOT INCLUDED ALL OF THE FAULTY FUEL SYSTEM BIKES IN THEIR ORIGINAL RECALL AND SHOULD EXPAND THE RECALL DATE OF MANUFACTURE TO INCLUDE VINS PRODUCED WITH THE SAME FAULTY FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS AS THOSE PRODUCED IN EARLY 2012. FROM THE ATTACHED PICTURE, YOU CAN PLAINLY SEE RAW FUEL SPRAYING OUT OF THE PUMP FLANGE AND TOWARD THE OPERATOR OF THE BIKE. THIS FUEL SPRAY OCCURS WHENEVER THE IGNITION IS "ON", EVEN WHEN THE ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING.

NHTSA ODI #11280916

1 miles · Sep 24, 2018
Steering

IN MOTION AT ANY SPEED AND ON ANY SURFACE IN ANY LANE THE MOTORCYCLE DRIFTS TO THE LEFT. THIS REQUIRES CONSTANT STEERING INPUT TO THE RIGHT TO COUNTERACT THE PULL TO THE LEFT. THIS CONSTANT STEERING INPUT LEADS TO EARLY FATIGUE OF THE RIDER'S ARMS AND CAUSES A DISTRACTION THAT IS COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY. THIS HAS HAPPENED SIN…

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IN MOTION AT ANY SPEED AND ON ANY SURFACE IN ANY LANE THE MOTORCYCLE DRIFTS TO THE LEFT. THIS REQUIRES CONSTANT STEERING INPUT TO THE RIGHT TO COUNTERACT THE PULL TO THE LEFT. THIS CONSTANT STEERING INPUT LEADS TO EARLY FATIGUE OF THE RIDER'S ARMS AND CAUSES A DISTRACTION THAT IS COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE DAY 1 AND WHENEVER I MENTION IT TO A MECHANIC THEY EITHER TELL ME I AM WRONG OR THAT IT IS NORMAL. I HAVE OWNED MANY MOTORCYCLES OVER THE LAST 30 YEARS AND THIS IS THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS EVER HAD THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11130992

30,000 miles · Dec 24, 2017
Engine

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 !!!!

NHTSA ODI #11056276

4,500 miles · Apr 7, 2014
Steering

THIS MOTORCYCLE HAS A HARD LEFT PULL, AND HAS HAD IT FROM DAY OF DELIVERY. BMW HAS NOT MADE ANY EFFORT TO FIX. THE REQUIREMENT TO CONSTANTLY COUNTERSTEER CAN BE DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY FATAL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10577912

200 miles · Oct 25, 2013
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW K 1600 GT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW K 1600 GT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200. ## VIN PASSED ## BMW K 1600 GT 2012 ##

NHTSA ODI #10549579

12,040 miles · Sep 11, 2013
SteeringSuspensionWheels

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 SI…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10543150

17,000 miles · Sep 5, 2013
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

I WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A BUSY INTERSTATE, WHEN I WENT TO PASS A CAR. I TWISTED THE THROTTLE AND THE BIKE BEGAN TO GAIN SPEED NORMALLY, AND THEN SUDDENLY IT LOST ALL POWER. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF OTHER TRAFFIC AND COAST ONTO THE SHOULDER, WHERE I DISCOVERED THE ENGINE WAS ACTUALLY STILL RUNNING, BUT THE …

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I WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A BUSY INTERSTATE, WHEN I WENT TO PASS A CAR. I TWISTED THE THROTTLE AND THE BIKE BEGAN TO GAIN SPEED NORMALLY, AND THEN SUDDENLY IT LOST ALL POWER. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF OTHER TRAFFIC AND COAST ONTO THE SHOULDER, WHERE I DISCOVERED THE ENGINE WAS ACTUALLY STILL RUNNING, BUT THE THROTTLE CONTROL WAS COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE. AN INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH WAS ILLUMINATED, WHICH, ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL, MEANT THE ENGINE HAD GONE INTO "EMERGENCY OPERATION MODE." AFTER SHUTTING THE BIKE OFF AND RESTARTING A FEW TIMES, IT RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CHECKED OUT, THEY SAID THE HISTORY CONFIRMED THAT THE BIKE HAD LOST ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL FOR THE FLY-BY-WIRE SYSTEM, BUT WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY NOW. THEY WERE UNABLE TO SUGGEST ANY POSSIBLE CAUSES OR FIXES FOR THE PROBLEM, OR PREDICT WHEN, OR IF, IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. THE SERVICE TECH LITERALLY SHRUGGED HIS SHOULDERS AT ME AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. I KNOW MOTORCYCLES ARE INHERENTLY DANGEROUS, BUT THIS IS A POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING FLAW. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10542125

13,000 miles · Sep 5, 2013
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper

UNABLE TO LOWER WIND SCREEN. LEFT HAND SWITCH FAILED, SCREEN STUCK IN LOWER POSITION SUBJECTING RIDER AND PASSENGER TO HEAVY RAIN AND WIND DURING CROSS COUNTRY TRIP. THE SWITCHES ON THE BMW K1600 MOTORCYCLES OFTEN FAIL, E.G. BIKE TURNS OFF, CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK, TURN SIGNAL INOPERABLE. DEALER, MORTON'S BMW TELLS ME THESE …

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UNABLE TO LOWER WIND SCREEN. LEFT HAND SWITCH FAILED, SCREEN STUCK IN LOWER POSITION SUBJECTING RIDER AND PASSENGER TO HEAVY RAIN AND WIND DURING CROSS COUNTRY TRIP. THE SWITCHES ON THE BMW K1600 MOTORCYCLES OFTEN FAIL, E.G. BIKE TURNS OFF, CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK, TURN SIGNAL INOPERABLE. DEALER, MORTON'S BMW TELLS ME THESE SWITCHES CONTINUE TO FAIL ON NUMEROUS K1600S. SWITCHES ARE NOT AVAILABLE AFTER 6 WEEKS OF BEING "ON ORDER" *JB

NHTSA ODI #10541996

5,600 miles · Aug 31, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

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 P…

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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 MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH HOUSING. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10538182

6,500 miles · Aug 20, 2013
Engine

I WAS RIDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE SUDDENLY QUIT. THIS HAPPENED EIGHT TIMES WITHIN 400 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10536276

Official recalls

4

21V060000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Feb 8, 2021

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

20V471000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Aug 10, 2020

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

13V617000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Dec 12, 2013

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

13V526000 · Electrical System:software; Engine; Vehicle Speed Control

Oct 25, 2013

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012 K1600 GT and K1600 GTL motorcycles. In certain riding conditions, an incorrect throttle valve control signal may be received by the engine control unit, limiting the engine speed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: As a result of the reduced engine speed, the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the throttle control software, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in December 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Engine

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012 K1600 GT and K1600 GTL motorcycles. In certain riding conditions, an incorrect throttle valve control signal may be received by the engine control unit, limiting the engine speed.

Consequence: As a result of the reduced engine speed, the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the throttle control software, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in December 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Electrical System:software

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012 K1600 GT and K1600 GTL motorcycles. In certain riding conditions, an incorrect throttle valve control signal may be received by the engine control unit, limiting the engine speed.

Consequence: As a result of the reduced engine speed, the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the throttle control software, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in December 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Vehicle Speed Control

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012 K1600 GT and K1600 GTL motorcycles. In certain riding conditions, an incorrect throttle valve control signal may be received by the engine control unit, limiting the engine speed.

Consequence: As a result of the reduced engine speed, the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the throttle control software, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in December 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

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

1

EA13006 · Fuel Leak - Motorycle

Opened Jul 12, 2013 · Closed Jan 31, 2014

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

ODI began investigating this issue after owners of model year (MY) 2004-2011 R-series BMW motorcycles reported incidents of pressurized fuel leakage from the fuel pump flange.Some owners first became aware of the problem when their pant leg was fuel-soaked.Prior to opening our initial investigation on November 16, 2012, BMW had concluded that the small number of warranty claims and owner reports did not indicate the existence of a safety defect trend.However, during the course of responding to our information requests, BMW re-examined its data and decided to conduct a recall (13V-617) of the subject motorcycles.In conducting recall 13V-617, BMW voluntarily expanded the scope of affected vehicles from ODI'soriginal scope, MY2005-2008 R-series motorcycles, to include the primary and auxiliary fuel pumps on all MY 2005-2011 R-series, MY 2005-2011 K12&13 models, MY 2010-2011 RR models, and the MY 2012 K1600 motorcycles.The total number of motorcycles subject to this recalled is 50,184.The 55 reports cited in this investigation can be viewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following complaint identification numbers:10485789,10449393,10521322,10475150,10435325,10493015,10471642, 10448216,10488899,10356156,10433733,10442023,10492342,10435968, 10492961,10504324,10485882,10433013,10453738,10474390,10417320, 10485276,10444876,10508150,10485807,10492118,10491835,10425962, 10430734,10488652,10485274,10493320,10522421,10399423,10443840, 10448325,10490417,10485452,10433589,10467136,10420291,10503806, 10532145,10523763,10523626,10425514,10354202,10437222,10444742, 10454834,10532172,10487624,10435984,10452476, 10485337