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2018 BMW K 1600 GTL recalls and problems

The 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL has 2 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
16
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 BMW K 1600 GTL recalls

Recall 26V-214: Power Train

Reported Apr 2, 2026 · 9,160 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2025 K 1600 GT, GTL, B and 2018-2025 Grand America vehicles. The seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.

Risk: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 30, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 25, 2026.

Recall 19V-692: Power Train

Reported Oct 1, 2019 · 4,672 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2020 K 1600 GT and 2018-2020 K 1600 GTL and K 1600 B motorcycles. Certain transmission parts may not have been produced to the appropriate hardness level. This could affect the function of the transmission, possibly causing double engagement of two gears and/or the damage of transmission parts.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2018 BMW K 1600 GTL problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering5
Unknown or Other4
Power Train3
Engine2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Suspension1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Electrical System1

Most reported parts

  • Vehicle Speed Control › Throttle — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 2,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Jun 4, 2026
At the end of April, 2026, I was using the 'Reverse Gear' function to assist with parking the motorcycle. I needed to move back about 15 feet into the parking spot. As I was moving backward, at approximately 3 to 5 feet, the reverse function suddenly stopped propelling the motorcycle backward causing me to loose balance. I tipped and had to lay the bike down to prevent injury. The lay down caused minor scratching and indentations to the motorcycle. At the time I thought I smelled a burning electronics smell - but can't be certain. Since this incident occurred, the Reverse Gear has not been…
Vehicle Speed Control · at 15,000 miles · reported May 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 BMW K1600 GTL motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding at an undisclosed speed, the motorcycle inadvertently shifted into limp mode. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with throttle body failure. The dealer informed the contact that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 45,000 miles · reported Oct 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL Motorcycle. The contact stated fuel was leaking from intake. There was an abnormal odor of fuel detected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted who referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline).
Steering · at 2,500 miles · reported Apr 28, 2021
While riding this motorcycle at highway speeds (60+MPH) near semi truck traffic. The air flow coming off of the truck would impact the motorcycle, the bike would wobble significantly making it very hard to control and on the cusp of losing control. The same would happen when there were cross winds of 30+MPH. In both of these conditions the bike became dangerous to ride. This wobble happened each time I was near a truck on a highway and in significant cross winds.
Power Train · reported Jan 23, 2020
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.

Other BMW K 1600 GTL years

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Compare all BMW K 1600 GTL years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL: 26V-214 (power train), 19V-692 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL?

Owners report steering problems most often (5 reports), followed by unknown or other (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 2,500 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.