2012 BMW K 1600 GTL: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel/propulsion system (18% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2025
“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 report · Power Train · Mar 2024
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 bmw k 1600 gtl. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v060000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called bmw motorcycles southeast michigan (14855 sheldon rd, plymouth, mi 48170, (734) 453-0500) where it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2021
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“The contact owns a 2012 BMW K-1600. 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 vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2021
“Greetings. I was notified earlier this year of a recall on my bike. The recall was issued in February, 2021 for a safety issue with the fuel pump. While my dealer has been very understanding and responsive, I am told the part is not available and they have no idea when they will be able to repair this important safety defect. It has now been over 8 months since the recall and there is no information about the required repair. I am growing concerned about the safety issue with this situation and would like to know when I can expect the part to be available so that my personal safety is not at risk. Please advise. Thanks. NHTSA Recall Number21V060”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2021
“This bike leaks the pressureized gasoline from the fuel pump flange spraying the gasoline on top of the engien and leaking down to area of exhaust pipes causing very huge change of fire. We found the recall number 13v-617 for this particular problem from NHTSA:s website but nobody from bmw or hhtsa conforms that this recall is implemented. Nobody knows anything about it. The bike is imopareble now and causes huge risk if operated in the condition it is now. Could you please tell if and when above recall happens? Can we be compensated if we fix the bike by ourselves. We are motorcycle delaer and this bike is in our bikes for sale inventory.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2020
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2020
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2020
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2018
“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 !!!!”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2017
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2012 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Check your exact K 1600 GTL by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 6,250 miles or less.
Does the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:software. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.