CarRecallWatchThe 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA.
The most-reported problem area is Steering (5 reports).
2018 BMW K 1600 GTL recalls
Motorcycle Reverse Gear Unit May Overheat, Risking Fire
A seal in the reverse gear control unit can deteriorate over time, allowing moisture to get inside.
Transmission Parts May Lock Rear Wheel, Crash Risk
Certain transmission parts on these BMW K 1600 motorcycles may not have been made to the correct hardness level.
Most common 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL problems
Problem areas named in the 16 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Steering | 5 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
What owners report
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 operational at all. I have contacted my local dealer to facilitate the 26V-214 recall rep
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.
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).
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW K-1600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE FAULT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE MOTORCYCLE IMMEDIATELY STALLED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE MOTORCYCLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY, RESTARTED THE MOTORCYCLE WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENCE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO BIG SKY MOTORSPORTS (2315 SOUTH AVE W, MISSOULA, MT 59801) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE. THE SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED AND RETURNED TO THE CONTACT. RECENTLY, WHILE DRIVING 72 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE ENGINE FAULT LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE MOTORCYCLE STALLED AGAIN. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO ABLE TO RESTART THE MOTORCYCLE S
2018 BMW K 1600 GTL questions
Does the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL: Motorcycle Reverse Gear Unit May Overheat, Risking Fire; Transmission Parts May Lock Rear Wheel, Crash Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (5), Unknown Or Other (4), Power Train (3).
How do I check if a recall on my 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.