VehicleVerdict

2018 BMW K 1600 B problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 63 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 31.5 times the median K 1600 B year — the 2018 model ranks #1 of 9 K 1600 B years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 20 reports (32% of the total).

63

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other K 1600 B years?

K 1600 B NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted63 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 63 complaints2019: 12 complaints2020: 2 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 5 complaints2023: 5 complaints2024: 2 complaints2025: 0 complaints
K 1600 B NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K 1600 B years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 BMW K 1600 B problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2032%
Steering1117%
Other813%
Suspension711%
Electrical System58%
Fuel System46%
Engine46%
Speed Control23%
Tires & Wheels12%
Body & Structure12%

Does the 2018 BMW K 1600 B have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V214000TransmissionApril 2, 2026 · 9,160 units

Defect

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

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.

19V692000TransmissionOctober 1, 2019 · 4,672 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“SEE ATTACHED PDF, ALTHOUGH I DID RETURN THE MOTOR CYCLE TO THE DEALER COMPLAINING ABOUT INSTABILITY WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEED ESPECIALLY IN TURBULENT AIR, SOMETHING I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE IN THIRTY YEARS OF RIDING, THAT ISSUE IS STILL PENDING, BUT FOR NOW THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 1, 2019

“AT SPEEDS ABOVE 60MPH IN TURBULENT AIR (BEHIND LARGE TRUCKS, SUV'S) BIKE WILL ACT AS THOUGH IT WERE ON A GROOVED ROAD. IT HAS A "WOBBLE" UNTIL YOU GET OUT OF THE TURBULENT AIR. IF DRIVING IN HIGH WINDS AND NOT FOLLOWING ANOTHER VEHICLE YOU WILL ALSO EXPERIENCE THIS. THIS IS ON A GRAND AMERICA. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 9, 2018

“I WAS TRAVELING ON MY MOTORCYCLE IN 6TH GEAR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. I HAD TO DO AN EMERGENCY STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SINCE I WAS IN RUSH HOUR, I WAS VERY LUCKY I WAS ABLE TO GET OVER TO THE SHOULDER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 2, 2018

“When I drive my motorcycle on the highway with 70 mph +/- 5 miles, the bike is unstable, the steering bar is shaking, and it is hard to keep the bike in the lane. I complained to the dealer, they balanced the wheel, tested the bike, but the problem has not been solved. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 14, 2024

“I WAS TRAVELING ON MY MOTORCYCLE IN 6TH GEAR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. I HAD TO DO AN EMERGENCY STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SINCE I WAS IN RUSH HOUR, I WAS VERY LUCKY I WAS ABLE TO GET OVER TO THE SHOULDER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 2, 2018

2018 BMW K 1600 B — common questions

Is the 2018 BMW K 1600 B reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 63 complaints put the 2018 model at #1 of 9 K 1600 B years. It is one of the K 1600 B years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 K 1600 B problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (20 complaints), steering (11 complaints), other (8 complaints).

Does the 2018 BMW K 1600 B have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 BMW K 1600 B. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 BMW K 1600 B under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW K 1600 B years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the K 1600 B years to avoid are 2018. The cleanest record among K 1600 B years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.