2018 BMW K 1600 B transmission problems

The 2018 BMW K 1600 B has 20 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 32% of the year's total, and the first year with meaningful reports in this category.

Transmission complaints

32%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

K 1600 B transmission complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2018 BMW K 1600 B have?

NHTSA has 20 complaints about the 2018 BMW K 1600 B transmission — 32% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2018 BMW K 1600 B transmission?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 19V692000, 26V214000.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.