VehicleVerdict

2012 BMW K 1600 GT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

14

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other K 1600 GT years?

K 1600 GT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted14 complaints2011: 2 complaints2012: 14 complaints2013: 9 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 1 complaints2016: 5 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 6 complaints2019: 2 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
K 1600 GT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K 1600 GT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 BMW K 1600 GT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System643%
Steering214%
Suspension214%
Electrical System17%
Engine17%
Brakes17%
Tires & Wheels17%

Does the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT have recalls?

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

21V060000Fuel SystemFebruary 8, 2021 · 20,963 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

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.

20V471000Fuel SystemAugust 10, 2020 · 16,926 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

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.

13V617000Fuel SystemDecember 12, 2013 · 50,184 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

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.

13V526000EngineOctober 25, 2013 · 2,475 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

As a result of the reduced engine speed, the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW K-1600 GT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW MOTORCYCLES OF ORLANDO (8901 FUTURES DR, ORLANDO, FL 32819) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 17, 2020

“PULLS TO THE LEFT AND MANUFACTURE DENIES THIS ACROSS THE BOARD. SEVERAL THOUSAND RANTS ABOUT THIS PULLING TO THE LEFT AND NOT ONE RECALL OR CONCERN FROM BMW.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 1, 2017

“PULLS TO THE LEFT AND MANUFACTURE DENIES THIS ACROSS THE BOARD. SEVERAL THOUSAND RANTS ABOUT THIS PULLING TO THE LEFT AND NOT ONE RECALL OR CONCERN FROM BMW.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 1, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW K 1600 GT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE ROTORS AND THE ABS SENSOR RINGS WERE RUSTED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE RUSTING WAS NOT SEVERE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 1, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW K 1600 GT MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,500. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 3, 2016

2012 BMW K 1600 GT — common questions

Is the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2012 K 1600 GT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (6 complaints), steering (2 complaints), suspension (2 complaints).

Does the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT under NHTSA investigation?

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

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.