VehicleVerdict

2018 BMW K 1600 GT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2018 BMW K 1600 GT — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other K 1600 GT years?

K 1600 GT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K 1600 GT years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission350%
Other233%
Steering117%

Does the 2018 BMW K 1600 GT 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW K 1600 GT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V692000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 11, 2019

“WHEN STARTING ENGINE FROM A STATIONARY POSITION, WHILE IN NEUTRAL, THE THROTTLE GETS STUCK REVVING AT APPROXIMATELY 2000 RPM. CAN’T SHIFT OUT OF NEUTRAL OR DECELERATE/ACELERATE THROTTLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS.AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF TURNING ON/OFF THE MAIN SWITCH,AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 1, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW K 1600 GT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR DID NOT SHIFT WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE STEERING DID NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE VEHICLE VEERED LEFT WHEN IT WAS TURNED RIGHT. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 5, 2018

2018 BMW K 1600 GT — common questions

Is the 2018 BMW K 1600 GT reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 BMW K 1600 GT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 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 2018 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.