VehicleVerdict

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 44 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 44.0 times the median K 1600 GTL year — the 2012 model ranks #1 of 15 K 1600 GTL years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (10), electrical system (8), and steering (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

44

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 GTL years?

K 1600 GTL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted44 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 44 complaints2013: 9 complaints2014: 11 complaints2015: 1 complaints2016: 4 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 20 complaints2019: 3 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 1 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
K 1600 GTL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K 1600 GTL years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1023%
Electrical System818%
Steering716%
Engine511%
Lighting49%
Transmission37%
Suspension25%
Speed Control25%
Tires & Wheels25%
Visibility & Wipers12%

Does the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL 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.

“FUEL PUMP FAILURE; GAS WAS GUSHING ( APPROX. ONE-HALF LITER IN 2 MINUTES OUT OF BOTTOM OF MOTORCYCLE ON TO VERY HOT EXHAUST PIPE. VERY LUCKY BIKE DID NOT IGNITE GAS THAT WAS LEAKING DUE TO FAULTY FUEL PUMP.BIKE WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET (GREENFIELD AND BASELINE; GILBERT, AZ 85234 AT 1;00PM).…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 7, 2020

“UNABLE TO LOWER WIND SCREEN. LEFT HAND SWITCH FAILED, SCREEN STUCK IN LOWER POSITION SUBJECTING RIDER AND PASSENGER TO HEAVY RAIN AND WIND DURING CROSS COUNTRY TRIP. THE SWITCHES ON THE BMW K1600 MOTORCYCLES OFTEN FAIL, E.G. BIKE TURNS OFF, CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK, TURN SIGNAL INOPERABLE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 1, 2013

“THE BIKE HAS PULLED TO THE LEFT FROM THE TIME I PURCHASED IT. BMW DEALER TESTED IT AND VERIFIED THE PULL TO THE LEFT. LAST WEEK A STEERING PART WAS REPLACED AND THE DEALER SAID IT WAS FIXED. AFTER RIDING IT I KNOW THAT IT IS NOT FIXED. STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT - PERHAPS NOT QUITE AS MUCH AS BEFORE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 3, 2011

“THE BIKE WAS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD AND 18,000 MILES AND BROKE 3 OF THE 6 PISTONS SO INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE MOTOR THEN, THEY DECIDED TO REBUILD WITH NEW PISTONS NOW ONLY 2 YEARS LATER MORE PISTON TROUBLE ONLY 12,000 MILES THIS TIME NOW BMW SAYS ITS OUT OF WARENTY !!!!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 2, 2017

“TURN SIGNALS WILL NOT TURN OFF BY SWITCH ONCE ACTIVATED. THIS CAUSES AN UNSAFE CONDITION, AS TRAFFIC COULD ENTER FROM THE RIGHT OR LEFT ASSUMING THE MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR INTENDS TO TURN, CAUSING THE POTENTIAL FOR A BROADSIDE COLLISION WHICH WOULD LIKELY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE MOTORCYCLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 30, 2013

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL — common questions

Is the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 44 complaints put the 2012 model at #1 of 15 K 1600 GTL years. It is one of the K 1600 GTL years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 K 1600 GTL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (10 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), steering (7 complaints).

Does the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL. 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 GTL under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which BMW K 1600 GTL years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the K 1600 GTL years to avoid are 2012. The cleanest record among K 1600 GTL 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.