VehicleVerdict

2018 BMW K 1600 GTL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 20 complaints on file for the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL — 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.

20

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other K 1600 GTL years?

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

See all K 1600 GTL years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering525%
Other420%
Transmission315%
Speed Control210%
Engine210%
Fuel System210%
Suspension15%
Electrical System15%

Does the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL 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.

“WHILE RIDING THIS MOTORCYCLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (60+MPH) NEAR SEMI TRUCK TRAFFIC. THE AIR FLOW COMING OFF OF THE TRUCK WOULD IMPACT THE MOTORCYCLE, THE BIKE WOULD WOBBLE SIGNIFICANTLY MAKING IT VERY HARD TO CONTROL AND ON THE CUSP OF LOSING CONTROL. THE SAME WOULD HAPPEN WHEN THERE WERE CROSS WINDS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 20, 2020

“VEHICLE UNSTABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. REPORTED TO MANUFACTURER,. DEALER MADE ATTEMPTS TO FIX BY BALANCING WHEELS THAT DID NOT HELP. THEN REPLACED TIRES AND THAT ALSO DID NOT HELP. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND NOT GETTING PROPER RESPONSE FROM BMW TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. ATTACHED INVOICE FOR WORK DONE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 18, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A BMW K1600. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V-692000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. AN UNKNOWN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 23, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED ENGINE PROBLEM WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF ROAD AND AFTER A COUPLE OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 1, 2019

“The contact owns a 2018 BMW K1600 GTL motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding at an undisclosed speed, the motorcycle inadvertently shifted into limp mode. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with throttle body failure. The dealer informed the contact that the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 13, 2022

2018 BMW K 1600 GTL — common questions

Is the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL reliable?

The record is thin — 20 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 K 1600 GTL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (5 complaints), other (4 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL have recalls?

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

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.