Does the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL, the most recent reported on April 2, 2026 (Power train: manual transmission, seals/gaskets). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (5 complaints), followed by unknown or other (4).

How many 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 16 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2018 BMW K 1600 GTL recalls and problems

2 recalls and 16 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2018 BMW K 1600 GTL recalls

Power train: manual transmission, seals/gaskets

NHTSA campaign 26V214000 · reported April 2, 2026 · BMW of North America, LLC · 9,160 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.

Power train: manual transmission

NHTSA campaign 19V692000 · reported October 1, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC · 4,672 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: 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.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Steering5
Unknown or other4
Power train3
Engine2
Vehicle speed control2
Electrical system1
Fuel system, gasoline1
Fuel/propulsion system1
Suspension1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 4, 2026 · Electrical system
At the end of April, 2026, I was using the 'Reverse Gear' function to assist with parking the motorcycle. I needed to move back about 15 feet into the parking spot. As I was moving backward, at approximately 3 to 5 feet, the reverse function suddenly stopped propelling the motorcycle backward causing me to loose…

May 13, 2022 · Vehicle speed control · 15,000 miles
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 throttle body needed to…

Oct 28, 2021 · Fuel system, gasoline · 45,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL Motorcycle. The contact stated fuel was leaking from intake. There was an abnormal odor of fuel detected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted who referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The…

Apr 28, 2021 · Steering · 2,500 miles
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 OF 30+MPH. IN BOTH…

Sep 22, 2020 · Engine · 8,500 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW K-1600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE FAULT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE MOTORCYCLE IMMEDIATELY STALLED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE MOTORCYCLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY, RESTARTED THE MOTORCYCLE WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENCE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO BIG…

K 1600 GTL model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2015	0	1
2016	0	3
2017	1	0
2018	2	16
2019	3	3
2020	3	0
2021	1	1

All BMW K 1600 GTL years →

Questions

Does the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL, the most recent reported on April 2, 2026 (Power train: manual transmission, seals/gaskets). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL?: Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (5 complaints), followed by unknown or other (4).
How many 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 16 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 4, 2026.