2012 BMW K 1600 GTL Problems
- Complaints
- 33filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 4,500miles, 25 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL. The part named most often is fuel system, with 10 complaints (30% of the total), followed by electrical system (8) and steering (7). 25 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 4,500 miles. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 30 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 3 recall campaigns covering the fuel pump and 3 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 12 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system10 30%
- Electrical system8 24%
- Steering7 21%
- Engine4 12%
- Exterior lighting4 12%
- Suspension2 6.1%
- Vehicle speed control2 6.1%
- Wheels2 6.1%
- Engine cooling1 3.0%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “When motorcycle is turned on, gas starts gushing out. I researched the issue with my year/make/model and there has been multiple complaints from others about the exact same thing occurring. Motorcycle was stationary on it's side-stand.”
NHTSA complaint #11360678, filed 2020-09, 28,000 milesElectrical system: “My Bmw k1600gtl has experienced 3 failures of the multi-purpose electrical control switch on the left handlebar and 1 failure of the multi-purpose switch on the right handlebar. The left handlebar failures were the high/low beam switch 2 times and the menu button 1 time. The right handlebar failure was the mode switch that controls engine mapping for road, dynamic and rain. I was told by two Bmw motorcycle dealership employees that these failures are very common and Bmw denies there is a problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10525449, filed 2013-07, 6,000 milesSteering: “In motion at any speed and on any surface in any lane the motorcycle drifts to the left. This requires constant steering input to the right to counteract the pull to the left. This constant steering input leads to early fatigue of the rider's arms and causes a distraction that is completely unnecessary. This has happened since day 1 and whenever I mention it to a mechanic they either tell me I am wrong or that it is normal. I have owned many motorcycles over the last 30 years and this is the only one that has ever had this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11130992, filed 2018-09, 1 milesEngine: “Three (3) k1600 gtl sudden engine cutoff events that I experienced on june 14, and june 16, 2013. This documents a significant safety concern on my 2012 Bmw k1600gtl. In three separate events, my k1600gtl engine shutdown at full speed (75 MPH, 55 MPH) while on the throttle with no advance notice. All three events were 'on the throttle' events - not coasting. The bike engine shutdown abruptly and the bike jolted forward. I had to take evasive action during all three events to get to the side of the road. I consider them to be significant near misses that could have caused a crash. …”
NHTSA complaint #10520335, filed 2013-06, 16,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
100% of the 25 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 520 and 13,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 21V060000Feb 8, 2021Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: BMW K 1600 GTL 2011–2014, K1300 S 2011–2014, R1200 RT 2011–2014 +7 more
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…
- 20V471000Aug 10, 2020Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: BMW K 1600 GTL 2012, R1200 RT 2005–2011, R1200 GS 2005–2011 +13 more
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)…
- 13V617000Dec 12, 2013Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: BMW K 1600 GTL 2012, R1200 RT 2005–2011, R1200 GS 2005–2011 +12 more
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…
- 13V526000Oct 25, 2013EngineCovers: BMW K 1600 GTL 2012, K 1600 GT 2012
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.
Recall details for the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 30 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024Electrical system. The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers…
- 10245433Nov 13, 2023Fuel system. BMW Motorrad USA has become aware of a potential durability issue with the film type fuel level sender âÂÂFuel Stripâ equipped on certain model year 2005 to 2013 R and K series motorcycles.
- 10230742Dec 8, 2022Wheels. Due to a hardware change to the angular rate sensor, certain sub functions will not be active until after a software update.
- 10218352Jul 26, 2022Electrical system. Due to a hardware change to the angular rate sensor, a specific function "Front Wheel Lift Detection" of the Pro Driving Modes is not activated.
- 10218366Jun 1, 2022Engine cooling. Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the N63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166).
- 10214996May 6, 2022Electrical system. General Electric Systems.
- 10212064Apr 26, 2022Engine cooling. Emission Control Information.?
- 10203319Sep 3, 2021Equipment. BMW Motorrad has ascertained that Keyless Ride radio keys produced before March 28, 2014 have faulty software. This can result in the radio key ceasing to work; resulting in the engine not being…
- 10201170Jul 13, 2021Electrical system. When diagnosing fault codes (0x3A13D7, 0x3A13D9), technicians erroneously condemn the electronic throttle grip, which analyses show is rarely the culprit.
- 10200269Jun 17, 2021Electrical system. The bike does not shut down with a short press of the keyless ride button. The keyless Ride button must be pressed for several seconds to shut the bike down
Other model years of the BMW K 1600 GTL
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 16 | 2,500 | 2 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2014 | 7 | 7,484 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 7 | 7,025 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 33 | 4,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
All BMW K 1600 GTL model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL have?
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 10 complaints (30% of the total), followed by electrical system with 8.
Has the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL reported?
Among the 25 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 4,500 miles and the middle half falls between 520 and 13,000 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.