repaired · 2022 Q4
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
2012 BMW K 1600 GTLProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 33 owner complaints about the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-060 the manufacturer reports only 43% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 16, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL has problems
33 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Electrical system
7Steering
6Fuel/propulsion system
4Engine
4Exterior lighting
4Fuel system, gasoline
3Power train
2Suspension
2Vehicle speed control
43 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 8 | 0 |
| Steering | 7 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 4 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 4 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2012 BMW K 1600 GTL recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2015 Q3
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
repaired · 2015 Q2
Electrical system: software
Risk. As a result of the reduced engine speed, the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other K 1600 GTL year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the K 1600 GTL median. How we score
'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL, and the recalls they led to.
- Fuel Leak - MotorycleLed to recall 13V-617
In owners' words
What K 1600 GTL owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A BUSY INTERSTATE, WHEN I WENT TO PASS A CAR. I TWISTED THE THROTTLE AND THE BIKE BEGAN TO GAIN SPEED NORMALLY, AND THEN SUDDENLY IT LOST ALL POWER. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF OTHER TRAFFIC AND COAST ONTO THE SHOULDER, WHERE I DISCOVERED THE ENGINE WAS…
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.…
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…
Own a 2012 K 1600 GTL?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.