2018 BMW K 1600 GT Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 6, 2026 · 5 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other K 1600 GT years
Not enough data 3rd of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 BMW K 1600 GT. That ranks 3rd out of 15 K 1600 GT model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is power train (3 complaints, 60%), typically at around 5,535 miles. Complaints mention 2 injuries. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

BMW K 1600 GT
BMW K 1600 GT. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Bergfalke2, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2018 BMW K 1600 GT problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Power Train3 · ~5,535 mi
Unknown or Other2 · ~3,100 mi
Steering1 · ~1,500 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Power Train360%5,535——
Unknown or Other240%3,100——
Steering120%1,500——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2019, with 3 complaints
2019: 3201932020: 220202

n = 5 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2018 BMW K 1600 GT recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Power train:manual transmission:seals/gasketsApr 2, 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V214000 · 9,160 vehicles

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.

Risk: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.

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 transmissionOct 1, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V692000 · 4,672 vehicles

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.

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.

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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Steering Oscillation (PE19002) — opened Mar 25, 2019, closed Oct 16, 2019.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 bmw k-1600 gt. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v692000 (power train) however, the part needed for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair…

Power Train · received Aug 4, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11343158

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 bmw k 1600 gt. The contact received a recall notification under nhtsa campaign number: 19v692000 (power train) however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair…

Power Train · received Feb 19, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11310055

This motorcycle has a recall that has been in place for over two months without repairs identified. It is related with parts in the transmission not build to the right specifications. Potential outcome would be a locked rear wheel while traveling

Unknown or Other · received Dec 2, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11286305

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW K 1600 GT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR DID NOT SHIFT WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE STEERING DID NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE VEHICLE VEERED LEFT WHEN IT WAS TURNED RIGHT. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE…

Power Train · received Nov 5, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11278237

When starting engine from a stationary position, while in neutral, the throttle gets stuck revving at approximately 2000 rpm. Can’t shift out of neutral or decelerate/acelerate throttle. This has happened on multiple occasions.after several attempts of turning on/off the main switch,and…

Unknown or Other · received Jun 1, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11217292

Other BMW K 1600 GT years

← 2017 K 1600 GT · 2019 K 1600 GT →

See all BMW K 1600 GT problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Owners most often report power train, unknown or other, steering problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2018 BMW K 1600 GT?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2018 BMW K 1600 GT a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other K 1600 GT model years, the 2018 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.