BMW K 1600 GTL Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 4, 2026 · 72 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 72 owner complaints and 8 safety recalls on file for the BMW K 1600 GTL, across 15 model years (2011–2025). The 2012 model year has the most complaints (33). The most reported problem area overall is steering.

BMW K 1600 GTL
BMW-Motorrad K 1600. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Peak: 2012, with 33 complaints
2011: 0201102012: 33332013: 7201372014: 772015: 1201512016: 332017: 0201702018: 16162019: 3201932020: 002021: 1202112022: 112023: 0202302024: 002025: 020250

n = 72 complaints · Source: NHTSA

BMW K 1600 GTL years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical K 1600 GTL year: 2012, 2018. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2012 K 1600 GTL: 33 complaints, 4 recalls
  2. 2018 K 1600 GTL: 16 complaints, 2 recalls
  3. 2014 K 1600 GTL: 7 complaints, 1 recall

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2015 K 1600 GTL: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
  2. 2021 K 1600 GTL: 1 complaint, 1 recall
  3. 2022 K 1600 GTL: 1 complaint, 1 recall

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common BMW K 1600 GTL problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Steering1850
Fuel/propulsion System1460
Power Train1260
Electrical System1140
Engine940
Fuel System, Gasoline630
Suspension540
Exterior Lighting410
Vehicle Speed Control420
Wheels320
Engine and Engine Cooling110
Structure110
Visibility/wiper110

All BMW K 1600 GTL model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2025 K 1600 GTL01——
2024 K 1600 GTL02——
2023 K 1600 GTL01——
2022 K 1600 GTL11—Fuel/propulsion System
2021 K 1600 GTL11—Electrical System
2020 K 1600 GTL03——
2019 K 1600 GTL33—Power Train
2018 K 1600 GTL162—SteeringFar more complaints than other years
2017 K 1600 GTL01——
2016 K 1600 GTL30—Electrical System
2015 K 1600 GTL10—Fuel/propulsion System
2014 K 1600 GTL71—Steering
2013 K 1600 GTL71—Fuel/propulsion System
2012 K 1600 GTL334—Electrical SystemFar more complaints than other years
2011 K 1600 GTL01——

More from BMW: all BMW models · BMW VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which BMW K 1600 GTL years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2012 (33), 2018 (16) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical K 1600 GTL year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the BMW K 1600 GTL?

Steering, with 18 complaints across 5 model years.

How many recalls does the BMW K 1600 GTL have?

8 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.