NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL Recalls & Complaints

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 33 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2012 BMW K 1600 GTL owner complaints

Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL, describing incidents dated June 3, 2011 to September 8, 2025.

Most-cited components

Fuel/Propulsion System 10 complaints
Electrical System 8 complaints
Steering 7 complaints
Engine 5 complaints
Exterior Lighting 4 complaints
Power Train 3 complaints

Newest complaints

ODI #11687646 · Filed September 16, 2025
Strong scent of fuel odor. Plastic elbow connectors is the culprit . This is the 2nd time this bike went in for Fuel leak problem. 1st time it went in the Bmw service bike was at 19,500 miles went in for fuel leak recall. They said they fixed it but 300 miles later at 19,800 miles it started a fuel…
ODI #11579464 · Filed March 26, 2024
Motorcycle has 45000miles and the transmission started to stutter in 4th gear, the symptoms match the recalled transmission for 2017 bmw k1600. This is very dangerous and in 4th gear the vehicle is traveling at around 50mph, when applying throttle the whole bike bucks and becomes unstable
ODI #11438710 · Filed October 29, 2021
Greetings. I was notified earlier this year of a recall on my bike. The recall was issued in February, 2021 for a safety issue with the fuel pump. While my dealer has been very understanding and responsive, I am told the part is not available and they have no idea when they will be able to repair…

Read all 33 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA13-006: Fuel Leak - Motorycle
Closed January 31, 2014
- Recall 13V-617

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Fuel Pump Flange May Leak

NHTSA #21V060000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported February 8, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 20,963 vehicles

Repair completion: 55.27% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified March 17, 2021

Defect description

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 fuel during vehicle operation.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fuel Pump Flange may Leak

NHTSA #20V471000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported August 10, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 16,926 vehicles

Repair completion: 58.36% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified January 18, 2021

Defect description

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) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fuel Pump Flange may Leak

NHTSA #13V617000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported December 12, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 50,184 vehicles

Repair completion: 59.33% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified April 16, 2014 · Vehicles built December 16, 2010 – April 15, 2011 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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 motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Incorrect Throttle Signal may cause Engine Stall

NHTSA #13V526000 · Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA notice

Reported October 25, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 2,475 vehicles

Repair completion: 78.18% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified December 20, 2013 · Vehicles built January 10, 2011 – March 8, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

As a result of the reduced engine speed, the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the throttle control software, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in December 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

33 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11687646

Incident: September 8, 2025 · Filed: September 16, 2025

Strong scent of fuel odor. Plastic elbow connectors is the culprit . This is the 2nd time this bike went in for Fuel leak problem. 1st time it went in the Bmw service bike was at 19,500 miles went in for fuel leak recall. They said they fixed it but 300 miles later at 19,800 miles it started a fuel leak again. This time bmw charge me to fix the fuel leak issue. Should have been part of the fuel leak recall issue.

Power Train

ODI #11579464

Incident: March 25, 2024 · Filed: March 26, 2024

Motorcycle has 45000miles and the transmission started to stutter in 4th gear, the symptoms match the recalled transmission for 2017 bmw k1600. This is very dangerous and in 4th gear the vehicle is traveling at around 50mph, when applying throttle the whole bike bucks and becomes unstable

Engine

ODI #11438710

Incident: February 8, 2021 · Filed: October 29, 2021

Greetings. I was notified earlier this year of a recall on my bike. The recall was issued in February, 2021 for a safety issue with the fuel pump. While my dealer has been very understanding and responsive, I am told the part is not available and they have no idea when they will be able to repair this important safety defect. It has now been over 8 months since the recall and there is no information about the required repair. I am growing concerned about the safety issue with this situation and would like to know when I can expect the part to be available so that my personal safety is not at risk. Please advise. Thanks. NHTSA Recall Number21V060

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11424777

Incident: July 14, 2021 · Filed: July 14, 2021

Dealer has not received ANY parts to repair this and cannot provide a date when they expect to receive them.

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #11422557

Incident: April 1, 2021 · Filed: June 28, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 BMW K-1600. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #11407053

Incident: March 1, 2021 · Filed: April 8, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V060000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT CALLED BMW MOTORCYCLES OF GREATER CINCINNATI (140 N VERITY PKWY, MIDDLETOWN, OH 45042) WHERE AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED HOWEVER, HE WAS CALLED THREE DAYS PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER AND NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO CALLED TOM WOOD POWERSPORTS INDY (3400 E 96TH ST, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240) WHO ALSO INFORMED HIM THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOR MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.*DT

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #11406475

Incident: April 5, 2021 · Filed: April 5, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V060000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED BMW MOTORCYCLES SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN (14855 SHELDON RD, PLYMOUTH, MI 48170, (734) 453-0500) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11364206

Incident: September 26, 2020 · Filed: October 13, 2020

THIS BIKE LEAKS THE PRESSUREIZED GASOLINE FROM THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE SPRAYING THE GASOLINE ON TOP OF THE ENGIEN AND LEAKING DOWN TO AREA OF EXHAUST PIPES CAUSING VERY HUGE CHANGE OF FIRE. WE FOUND THE RECALL NUMBER 13V-617 FOR THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM FROM NHTSA:S WEBSITE BUT NOBODY FROM BMW OR HHTSA CONFORMS THAT THIS RECALL IS IMPLEMENTED. NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE BIKE IS IMOPAREBLE NOW AND CAUSES HUGE RISK IF OPERATED IN THE CONDITION IT IS NOW. COULD YOU PLEASE TELL IF AND WHEN ABOVE RECALL HAPPENS? CAN WE BE COMPENSATED IF WE FIX THE BIKE BY OURSELVES. WE ARE MOTORCYCLE DELAER AND THIS BIKE IS IN OUR BIKES FOR SALE INVENTORY.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11360678

Incident: September 10, 2020 · Filed: September 23, 2020

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11353561

Incident: September 7, 2020 · Filed: September 7, 2020

FUEL PUMP FAILURE; GAS WAS GUSHING ( APPROX. ONE-HALF LITER IN 2 MINUTES OUT OF BOTTOM OF MOTORCYCLE ON TO VERY HOT EXHAUST PIPE. VERY LUCKY BIKE DID NOT IGNITE GAS THAT WAS LEAKING DUE TO FAULTY FUEL PUMP.BIKE WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET (GREENFIELD AND BASELINE; GILBERT, AZ 85234 AT 1;00PM). TURNED OFF BIKE PUSHED TO PARKING LOT AND THEN MOVED BIKE TO STORAGE AREA.

Other BMW K 1600 GTL model years

Check your 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL VIN

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