BMW K 1600 GT · model year

2012 BMW K 1600 GT

14 NHTSA complaints, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2012BMWK 1600 GT carries 14 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 K 1600 GT is fuel system, gasoline with 4 filings, followed by steering (2) and suspension (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 34 investigation files overlapping the 2012 K 1600 GT. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

14
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

14 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE4
STEERING2
SUSPENSION2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
SERVICE BRAKES1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
ENGINE1
WHEELS1

Recalls (4)

13V52600025/10/2013

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

13V61700012/12/2013

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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 aux

20V47100010/08/2020

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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-6

21V06000008/02/2021

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

Recent Complaints

20250227FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2012 BMW K1600 GT Motorcycle. The contact stated that while the motorcycle was parked, the contact became aware of a gasoline odor coming from the motorcycle. No warning lights were illuminated. The motorcycle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The motorcycle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V617000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 10,200.

Mileage: 10,200

20240522SUSPENSION

URGENT Please. I want to Repair ASAP. I write as someone who is Knowledgeable about these issues. I have repaired my own Motorcycles and Cars for about 30 years now. I also have owned several BMW Motorcycles. This issue with this 2012 BMW K1600 GT Motorcycle is that the Front and Rear Shocks wear out very often. BMW installed these electronic shocks on these bikes and they are very cheaply made. You will find many many forums online where thousands of people have to replace these shocks at 8000, 10,000 or so miles. A week ago I took the bike to the Dealer where they replaced the Fuel Pump on a Recall, they confirmed the shocks were gone. Cost of the 2 Shocks WITHOUT Labor is over $5000 when you add labor it will be over $8000 which renders the Motorcycle TOTALED. I called BMW HQ and they REFUSED to replace or do anything about this. I own other much older BMW Motorcycles & They ALL have the ORIGINAL Shocks except this K1600 GT bike which has these CHEAP shocks which makes

20240522STEERING

URGENT Please. I want to Repair ASAP. I write as someone who is Knowledgeable about these issues. I have repaired my own Motorcycles and Cars for about 30 years now. I also have owned several BMW Motorcycles. This issue with this 2012 BMW K1600 GT Motorcycle is that the Front and Rear Shocks wear out very often. BMW installed these electronic shocks on these bikes and they are very cheaply made. You will find many many forums online where thousands of people have to replace these shocks at 8000, 10,000 or so miles. A week ago I took the bike to the Dealer where they replaced the Fuel Pump on a Recall, they confirmed the shocks were gone. Cost of the 2 Shocks WITHOUT Labor is over $5000 when you add labor it will be over $8000 which renders the Motorcycle TOTALED. I called BMW HQ and they REFUSED to replace or do anything about this. I own other much older BMW Motorcycles & They ALL have the ORIGINAL Shocks except this K1600 GT bike which has these CHEAP shocks which makes

20240522WHEELS

URGENT Please. I want to Repair ASAP. I write as someone who is Knowledgeable about these issues. I have repaired my own Motorcycles and Cars for about 30 years now. I also have owned several BMW Motorcycles. This issue with this 2012 BMW K1600 GT Motorcycle is that the Front and Rear Shocks wear out very often. BMW installed these electronic shocks on these bikes and they are very cheaply made. You will find many many forums online where thousands of people have to replace these shocks at 8000, 10,000 or so miles. A week ago I took the bike to the Dealer where they replaced the Fuel Pump on a Recall, they confirmed the shocks were gone. Cost of the 2 Shocks WITHOUT Labor is over $5000 when you add labor it will be over $8000 which renders the Motorcycle TOTALED. I called BMW HQ and they REFUSED to replace or do anything about this. I own other much older BMW Motorcycles & They ALL have the ORIGINAL Shocks except this K1600 GT bike which has these CHEAP shocks which makes

20210820FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2012 BMW K 1600 GT. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for 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 manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20210614FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2012 BMW K 1600 GT. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer had been notified about the recall however, the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. Freedom Powersports Hurst (633 NE Loop 820, Hurst, TX 76053) was contacted and informed him that parts for the repair were on back order. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20201019FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW K-1600 GT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW MOTORCYCLES OF ORLANDO (8901 FUTURES DR, ORLANDO, FL 32819) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000.*DT*JB

Mileage: 36,000

20201017FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

QUICK DISCONNECT COUPLING ATTACHED TO FUEL PUMP BROKE AT THREADS GENERATING A FUEL LEAK. THIS ISSUE CAUSED RECALL OF OTHER 2012 MODELS DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS. IT APPEARS THE ISSUE IS EXTENDED TO MORE VEHICLES THAN ORIGINALLY LISTED. BMW IS NOT COVERING THOSE REPAIRS AT THE MOMENT, BUT RISK OF FIRE IS EXTREMELY HIGH.

Mileage: 47,000

20201014FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

A FUEL LEAK HAS DEVELOPED AT THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. IT WAS FIRST NOTICED BY FUEL FUMES BEING APPARENT WHILE RIDING.

Mileage: 30,000

20170313STEERING

PULLS TO THE LEFT AND MANUFACTURE DENIES THIS ACROSS THE BOARD. SEVERAL THOUSAND RANTS ABOUT THIS PULLING TO THE LEFT AND NOT ONE RECALL OR CONCERN FROM BMW.

20170313SUSPENSION

PULLS TO THE LEFT AND MANUFACTURE DENIES THIS ACROSS THE BOARD. SEVERAL THOUSAND RANTS ABOUT THIS PULLING TO THE LEFT AND NOT ONE RECALL OR CONCERN FROM BMW.

20160728ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW K 1600 GT MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,500.

Mileage: 18,500

20160728ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW K 1600 GT MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,500.

Mileage: 18,500

20150218SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW K 1600 GT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE ROTORS AND THE ABS SENSOR RINGS WERE RUSTED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE RUSTING WAS NOT SEVERE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

Mileage: 10,000

Compare 2012BMWK 1600 GT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT have?
The 2012 BMW K 1600 GT has 14 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT?
Yes, the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT?
The most-complained component for the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE with 4 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and SUSPENSION.
Is the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.