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2012 BMW K 1600 GT

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
10
Latest Feb 27, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Feb 8, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT, most frequently naming the fuel system, steering and suspension categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 30 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Fuel system642.9%
  • Steering214.3%
  • Suspension214.3%
  • Electrical17.1%
  • Engine17.1%
  • Brakes17.1%
  • Other / unspecified17.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Feb 8, 2021
20,963 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
The 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.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Aug 10, 2020
16,926 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Dec 12, 2013
50,184 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
The 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].
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA13006ClosedEngineering Analysis

Fuel Leak - Motorycle

Opened Jul 12, 2013
Closed Jan 31, 2014

ODI began investigating this issue after owners of model year (MY) 2004-2011 R-series BMW motorcycles reported incidents of pressurized fuel leakage from the fuel pump flange.Some owners first became aware of the problem when their pant leg was fuel-soaked.Prior to opening our initial investigation on November 16, 2012, BMW had concluded that the small number of warranty claims and owner reports did not indicate the existence of a safety defect trend.However, during the course of responding to our information requests, BMW re-examined its data and decided to conduct a recall (13V-617) of the subject motorcycles.In conducting recall 13V-617, BMW voluntarily expanded the scope of affected vehicles from ODI'soriginal scope, MY2005-2008 R-series motorcycles, to include the primary and auxiliary fuel pumps on all MY 2005-2011 R-series, MY 2005-2011 K12&13 models, MY 2010-2011 RR models, and the MY 2012 K1600 motorcycles.The total number of motorcycles subject to this recalled is 50,184.The 55 reports cited in this investigation can be viewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following complaint identification numbers:10485789,10449393,10521322,10475150,10435325,10493015,10471642, 10448216,10488899,10356156,10433733,10442023,10492342,10435968, 10492961,10504324,10485882,10433013,10453738,10474390,10417320, 10485276,10444876,10508150,10485807,10492118,10491835,10425962, 10430734,10488652,10485274,10493320,10522421,10399423,10443840, 10448325,10490417,10485452,10433589,10467136,10420291,10503806, 10532145,10523763,10523626,10425514,10354202,10437222,10444742, 10454834,10532172,10487624,10435984,10452476, 10485337

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPLed to recall 13V617000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed Feb 27, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11645332
Incident
Feb 27, 2025
Mileage
10,200 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteeringSuspension
Filed May 22, 2024

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 the bike DANGEROUS to ride and to steer. It also destroys Tires which are very expensive on this bike. BMW needs to pay for or REPLACE the Shocks and Tires on this bike and to make sure the steering mechanism is NOT damaged on this bike because of these Shocks. BMW claims this is a "Wear and Tear" item. This is their TOP of the LINE Motorcycle that cost $28,000 when new. Front and Rear shocks should NOT wear out so quickly and so often on these bikes as have been DOCUMENTED by so many owners. This bike has been Garaged for over 2 years because of the Shocks as it is not really Safe to ride. BMW SHOULD be MADE to pay for these Repairs and Replacements. The Date listed below is the Date when the local BMW dealer did the Fuel Pump Recall and confirmed that the shocks are DEAD. And BMW Headquarters REFUSED to fix/Replace the shocks, I called them on that date. All info above is submitted under Oath and the Penalty of Perjury per the Laws of the State Of California. Thank you.

NHTSA ID
11590049
Incident
May 16, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Aug 20, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID
11429882
Incident
Aug 20, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Jun 14, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID
11420843
Incident
Mar 1, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Oct 19, 2020

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

NHTSA ID
11365097
Incident
Oct 17, 2020
Mileage
36,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 17, 2020

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.

NHTSA ID
11364824
Incident
Oct 9, 2020
Mileage
47,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 14, 2020

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.

NHTSA ID
11364370
Incident
Sep 4, 2020
Mileage
30,000 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Mar 13, 2017

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.

NHTSA ID
10965784
Incident
Jan 1, 2017

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

MC160214

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

BMW Motorrad USA has become aware of a potential durability issue with the film type fuel level sender “Fuel Strip” equipped on certain model year 2005 to 2013 R and K series motorcycles.

MC610522

WHEELS

Due to a hardware change to the angular rate sensor, certain sub functions will not be active until after a software update.

SIB610522

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Due to a hardware change to the angular rate sensor, a specific function "Front Wheel Lift Detection" of the Pro Driving Modes is not activated.

SIB170222

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the N63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166).

SIB610117

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

General Electric Systems.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW K 1600 GT by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025020
2024020
2023010
2022010
2021010
2020030
2019230
2018521
2017020
2016400
2015100
2014010
2013710
2012Viewing104145.0
2011110

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.