RoadVitals

2013 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.
7
Latest Feb 19, 2022
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.
1
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.
0
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 7 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 BMW K 1600 GT, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and powertrain (other) categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 33 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

  • Engine333.3%
  • Fuel system333.3%
  • Powertrain (other)222.2%
  • Steering111.1%

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

1 campaign 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
21V060000

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

Recent owner complaints

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

EngineFuel system
Filed Feb 19, 2022

We were notified in March 2021 that our a fuel pump could start a fuel leak. This could catch on fire causing damage to the motorcycle not to mention my wife and I could be severely burned. They continue to say that they do not have the part and as of September 2021 still do not have the part and as of today they still do not have the part to put in. This is very inconvenient and that I cannot ride my motorcycle for fear of injury. There are no warning lamps if it is leaking and the dealer keeps telling me he does not have the part. They can’t get a fuel pump but they continue to make new motorcycles all the time. That does not make sense. They sold the motorcycle and they should be able to make all parts available. March 1 it will be one year since I have been notified.

NHTSA ID
11452970
Incident
Mar 1, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Sep 14, 2021

The contact owns a 2013 BMW K 1600 GT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the motorcycle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet 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. Consumer stated 2nd letter was issued from manufacturer on Sept 2021 acknowledging delay.

NHTSA ID
11432887
Incident
Mar 1, 2021
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 4, 2021

TRANSMISSION IS NOISY. THE GEARS ARE WORN PREMATURELY. I HAVE 40K MILES ON ME 2013 K1600GT. I SAW A RECALL FOR 2017+ TRANSMISSIONS BUT I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO PRIOR YEARS. OBVIOUSLY IT WAS IN MOTION FROM 10MPH OR FASTER. IT SEEMS TO BE WORSE FROM 3RD GEAR AND HIGHER.

NHTSA ID
11406355
Incident
Apr 4, 2021
Mileage
20 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 28, 2020

DURING A RIDE WITH MY 2013 BMW K1600 GT THAT TOOK PLACE ON 12/15/19, I NOTED PROBLEMS WITH THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION, WITH DIFFICULTY IN SHIFTING GEARS. THE BIKE HAS APPROXIMATELY 25, 400 MILES. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE BACK HOME WITH DIFFICULTY. I TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE SAN DIEGO BMW DEALERSHIP TO ASSESS THE PROBLEM. THE ATTACHED REPORT DOCUMENTS 'DAMAGE ON GEAR DOGS FOR 6TH AND 4TH GEAR. CORNERS OF DOGS SHOW ROUNDING AND ARE WORN TO A POLISHED FINISH'. THE DEALER CONTACTED BMW TO ORDER THE DAMAGED PARTS, BUT THE REPLY WAS THAT THESE PARTS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE BECAUSE BMW HAS SINCE MODIFIED THE TRANSMISSION. THE ONLY OPTION WAS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION AT THE COST OF $ 5407.07. THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE, CONSIDERING THE RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE, WAS SURPRISING. I SUBSEQUENTLY BECAME AWARE THAT BMW IS RECALLING THOUSANDS OF 2017-2020 K1600 GT, GTL AND B MODELS FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS RELATED TO PRODUCTION OF PARTS LACKING THE APPROPRIATE HARDNESS LEVEL. IT APPEARS THAT MY 2013 BIKE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR PROBLEMS. POSSIBLY, THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN FROM THE INCEPTION A WEAK SPOT AS ATTESTED BY BMW EFFORTS TO MODIFY IT OVER THE YEARS, WHICH CULMINATED IN THE ABOVE NOTED RECALL OF 2017-2020 RECALL. IT SEEMS THAT OTHER YEARS SHOULD BE RECALLED AS WELL.

NHTSA ID
11312113
Incident
Dec 15, 2019
Mileage
25,400 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Dec 9, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW K 1600 GT. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE LOWER FUEL PUMP AND OIL LEAKING FROM THE OIL PAN GASKET OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW MOTORCYCLES OF LAS VEGAS (617 5B WEST SAHARA AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV) WHERE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD GASKET, OIL PAN GASKET, AND FUEL PUMP UNIT WERE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,048.

NHTSA ID
11287926
Incident
Nov 20, 2019
Mileage
13,048 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 23, 2018

PISTONS ARE CRACKING AND MAY BREAK CAUSING ENGINE TO LOCK UP....BMW HAS IGNORED THIS PROBLEM AND CONTINUES TO PRODUCE THIS ENGINE AND HAS NO SPARE PARTS TO FIX IT....SOMETHING NEED TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS!!!

NHTSA ID
11074453
Incident
Feb 10, 2018
Mileage
53,500 mi
Steering
Filed Apr 7, 2014

BIKE REQUIRES CONSTANT COUNTER STEERING PRESSURE ON THE HANDLEBARS TO KEEP IT FROM VEERING SHARPLY LEFT INTO INCOMING TRAFFIC. IT HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT VERIFIES THAT THE BIKE DOES IN FACT PULL TO THE LEFT, HOWEVER BMW'S FIELD REPRESENTATIVE STATES THAT THE BIKE IS OPERATING "AS DESIGNED." *TR

NHTSA ID
10577902
Incident
Oct 10, 2013
Mileage
810 mi

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—
2013Viewing710—
2012104145.0
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.