Is the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL

○ Not enough data

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL
RENDERED 2026-10-31T11:54:36.265Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 33
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2012: 33 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2011	0
2012	33
2013	7
2014	7
2015	1
2016	3
2017	0
2018	16
2019	3
2020	0
2021	1
2022	1
2023	0
2024	0
2025	0

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

24% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing horn.

Show complaint excerpts

Left and right handlebar controller quits functioning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-21

Also filed under Exterior lighting and vehicle speed control

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 BMW K1600 gtl motorcycle. The contact stated that while driving 72 MPH, he engaged the horn and attempted to change lanes, but the driver of another vehicle was unable to hear the horn, almost resulting in a crash.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-07-19

Steering

21% · 7 reports

Show complaint excerpts

In motion at any speed and on any surface in any lane the motorcycle drifts to the left. This requires constant steering input to the right to counteract the pull to the left.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-24

The motorcycle has a pronounced pull to the left. So much so that the bike will wander into oncoming traffic if there is any inattention.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-10-10

Fuel/propulsion system

18% · 6 reports

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-16

After returning from a ride, I noticed a fuel smell. I located drops of fuel beneath the bike and began to trace the liquid to it's source. The source was a cracked fuel pump flange where a threaded fitting was installed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-11-18

Fuel system, gasoline

12% · 4 reports

Exterior lighting

12% · 4 reports

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2013-07-12Engineering analysisClosed 2014-01-31 Fuel Leak - Motorycle
R

2013-12-20Electrical system, engine, vehicle speed control13V526000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-04-16Fuel system, gasoline13V617000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-01-18Fuel system, gasoline20V471000 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,...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-03-17Fuel system, gasoline21V060000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 7 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V526000 · Electrical system, engine, vehicle speed control
Recall 13V617000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 20V471000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 21V060000 · Fuel system, gasoline

FAQ

Is the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.