2012 BMW K 1600 GTL
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
21% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file.
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, 20180924
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. *KB
NHTSA ODI report, 20111010
21% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
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LEFT AND RIGHT HANDLEBAR CONTROLLER QUITS FUNCTIONING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130521
18% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 6 distinct reports on file.
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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, 20250916
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, 20191118
12% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 4 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: exterior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
LEFT AND RIGHT HANDLEBAR CONTROLLER QUITS FUNCTIONING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130521
SAFETY TIMELINE
Fuel Leak - Motorycle
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 th
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
Campaign 13V526000 — check if this car was fixed
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 m
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
Campaign 13V617000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V471000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V060000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 BMW K 1600 GTL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V526000 (electrical system, engine, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V617000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V471000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V060000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
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 steering, accounting for 21% 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.