2018 BMW K 1600 GTL
Only 16 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2018
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2018: 16 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
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Steering
5 of 16 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
BMW introduced the K1600 motorcycle in 2011. At that time close to 50% of the units surveyed (210 out of 424) want to steer left (Into oncoming traffic), unless you counter steer to the right.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-01
I owned a 2012 model of this bike few years back and I had the same symptoms only apparent in this model of BMW brand bikes. This problem well known in the BMW riders community as "Pulling tothe left" Issue only on K1600GTL model bikes since years.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-01
Power train
3 of 16 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
At the end of April, 2026, I was using the 'Reverse Gear' function to assist with parking the motorcycle. I needed to move back about 15 feet into the parking spot.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-06-04
Also filed under Electrical system
Engine
2 of 16 total reports mention: engine.
Vehicle speed control
2 of 16 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing throttle.
Suspension
1 of 16 total reports mentions: suspension.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2020-03-11Power train19V692000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2020 K 1600 GT and 2018-2020 K 1600 GTL and K 1600 B motorcycles. Certain transmission parts may not have been produced to the appropriate hardness level.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shift forks, the selector sleeve of 5th/6th gear and the gear wheel of 6th gear, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed November 1, 2019.
-
R
Date not on filePower train26V214000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2025 K 1600 GT, GTL, B and 2018-2025 Grand America vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2026. A second letter will be mailed once the remedy is available.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 BMW K 1600 GTL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 26V214000 · Power train
- Recall 19V692000 · Power train
FAQ
- Is the 2018 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 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.