2012 BMW K 1600 GTL recalls and problems

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL has 4 safety recalls and 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL recalls

Recall 21V-060: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Feb 8, 2021 · 20,963 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-471: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Aug 10, 2020 · 16,926 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Recall 13V-617: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Dec 12, 2013 · 50,184 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Fix: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Recall 13V-526: Engine, Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Oct 25, 2013 · 2,475 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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 the engine control unit, limiting the engine speed.

Risk: As a result of the reduced engine speed, the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	8
Steering	7
Fuel/Propulsion System	6
Fuel System, Gasoline	4
Exterior Lighting	4
Engine	4
Power Train	3
Suspension	2
Wheels	2
Vehicle Speed Control	2
Engine and Engine Cooling	1
Visibility/Wiper	1

Most reported parts

Electrical System › Horn — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 4,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Sep 16, 2025

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. They said they fixed it but 300+ miles later at 19,800 miles it started a fuel leak again. This time bmw charge me to fix the fuel leak issue. Should have been part of the fuel leak recall issue.

Fuel System, Gasoline · reported Jun 28, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 BMW K-1600. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do 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 vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Fuel System, Gasoline · reported Apr 8, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 bmw k 1600 gtl. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v060000 (Fuel system, gasoline). The contact called bmw motorcycles of greater cincinnati (140 n verity pkwy, middletown, oh 45042) where an appointment was scheduled to have the vehicle serviced however, he was called three days prior to the appointment and was informed that the parts were on backorder and not yet available. The contact also called tom wood powersports indy (3400 e 96th st, indianapolis, in 46240) who also informed him that the parts were on backorder. The contact stated that…

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 300 miles · reported Oct 13, 2020

This bike leaks the pressureized gasoline from the fuel pump flange spraying the gasoline on top of the engien and leaking down to area of exhaust pipes causing very huge change of fire. We found the recall number 13v-617 for this particular problem from NHTSA:s website but nobody from bmw or hhtsa conforms that this recall is implemented. Nobody knows anything about it. The bike is imopareble now and causes huge risk if operated in the condition it is now. Could you please tell if and when above recall happens? Can we be compensated if we fix the bike by ourselves. We are motorcycle delaer…

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 28,000 miles · reported Sep 23, 2020

When motorcycle is turned on, gas starts gushing out. I researched the issue with my year/make/model and there has been multiple complaints from others about the exact same thing occurring. Motorcycle was stationary on it's side-stand.

Other BMW K 1600 GTL years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL: 21V-060 (fuel system, gasoline), 20V-471 (fuel system, gasoline), 13V-617 (fuel system, gasoline), 13V-526 (engine, electrical system, vehicle speed control). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (8 reports), followed by steering (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 4,500 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.