Owners have filed 11 complaints
about the 2014 BMW K 1600 GTL with NHTSA between 2013 and 2021.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 22
Against the median year of the BMW K 1600 GTL. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 47
9.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2014 BMW K 1600 GTL
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Steering
436.4%
Median failure at 7,483 miles
Engine & Cooling
218.2%
Median failure at 8,352 miles
Other & Unspecified
19.1%
Median failure at 1,500 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
19.1%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Suspension
19.1%
Median failure at 1,500 miles
Body & Structure
19.1%
Median failure at 21,900 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
19.1%
Median failure at 16,200 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
220.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
330.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
550.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2013peak 3Oct 2021
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Las Vegas, NVFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
BMW has an open recall regarding a defective fuel pump. Affected bikes: BMW K 1600 GT, K 1600 GTL, K 1600 GTL Exclusive (2011-2014) When I contact BMW they tell me my VIN is not affected, but I have 100% confirmed that my fuel pump is leaking gas at a very unsafe rate. My bike year and model matches, and the effected part also matching, including the failure. This can cause my motorbike to turn into flames very easily as soon as it is turned on. I have seen it throw a flame but it stopped soon after. BMW is not willing to help me, even though there is an open recall.
NHTSA complaint #11436183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Las Vegas, NVFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
BMW has an open recall regarding a defective fuel pump. Affected bikes: BMW K 1600 GT, K 1600 GTL, K 1600 GTL Exclusive (2011-2014) When I contact BMW they tell me my VIN is not affected, but I have 100% confirmed that my fuel pump is leaking gas at a very unsafe rate. My bike year and model matches, and the effected part also matching, including the failure. This can cause my motorbike to turn into flames very easily as soon as it is turned on. I have seen it throw a flame but it stopped soon after. BMW is not willing to help me, even though there is an open recall.
NHTSA complaint #11436183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,900 milesClay, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHEN MY WIFE AND I CAME TO A STOP AFTER COMING OFF THE INTERSTATE, SHE ADJUSTED HER SELF ON THE SEAT OF THE 2014 BMW K1600 MOTORCYCLE, AS SHE USED THE ARM REST FOR SUPPORT IN SHIFFING HER WEIGH (SHE WEIGHTS 105 LBS) THE ARM REST SNAPPED OFF). HAD WE BEEN GOING INTO A TURN OR PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND IF SHE HAD BEEN USING THE ARMREST FOR SUPPORT AND IT BROKE, THIS COULD HAVE SHIFTED HER WEIGHT UNEXPECTIALLY WHICH MIGHT HAVE CAUSE THE DRIVE TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE. I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER AND BMW, RECEIVED A CALL FROM BMW ASKING ME TO CALL THEM BACK, I DID, SHORTLY AFTER GETTING THERE CALL. NO ANSWER, EMAILED THEM 4 TIMES, NO ANSWER. I CONSIDER THIS A FACTORY DEFECT WITH THE PART JUST SNAPPING OFF. I HAVE PICTURES OF MY BIKE TO SHOW IT WAS NOT DROPPED OR DAMAGED. SIMILY A BAD PART. I HAD TO USE EPOXEY TO FASTHEN IT BACK ON SO THAT MY WIFE WOULD NOT CUT HER SELF ON THE SHARP EDGES. THE LADY THAT CALLED FROM BMW SAID HERE NAME WAS ASHLEY, (800-831-1117 EXT 8816. HOWEVER, AFTER CALLING BACK 4 TIMES, ON TWO DAYS, AND 4 EMAILS, IT APPEARS THEY ARE TOO BUSY TO REPLY TO MY CONCERN.
NHTSA complaint #11361509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,500 milesCharlotte, NC
STEERING
WHILE RIDING THE BMW MOTORCYCLE THERE IS A PRONOUNCED PULL TO THE LEFT. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS. THE HIGHER THE SPEED THE GREATER THE PULL IS. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE APRIL 2014. DIFFERENT TIRES AND CHANGING THE RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE MAKES NO IMPROVEMENT IN THE LEFT PULL.
NHTSA complaint #11130793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,500 milesCharlotte, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE RIDING THE BMW MOTORCYCLE THERE IS A PRONOUNCED PULL TO THE LEFT. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS. THE HIGHER THE SPEED THE GREATER THE PULL IS. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE APRIL 2014. DIFFERENT TIRES AND CHANGING THE RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE MAKES NO IMPROVEMENT IN THE LEFT PULL.
NHTSA complaint #11130793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,500 milesCharlotte, NC
SUSPENSION
WHILE RIDING THE BMW MOTORCYCLE THERE IS A PRONOUNCED PULL TO THE LEFT. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS. THE HIGHER THE SPEED THE GREATER THE PULL IS. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE APRIL 2014. DIFFERENT TIRES AND CHANGING THE RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE MAKES NO IMPROVEMENT IN THE LEFT PULL.
NHTSA complaint #11130793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,200 milesSanta Clara, CA
POWER TRAIN
1. THE MOTORCYCLES PULLS TO THE LEFT. CONSTANT CORRECTION IS STRESSFUL ON HIGHWAYS AND TAXES ONE'S MUSCLES. 2. ENGINE HAS A TICKING NOISE (VALVE CHATTERING) AT 3000-3500 RPM BAND (FIRST NOTICED AT 8000 MILES) AND DEALER/MANUFACTURER IS UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THERE ARE LOTS OF K1600 ON THE ROAD WITH THIS ISSUE AND BMW HAS NO RESOLUTION FOR THIS. 3. SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL - FIRST OBSERVED AT APPROX 16000 MILES (IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIRD SERVICE) - THE MOTORCYCLE DOES NOT SLOT INTO 2ND AND NEUTRAL GEARS WITH PRECISION. FIRST GEAR HAS A LOUD CLUNK SOUND ON ENGAGING AND SOMETIMES CLUTCH DO NOT DISENGAGE FULLY ENOUGH THOUGH I WOULD DEPRESS THE LEVER FULLY. AT TIMES GEAR CHANGE REQUESTS ARE ABORTED AS THE GEAR CHANGE ENTERS LIMBO STATE. THE GEARBOX AND CLUTCH DO NOT WORK IN TANDEM FOR SMOOTH UPSHIFTS. AT STOP-N-GO TRAFFIC FINDING NEUTRAL BY ROCKING GEAR LEVER IS A PAIN. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY LOT AT GEAR INDICATOR TO CONFIRM IS UPSHIFT WAS EXECUTED FROM 1ST TO 2ND (OR IS IT IN A LIMBO - NOT EVEN NEUTRAL). DURING THIS SITUATION THERE IS LOUD MECHANICAL GRINDING NOISE WHEN I WOULD WANT TO SLOT TO SECOND GEAR AND COUPLE OF ATTEMPTS TO UPSHIFT GO IN VAIN. BEEN RIDING FOR YEARS AND I KNOW ALL TIMING TECHNIQUES BUT A MISSED UPSHIFT PUTS ME AT RISK.
NHTSA complaint #10995023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,200 milesSanta Clara, CA
STEERING
1. THE MOTORCYCLES PULLS TO THE LEFT. CONSTANT CORRECTION IS STRESSFUL ON HIGHWAYS AND TAXES ONE'S MUSCLES. 2. ENGINE HAS A TICKING NOISE (VALVE CHATTERING) AT 3000-3500 RPM BAND (FIRST NOTICED AT 8000 MILES) AND DEALER/MANUFACTURER IS UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THERE ARE LOTS OF K1600 ON THE ROAD WITH THIS ISSUE AND BMW HAS NO RESOLUTION FOR THIS. 3. SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL - FIRST OBSERVED AT APPROX 16000 MILES (IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIRD SERVICE) - THE MOTORCYCLE DOES NOT SLOT INTO 2ND AND NEUTRAL GEARS WITH PRECISION. FIRST GEAR HAS A LOUD CLUNK SOUND ON ENGAGING AND SOMETIMES CLUTCH DO NOT DISENGAGE FULLY ENOUGH THOUGH I WOULD DEPRESS THE LEVER FULLY. AT TIMES GEAR CHANGE REQUESTS ARE ABORTED AS THE GEAR CHANGE ENTERS LIMBO STATE. THE GEARBOX AND CLUTCH DO NOT WORK IN TANDEM FOR SMOOTH UPSHIFTS. AT STOP-N-GO TRAFFIC FINDING NEUTRAL BY ROCKING GEAR LEVER IS A PAIN. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY LOT AT GEAR INDICATOR TO CONFIRM IS UPSHIFT WAS EXECUTED FROM 1ST TO 2ND (OR IS IT IN A LIMBO - NOT EVEN NEUTRAL). DURING THIS SITUATION THERE IS LOUD MECHANICAL GRINDING NOISE WHEN I WOULD WANT TO SLOT TO SECOND GEAR AND COUPLE OF ATTEMPTS TO UPSHIFT GO IN VAIN. BEEN RIDING FOR YEARS AND I KNOW ALL TIMING TECHNIQUES BUT A MISSED UPSHIFT PUTS ME AT RISK.
NHTSA complaint #10995023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,200 milesSanta Clara, CA
ENGINE
1. THE MOTORCYCLES PULLS TO THE LEFT. CONSTANT CORRECTION IS STRESSFUL ON HIGHWAYS AND TAXES ONE'S MUSCLES. 2. ENGINE HAS A TICKING NOISE (VALVE CHATTERING) AT 3000-3500 RPM BAND (FIRST NOTICED AT 8000 MILES) AND DEALER/MANUFACTURER IS UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THERE ARE LOTS OF K1600 ON THE ROAD WITH THIS ISSUE AND BMW HAS NO RESOLUTION FOR THIS. 3. SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL - FIRST OBSERVED AT APPROX 16000 MILES (IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIRD SERVICE) - THE MOTORCYCLE DOES NOT SLOT INTO 2ND AND NEUTRAL GEARS WITH PRECISION. FIRST GEAR HAS A LOUD CLUNK SOUND ON ENGAGING AND SOMETIMES CLUTCH DO NOT DISENGAGE FULLY ENOUGH THOUGH I WOULD DEPRESS THE LEVER FULLY. AT TIMES GEAR CHANGE REQUESTS ARE ABORTED AS THE GEAR CHANGE ENTERS LIMBO STATE. THE GEARBOX AND CLUTCH DO NOT WORK IN TANDEM FOR SMOOTH UPSHIFTS. AT STOP-N-GO TRAFFIC FINDING NEUTRAL BY ROCKING GEAR LEVER IS A PAIN. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY LOT AT GEAR INDICATOR TO CONFIRM IS UPSHIFT WAS EXECUTED FROM 1ST TO 2ND (OR IS IT IN A LIMBO - NOT EVEN NEUTRAL). DURING THIS SITUATION THERE IS LOUD MECHANICAL GRINDING NOISE WHEN I WOULD WANT TO SLOT TO SECOND GEAR AND COUPLE OF ATTEMPTS TO UPSHIFT GO IN VAIN. BEEN RIDING FOR YEARS AND I KNOW ALL TIMING TECHNIQUES BUT A MISSED UPSHIFT PUTS ME AT RISK.
NHTSA complaint #10995023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,467 milesScottsdale, AZ
STEERING
THE MOTORCYCLE PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT (TOWARD ONCOMING TRAFFIC) WHEN LIGHT PRESSURE IS USED ON THE HANDLEBARS. THE VEHICLE BASICALLY DOES NOT TRACK STRAIGHT ON ITS OWN WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT PRESSURE TO COUNTERACT THE EFFECT. BMW WAS CONTACTED VIA MY LOCAL BMW LOCAL DEALERSHIP, WHO RULED OUT THE POSSIBILITY THAT IT COULD BE ANOTHER FACTOR WITH THE BIKE (TIRES, EXCESSIVE LOAD ON ONE SIDE, ETC.). BMW'S RESPONSE WAS THAT I SHOULD ADD WEIGHT TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE TO MITIGATE THIS PROBLEM AND THAT ALL OF THESE K1600 MODELS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE TO VARYING DEGREES. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE BIKE DOES NOT TRACK STRAIGHT AND SIGNIFICANTLY PULLS TOWARD ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
NHTSA complaint #10724639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 504 milesGreen BAY, WI
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING. WE WERE FORCED TO GO OFF THE ROAD ON LEFT SHOULDER TO AVOID BEING STRUCK FROM BEHIND. ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART, AND WE COASTED ACROSS TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER WHEN IT WAS SAFE TO DO SO. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS WERE STILL WORKING, JUST NOT THE ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10586473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3 milesSAN Francisco, CA
STEERING
THE MOTORCYCLE DOES NOT NATURALLY STEER STRAIGHT. IT REQUIRES SIGNIFICANT RIGHT HANDLEBAR PRESSURE TO KEEP IT STEERING STRAIGHT WHICH IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY AND A HEALTH HAZARD. WITHOUT THIS ADDITIONAL RIGHT HANDLEBAR PRESSURE, THE MOTORCYCLE QUICKLY STEERS TO THE LEFT.
NHTSA complaint #10557848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.