Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2021 BMW K 1600 GTL by year filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2021 BMW K 1600 GTL
Motorcycle, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Sep 4, 2026 to Sep 4, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year19,160 vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Close to the median 2021 motorcycle
Severity index0.02021 motorcycles average 5.8
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2021 BMW K 1600 GTL name electrical system
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
One recall campaign covers the 2021 BMW K 1600 GTL
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V-214 | Apr 2, 2026 | Seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating | Powertrain | 9,160 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2021 BMW K 1600 GTL
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Sep 4, 2026Failure May 9, 2026Seymour, CTElectrical system
I am filing this complaint regarding NHTSA Safety Recall 26V214 for my 2021 BMW K1600GTL. The reverse gear system on my motorcycle has completely failed and is currently inoperative. Recall 26V214 concerns the reverse gear control unit. According to the recall, moisture may enter the unit, causing internal corrosion and loss of reverse function. The condition may also cause overheating and, in rare cases, increase the risk of a thermal event or fire. NHTSA currently shows my motorcycle as: “Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available.” For approximately three months, I have been attempting to obtain the recall repair through an authorized BMW Motorrad dealer in Connecticut. The dealer has been helpful but cannot obtain the required replacement reverse gear control unit. I escalated the matter to BMW Motorrad USA. After written correspondence and two telephone calls, BMW Motorrad USA informed me on September 3, 2026 that it cannot currently provide a solution and does not know when the required replacement part will become available. I also contacted BMW in Germany but was referred back to BMW Motorrad USA and the dealer. There has been no fire, crash, or injury. However, the reverse system has already completely failed, and after approximately three months BMW still cannot provide the recall remedy, a confirmed part allocation, or an estimated availability date. I respectfully request that NHTSA review BMW's inability to provide the remedy for Recall 26V214 in a timely manner.
NHTSA complaint 11762100
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
11 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- MC230121 Feb 13, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Sealing ring on the differential cover of the reverser is leaking. Radial shaft seal faulty. - B611305 Jan 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âdisc… - MC610522 Dec 8, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Due to a hardware change to the angular rate sensor, certain sub functions will not be active until after a software update. - SIB170222 Jun 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the N63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166). - SIB610522 Jul 26, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Due to a hardware change to the angular rate sensor, a specific function "Front Wheel Lift Detection" of the Pro Driving Modes is not activated. - SIB610117 May 6, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
General Electric Systems. - MC710122 Apr 26, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Emission Control Information.? - MC660114 Sep 3, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW Motorrad has ascertained that Keyless Ride radio keys produced before March 28, 2014 have faulty software. This can result in the radio key ceasing to work; resulting in the engine not being able to start. If the radio key stops working while riding, th… - MC610821 Jul 13, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
When diagnosing fault codes (0x3A13D7, 0x3A13D9), technicians erroneously condemn the electronic throttle grip, which analyses show is rarely the culprit. - MC660118 Jun 17, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The bike does not shut down with a short press of the keyless ride button. The keyless Ride button must be pressed for several seconds to shut the bike down - MC000621 Jun 23, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW Motorrad USA is pleased to announce the launch of the BMW Motorrad Ultimate Care Program, effective June 23 , 2021. Three different plans will be offered for consumer bikes, as well as two Authority-specific plans. Model-year 2020 and newer BMW Motorcyc…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.