AI Damage2013 BMW K 1600 GTL reliability: common problems
Owners of the 2013 BMW K 1600 GTL filed 7 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel/propulsion system and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 7
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel/propulsion system 57% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 14% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 14% of all complaints
- 4 Powertrain 14% of all complaints
- 5 Steering 14% of all complaints
- 6 Wheels 14% of all complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system: 4 complaints (57% of all).
- Engine: 1 complaints (14% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (14% of all).
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (14% of all).
- Steering: 1 complaints (14% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 7 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
BMW K1600 GTL 2013 have the same issues that lates model, engine a lot noise and clank engine, unstable when you raided up 70 mph, really dangerous. Have to be responsable and do recalls in all those motorcycles. Thanks.
Once I located the leak, I was shocked at how much fuel was actually spraying out of the fuel pump. If this leak happened two days earlier, it could have easily ignited on a hot motor, a cigarette being tossed out of another car or any other source of ignition.
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.
Fuel pump replacement recall due to potential fire hazard was issued April 8, 2021. There are no parts being made available to dealers to make the repair. It has been over 3-months and per discussion with the BMW customer service there is no information as to when parts will be available.
The contact was concerned that the motorcycle might catch on fire. The failure mileage was 14,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Since new in june 2013, the motorcycle has pulled to the left at all speeds requiring constant counter-steering. Fatigue in the right arm and shoulder is noticeable and a moment of inattention on a ride would lead to the motorcycle swerving into oncoming traffic. This is a tremendous safety hazard.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 11,587 of 32,257 model years in the NHTSA data (top 36% most complained about).
On average one model year of the K 1600 GTL has 5 complaints (14 years in the data). This year has 7, above average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW K 1600 GTL?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel/propulsion system, engine, fuel system. Total complaints: 7. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (43%), fuel system, fuel smell (29%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2013 BMW K 1600 GTL?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2013 BMW K 1600 GTL from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2013 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.