The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·26V214000·Announced 2026-02-04

BMW K 1600 Motorcycles Recalled for Fire Risk from Reverse Gear Overheating

BMW is recalling certain 2017-2025 K 1600 motorcycles because the reverse gear control unit seal may deteriorate, allowing moisture inside and causing the unit to overheat. An overheated unit increases the risk of fire.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: Fire hazard on a motorcycle represents a serious risk of injury, but no injuries or deaths have been reported. Per the rubric, risk-of-harm products without reported injury are scored at most 3 (High).

Plain-English summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2017-2025 BMW K 1600 GT, GTL, and B motorcycles, as well as 2018-2025 K 1600 Grand America models. The recall covers approximately 9,160 vehicles.

The recall stems from a defect in the reverse gear control unit seal. The seal may deteriorate over time, allowing moisture to enter the control unit. When moisture enters, the unit can overheat. An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of fire.

Owners have been notified by letter dated May 28, 2026. Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit free of charge once the remedy is available. A second letter will be mailed to owners when the replacement part is ready. Affected vehicle identification numbers (VINs) are searchable on NHTSA.gov as of May 25, 2026. For more information, owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

The recalled product

Product
2017 BMW K 1600 GTL
Brand
BMW
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Motorcycle
Hazard
  • fire
  • overheating
  • seal-deterioration
  • moisture-intrusion
Affected units
9,160

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (4)

  • K 1600 GTL
  • K 1600 GT
  • K 1600 B
  • K 1600 GRAND AMERICA

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · BMW

Same category