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

BMW motorcycles recalled over a reverse gear unit that may overheat

BMW of North America is recalling 9,160 K 1600 motorcycles because a deteriorating seal can let moisture into the reverse gear control unit, causing it to overheat.

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: Scored 3 under the risk-of-harm criterion: NHTSA states the overheating control unit increases the risk of a fire, and no injuries are reported.

Plain-English summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2017-2025 K 1600 GT, GTL and B motorcycles and 2018-2025 Grand America motorcycles.

The record states the seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.

NHTSA states the consequence is that an overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire. The record gives the potential number of units affected as 9,160, and lists the affected component as power train, manual transmission, seals/gaskets.

Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. The record states letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2026, that a second letter will be mailed once the remedy is available, and that 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
  • seal-deterioration
  • overheating
  • fire-risk
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