2022 BMW K 1600 B recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. The seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.
What could happen: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2026. A second letter will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2022 K 1600 B.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V214000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETS
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2025 K 1600 GT, GTL, B and 2018-2025 Grand America vehicles. The seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.
Consequence: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2026. A second letter will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 25, 2026.
Notes:
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2022 BMW K 1600 B owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (2), Transmission / drivetrain (1), Suspension (1), Unknown Or Other (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
09/26/2024 · Transmission / drivetrain
The Reverse function failed at 18,000 miles and 2 years in service. I am told that on the BMW K1600 motorcycles it's a matter of "when" the reverse fails rather than "if" . stopped facing downhill could be bad on a fully loaded motorcycle built for touring and packed for a trip, and the reverse function doesn't work. If the vehicle didn't have the featur…
09/16/2024 · Steering
On this motorcycle while traveling at highway speeds oscillation or swaying occurs. Or described by a wobble. Mine definitely does this and it’s very unsafe.
09/22/2022 · Steering
The motorcycle is unstable at speeds above 60 mph from excessive wind buffeting. The issue is made even worse when riding on freeways with semi-trucks. The steering starts to shake and the motorcycle feels out of control.