I am filing this complaint regarding the federal safety agency 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. the federal safety agency 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 the federal safety agency review BMW's inability to provide the remedy for Recall 26V214 in a timely manner.
The worst 2021 BMW K 1600 GTL problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical1
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- Electrical1
Recalls 1
Power train: manual transmission: seals/gaskets
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 30, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning May 25, 2026.
Recall number 26V214000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 BMW K 1600 GTL 11
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Sealing ring on the differential cover of the reverser is leaking
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few...
- Due to a hardware change to the angular rate sensor, certain sub functions will not be active until after...
- Due to a hardware change to the angular rate sensor, a specific function "Front Wheel Lift Detection" of...
- Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the N63 engine
- General Electric Systems.
- Emission Control Information.?
- BMW Motorrad has ascertained that Keyless Ride radio keys produced before March 28, 2014 have faulty software
- When diagnosing fault codes (0x3A13D7, 0x3A13D9), technicians erroneously condemn the electronic throttle...
- BMW Motorrad USA is pleased to announce the launch of the BMW Motorrad Ultimate Care Program, effective...
What 2021 BMW K 1600 GTL owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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Questions about the 2021 BMW K 1600 GTL
Is the 2021 BMW K 1600 GTL reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2021 BMW K 1600 GTL, fewer than a typical K 1600 GTL model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 BMW K 1600 GTL?
Electrical system, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW K 1600 GTL have?
1 recall, covering power train.
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