Recall 13V526 covers 2,475 2012 BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL motorcycles for throttle-control software that can stall the engine. Free repair at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 2,475 2012 K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL motorcycles under recall 13V526 because an incorrect throttle valve control signal can limit engine speed in certain riding conditions. Reduced engine speed can stall the engine and increase crash risk; if your VIN is included, the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The throttle valve system on the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL controls how much air enters the engine when the rider rolls on the throttle. The engine control unit, or ECU, reads throttle signals and uses them to manage engine speed, fuel delivery, and response to rider input.
In this recall, the ECU receives an incorrect throttle valve control signal in certain riding conditions. When that bad signal reaches the ECU, the software limits engine speed instead of allowing the engine to respond normally. The result is reduced power from the engine at the moment the rider is asking for acceleration.
There is no warning sign before failure. The rider can experience the engine speed being limited without an earlier light, sound, or change in throttle feel identified in the recall record.
Who's affected?
Each listed K 1600 variant appears under engine, electrical system software, and vehicle speed control.
| 2012 BMW K 1600 GT | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2012 BMW K 1600 GT | electrical system software |
| 2012 BMW K 1600 GT | Vehicle speed control |
| 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL | Engine |
| 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL | electrical system software |
| 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL | Vehicle speed control |
| Units affected | 2,475 |
A matching 2012 BMW K 1600 GT or K 1600 GTL does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced engine speed can lead to an engine stall, which increases the risk of a crash. If the motorcycle loses power, move out of traffic as safely as you can and contact a BMW dealer. Schedule the software update soon. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 BMW K 1600 GT or K 1600 GTL is included in this recall.
- Watch for BMW's owner notice, mailed December 20, 2013, if you never received it.
- Call BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer and reference recall number 13V526.
- Ask about the free throttle-control software update that fixes the incorrect throttle signal and engine-speed limit.
- Ride cautiously until BMW confirms the software update is complete; leave extra space and pull over safely if the engine loses power.
What happens at the repair
BMW's remedy is a throttle control software update. At the dealer, a BMW technician updates the throttle control software so the engine control unit receives the corrected throttle valve control signal. BMW expected the safety recall to begin in December 2013, but the remedy status in this page data is not marked available. Before booking, ask the BMW service desk whether the campaign software update is open for your VIN. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under recall 13V526.
Timeline
| October 25, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 20, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V526?
Recall 13V526 covers 2,475 2012 BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL motorcycles with throttle control software that can send the engine control unit an incorrect signal. The engine speed can be limited and the engine can stall, increasing crash risk. BMW dealers update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2012 BMW K 1600 GT or K 1600 GTL is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 13V526. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the throttle control software update. Reference recall 13V526 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. BMW will update the throttle control software free of charge at a franchised BMW dealer.
Is it safe to ride my 2012 BMW K 1600 GT or K 1600 GTL?
The recall involves a stall risk, so confirm your VIN before you keep riding. BMW says an incorrect throttle valve control signal can limit engine speed, and the engine can stall as a result. If your motorcycle is included, schedule the free software update with a BMW dealer.
What if I bought my BMW motorcycle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific K 1600 GT or K 1600 GTL is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall 13V526.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V526000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V526 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V526000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →