Recall 16V689 affects 1,398 2013-2016 BMW G650GS and G650GS Sertao motorcycles for ECU software stalling. Free repair at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 1,398 2013-2016 G650GS and G650GS Sertao motorcycles because an engine control unit software issue can make the engine stall during operation. A stall while riding increases the risk of a crash, and BMW dealers will update the ECU software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On the 2013-2016 BMW G650GS and G650GS Sertao, the engine control unit is the motorcycle's main engine computer. Its software manages idle speed, including the small stepper adjustment that helps the engine keep running when the throttle is closed and the clutch lever is pulled in.
On affected motorcycles, the software can lose the correct stepper position values after the engine control unit shuts down. When those values are wrong, the idle setting is not stable the next time the motorcycle is running. Under the recall condition, the engine is at idle and the clutch lever is pulled in, and the motorcycle can stall during operation.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is in the engine control unit software, so an owner will not see a worn part, leak, or broken connector before the stall happens.
Who's affected?
Spans G650GS and G650GS Sertao motorcycles across 2013-2016, with engine and electrical system software components listed.
| 2013 BMW G650GS | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2013 BMW G650GS | Engine |
| 2014 BMW G650GS | electrical system software |
| 2014 BMW G650GS | Engine |
| 2015 BMW G650GS | electrical system software |
| 2015 BMW G650GS | Engine |
| 2016 BMW G650GS | electrical system software |
| 2016 BMW G650GS | Engine |
| 2013 BMW G650GS Sertao | electrical system software |
| 2013 BMW G650GS Sertao | Engine |
| 2014 BMW G650GS Sertao | electrical system software |
| 2014 BMW G650GS Sertao | Engine |
| 2015 BMW G650GS Sertao | electrical system software |
| 2015 BMW G650GS Sertao | Engine |
| Units affected | 1,398 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 70 field incidents to date. |
Not every 2013-2016 BMW G650GS or G650GS Sertao motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine stall while riding can leave you without engine power and increases the risk of a crash. If your motorcycle stalls, move out of traffic when safe and arrange service soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2016 BMW G650GS or G650GS Sertao is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free ECU software update that fixes the engine-stall issue.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one, and reference recall number 16V689 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the software update is complete.
- Stop riding and contact the dealer if the motorcycle stalls before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician updates the engine control unit software that can cause the motorcycle to stall during operation. The software update and labor are free under recall 16V689. If your motorcycle was repaired under recall 15V-537, it still needs this newer ECU software update for this campaign. BMW has a general reimbursement plan on file. If you already paid for an ECU software repair tied to this stalling issue before the recall repair, contact BMW customer service and ask how to submit repair documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 22, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| September 26, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| November 18, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 18, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 16, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V689?
Recall 16V689 covers 1,398 BMW G650GS and G650GS Sertao motorcycles with an ECU software issue that can stall the engine during operation. An engine stall while riding increases crash risk. BMW dealers will update the ECU software for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2016 BMW G650GS or 2013-2015 BMW G650GS Sertao is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 16V689. If it is, contact a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer to schedule the ECU software update. Reference recall number 16V689 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires BMW to repair the defect at no cost. A franchised BMW motorcycle dealer will update the ECU software free of charge, including motorcycles that already received the earlier software repair under recall 15V-537.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is engine stalling while the motorcycle is in operation. If the engine stalls while you are riding, the sudden loss of engine power increases crash risk. Check your VIN, then schedule the free ECU software update if your motorcycle is included.
What if my BMW motorcycle was already repaired under recall 15V-537?
It still needs the new recall repair if the VIN is included in recall 16V689. BMW stated that motorcycles repaired under recall 15V-537 need another software update under this campaign. Ask the BMW dealer to confirm completion of recall 16V689.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V689000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V689 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V689000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →