2016 BMW G650gs 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. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. The affected motorcycles may stall during operation due to an engine control unit (ECU) software issue.
What could happen: If the engine stalls during operation, it increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 18, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-537. Motorcycles that were repaired under that recall need to have their software u…
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 2016 G650GS.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V689000.
- 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: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 BMW G650GS motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to October 12, 2015, and 2013-2015 BMW G650GS Sertao motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to May 23, 2014. The affected motorcycles may stall during operation due to an engine control unit (ECU) software issue.
Consequence: If the engine stalls during operation, it increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 18, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-537. Motorcycles that were repaired under that recall need to have their software updated again as part of this campaign.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Portable jump starter
- 2016 BMW G650gs owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (4), Vehicle Speed Control (1), Electrical system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
05/19/2017 · Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW G650GS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD STALL WHENEVER THE THROTTLE WAS RELEASED AT ANY SPEED. IF THE THROTTLE WAS CONSTANT, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE DEALER, BUT IT WAS NOT OFFICIALLY DIAGNOSED. THE MOTORCYCLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER…
01/27/2017 · Engine
STALLING WHILE IN OPERATION EVEN AFTER WARMING UP FOR 5-10 MINUTES ON IDLE. STALLS WHILE CLUTCH IS IN AND RPM BELOW 2000.
11/15/2016 · Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW G650GS. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 720.
11/15/2016 · Electrical system
I PREVIOUSLY LEFT A PHONE COMPLAINT #10926258 WITH NHSTA AND UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION THERE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN A RECALL FOR MY EXACT PROBLEM (RECALL 16V-689) HOWEVER MY PARTICULAR VIN WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS RECALL AFTER CONTACTING BMW MOTORRAD USA AND THUS THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO OTHER THAN RECOMMEND ME TO PAY TO HAVE…