NHTSA · Vehicle · October 7, 2026

BMW recall: 2021–2024 R 18 – power train

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling 2021–2024 BMW R 18 because of a fire risk – 4,630 vehicles (potentially affected). The recall report reached NHTSA on October 7, 2026. Distributed nationwide.

Lower risk A safety recall: the manufacturer or NHTSA found a vehicle defect that poses a risk to safety, or a failure to meet a federal safety standard. The remedy is free.

A dealership service department
Illustration: A dealership service department – not the recalled product. Photo: Christopher Ziemnowicz, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Product2021–2024 BMW R 18
BrandBMW
CompanyBMW of North America, LLC
TypeVehicles
ClassificationVehicle
Report receivedOctober 7, 2026
Published by NHTSAOctober 7, 2026
Quantity4,630 vehicles (potentially affected)
Recall ID26V658000
1 model

Vehicles in this recall

MakeModelModel years
BMWR 182021–2024
Exactly as the agency lists them

Identifiers and details

NHTSA campaign number
26V658000
Component
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETS
Built
2020-09-09 to ?
Recalled part
Reverse Gear Control Unit · Reverse Gear Control Unit · 9444031
Initiated by
Manufacturer

Why it was recalled

The problem: a fire risk.

NHTSA's defect summary: “BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2024 R 18 motorcycles equipped with the optional reverse gear. The seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.”

The consequence, according to NHTSA: “An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.”

What to do

NHTSA: “Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 27, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Motorcycles in this recall were previously recalled under 24V716. Motorcycles previously repaired under the prior recall will need the new repair completed.”

Enter your 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) at nhtsa.gov/recalls or on the manufacturer's site to see whether your vehicle is included. Safety recall repairs are free at an authorized dealer, even if the vehicle is used or out of warranty.

Official notice: NHTSA recall 26V658000.

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FAQ

About this recall

Is BMW 2021–2024 BMW R 18 recalled?

Yes. BMW of North America, LLC reported the recall to NHTSA on October 7, 2026; NHTSA published it October 7, 2026 (Vehicle). Only the vehicles listed on this page are included.

Why was it recalled?

Because of a fire risk. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2024 R 18 motorcycles equipped with the optional reverse gear. 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 should I do if I have it?

NHTSA says: Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 27, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Motorcycles in this recall were previously recalled under 24V716. Motorcycles previously repaired under the prior recall will need the new repair completed.

Where was it sold?

Nationwide.

Recalls

More recalls

Source: recall records published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (openFDA Enforcement Reports), the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, collected twice a day. Product names, lot codes, dates and model numbers are shown exactly as the agency lists them; the agency's notice is the authority. 77.today is not affiliated with any of these agencies.

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