2021 BMW R 18 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. 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 could happen: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: As an interim remedy, the reverse gear control unit will be disconnected from the electrical system of the motorcycle, free of charge. Dealers will install an electrical relay between the battery and the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 7, 2025 Owners may co…
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 2021 R 18.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 24V716000.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETS
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2024 BMW R18 motorcycles. The seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.
Consequence: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: As an interim remedy, the reverse gear control unit will be disconnected from the electrical system of the motorcycle, free of charge. Dealers will install an electrical relay between the battery and the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 7, 2025 Owners may contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 nhtsa.gov.
2. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. 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 could happen: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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…
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 2021 R 18.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V658000.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETS
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.
Consequence: 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 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.
Notes:
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2021 BMW R 18 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
09/28/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
Failed reverser mechanism recall. Dealer replaced the module and claimed reverese is still inoperable and I needed to pay to have it diagnosed. Even though the problem started with less than 1000 miles on the bike. Being unable to back the heavy bike up without assistance forces me to either try to push it when needed or have someone, or multiple people,…