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NHTSA recall,

BMW R 18 Motorcycles

BMW R 18 motorcycles have a reverse gear control unit that may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

Summary by Recall Canary from the NHTSA notice

What happened

BMW of North America, LLC 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. An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.

The recall was reported to NHTSA on October 7, 2026, and affects 4,630 motorcycles nationwide. Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 27, 2026. Motorcycles in this recall were previously recalled under 24V716, and motorcycles previously repaired under the prior recall will need the new repair completed.

More transmission or drivetrain defect recalls

What to do

If you own a vehicle in this recall:

  1. Check your VIN (vehicle identification number) at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  2. Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge.
  3. You may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
  4. Watch your mail. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 27, 2026.

What you get Free repair

Full text from 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.

Is your BMW affected?

These models and years may be affected.

  • R 18, model years 2021 to 2024

Your VIN confirms it. Find the 17-character VIN on the driver's side of the dashboard or on your registration card.

Check your VIN on nhtsa.gov (opens in a new tab)

Recall details

Reported to NHTSA
Sold in
Nationwide
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Component
Transmission or drivetrain defect
Campaign
26V658000
Vehicles affected
4,630
Repair cost
Free of charge
Owner letters expected
Manufacturer phone
1-800-525-7417

All recalls from BMW of North America, LLC

Timeline

  1. Reported to NHTSA

  2. Listed on Recall Canary

Other transmission or drivetrain defect recalls

See all: Other transmission or drivetrain defect recalls

Summary by Recall Canary, written with AI · summary updated Oct 17, 2026 · primary source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (opens in a new tab)