2021 BMW R 18 Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 open recalls for the 2021 BMW R 18. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer, however old the vehicle is.

Recall data as of Oct 17, 2026 — NHTSA. For a live answer, run the check yourself, or see the latest recalls.

Manual Transmission Seals/Gaskets

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETS

What's wrong:
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.
Risk:
An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
What to do:
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.

NHTSA campaign 24V716000 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Sep 26, 2024.

Manual Transmission Seals/Gaskets

NEW

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETS

What's wrong:
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.
Risk:
An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
What to do:
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.

NHTSA campaign 26V658000 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Oct 7, 2026.

Owner complaints

1filed with NHTSA · 1 in the last 12 months
Filed by yearpeak 2026
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Power Train
1

Reported by owners to NHTSA and not verified. Complaints often surface a problem months before a recall.

See the complaints at NHTSA

How recall repairs work

  • Repairs are free at any franchised BMW dealer — regardless of the vehicle's age or whether you bought it new.
  • Bring the NHTSA campaign number; it's printed on each recall above and on the sheet you can print here.
  • Call ahead: some recalls are announced before parts are available, and the dealer can tell you when yours are in.
  • Your VIN tells the dealer whether your exact vehicle is affected — the free check accepts one and never stores it.

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