2021-2024 BMW R 18 recall: Reverse Gear Control Unit May Overheat
Report received by NHTSA: Oct. 7, 2026.
Built by the Tribune's code from NHTSA's official records. No AI wrote this page. Updated Nov. 4, 2026.
- What's recalled
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 risk
An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
- Who's affected
4,630 vehicles potentially affected, according to NHTSA. Models: 2021-2024 BMW R 18.
- Compared with
BMW of North America, LLC has 14 NHTSA recalls in 2026 so far, compared with 23 in all of 2025.
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- Before this
286 earlier NHTSA recalls by BMW of North America, LLC since Nov. 1, 2016; the 5 most recent:
- Aug. 12, 2026 2020-2026 BMW 840I, 2020-2026 BMW 840I Xdrive, 2021-2023 BMW 540I and 3 more models recall: Loss of Rear Wheel Power from Driveshaft Damage
- Aug. 12, 2026 2024-2026 BMW X3 recall: Incorrectly Attached Steering Spindle
- July 23, 2026 2020-2026 BMW S 1000 RR recall: Ignition Lock May Fail and Cause Engine Stall
- July 8, 2026 2016-2018 BMW 330E Iperformance, 2018-2020 BMW 530E Iperformance, 2018-2020 BMW 530E Xdrive Iperformance and 1 more model recall: Park Outside: Engine Starter May Corrode and Overheat
- July 1, 2026 2023-2025 BMW 740I, 2023-2025 BMW 740I Xdrive, 2023-2025 BMW 760I Xdrive and 15 more models recall: Integrated Brake System Malfunction
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- What to do and when
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's record, word for word
- Check it yourself
NHTSA's VIN lookup shows whether a specific vehicle has an open recall.
Models in this recall
- BMW R 18 2021-2024
The record as NHTSA published it
| NHTSA recall number | 26V658000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Recall type | Vehicle |
| Component | POWER TRAIN |
| Report received by NHTSA | Oct. 7, 2026 |
| Potentially affected | 4,630 vehicles |
| “Do not drive” warning | No |
| Fire risk when parked (“park outside”) | No |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall records (public domain). NHTSA's record