The defect
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.
The 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.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| BMW R 18 | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
Components: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETS
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R 18 | 2021 | 1 | 2 |
| BMW R 18 | 2022 | 9 | 2 |
| BMW R 18 | 2023 | 0 | 2 |
| BMW R 18 | 2024 | 0 | 2 |
Other power train recalls in 2026
30 of the 666 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2026 concerned the power train; BMW of North America, LLC filed 347 campaigns in all.
| 26V607000 23 Sept 2026 | Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC |
| 26V576000 9 Sept 2026 | Ford Motor Company |
| 26V525000 12 Aug 2026 | BMW of North America, LLC |
| 26V454000 15 Jul 2026 | E-One Incorporated |
| 26V437000 8 Jul 2026 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing |
| 26V417000 30 Jun 2026 | Ford Motor Company |
| 26V413000 30 Jun 2026 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) |
| 26V419000 30 Jun 2026 | Nissan North America, Inc. |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2026