Newest first. Many cover only part of a model year, so check your VIN with BMW before booking a repair.
Transport Canada · listed for this model year
Issue: On certain motorcycles, the reverser control unit may not have been sealed properly. As a result, water could enter the control unit and cause it to corrode. If this happens, the control unit could short circuit. Note: This problem could cause the reverse function not to work. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: BMW Motorrad will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your motorcycle to a dealership to replace the reverser control unit relay and related parts.
2024561 · 935 units in campaign · Transport Canada
Applies only if the manufacturer confirms your VIN · repair by an authorized dealer
United States records (NHTSA) · 2
These are NHTSA campaigns for 2021 BMW R 18 vehicles sold in the United States. They are not Canadian recalls: NHTSA's VIN lookup has no Canadian data, and a US campaign may have no Canadian counterpart, or one under a different number covering different vehicles. For a vehicle sold in Canada, go by the Transport Canada listing above and BMW's Canadian VIN lookup.
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.
An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
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.
26V658000 · 4,630 units in campaign · NHTSA
Applies only if the manufacturer confirms your VIN · repair by an authorized dealer
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.
An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
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.
24V716000 · 5,048 units in campaign · NHTSA
Applies only if the manufacturer confirms your VIN · repair by an authorized dealer
2021 BMW R 18 recall questions
Transport Canada lists 1 recall for the 2021 BMW R 18 model year. That counts campaigns naming this model year, not recalls on your vehicle: many cover only a VIN range or production window, and some only vehicles found on inspection. NHTSA lists 2 United States campaigns for the US-market model, shown separately; a US campaign may have no Canadian equivalent.
Enter your VIN in BMW's Canadian recall lookup, or call a BMW dealer with your VIN. In Canada the manufacturer is responsible for showing recall and repair status for each VIN, so its lookup is the authoritative answer. Cardog uses your VIN only to find the model year; the recalls shown here are listed for that model year and are not matched to your VIN.
Not necessarily. NHTSA campaigns cover vehicles sold in the United States, and NHTSA's VIN lookup has no Canadian data. When a defect also affects Canadian vehicles, the manufacturer files a separate notice with Transport Canada, often under a different number and sometimes covering a different set of vehicles. For a Canadian vehicle, go by the Transport Canada listing and BMW's Canadian lookup.
Safety recall repairs are normally done at no charge by an authorized BMW dealer. The manufacturer's notice for each campaign sets out the remedy and any conditions, so confirm with the dealer when you book.
Once BMW's lookup or a dealer confirms a recall applies, book the repair with an authorized BMW dealer and bring your VIN. If the manufacturer's notice says not to drive the vehicle or to park it outside, follow that instruction. Parts can take time, so book early.
Follow the manufacturer's notice for that recall. Most allow normal driving until the repair; some tell owners to stop driving or to park outside until it is fixed. Cardog does not grade recalls by severity: the manufacturer's notice and your dealer are the source.
Manufacturers must notify owners they have on record. If you bought the vehicle used or have moved, update your details with BMW Canada so notices reach you, and check the manufacturer's lookup from time to time.
Related recall checks
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