The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighNHTSA·24V716000·Announced 2024-09-26

BMW R18 reverse gear control unit seal can let moisture in

BMW is recalling certain 2021-2024 R18 motorcycles because the seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate, allowing moisture inside and causing the unit to overheat.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: Rubric level 3 covers risk-of-harm where injury has not yet been reported: an overheating control unit presents a fire hazard without causing a loss of control or propulsion, and no incidents are recorded.

Plain-English summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2021-2024 BMW R18 motorcycles. About 5,048 units are potentially affected.

The seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.

NHTSA states that 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 motorcycle's electrical system, free of charge. Dealers will then replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 7, 2025. Owners may contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
BMW R 18
Brand
BMW
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Transmission
Hazard
Affected units
5,048

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • R 18

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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