BMW Recalls 2021-2024 R 18 Motorcycles for Fire Risk
BMW is recalling 2021-2024 R 18 motorcycles with optional reverse gear because a deteriorating seal may allow moisture to enter the control unit, causing overheating and increasing the risk of a fire.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The source identifies a risk of fire due to an overheating reverse gear control unit. The source does not report any illnesses, injuries, or deaths.
Plain-English summary
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2021-2024 R 18 motorcycles equipped with the optional reverse gear. The recall addresses a defect where the seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate, allowing moisture to enter the unit. This moisture can result in the unit overheating.
An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire. The source does not report any illnesses, injuries, or deaths associated with this defect.
Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 27, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Motorcycles in this recall were previously recalled under 24V716, and those previously repaired under the prior recall will need the new repair completed.
The recalled product
- Product
- BMW R 18
- Brand
- BMW
- Manufacturer
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Category
- Vehicle — Motorcycle
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 4,630
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.
Related recalls
Same brand · BMW
- SevereBMW Vehicles Recalled Due to Potential Loss of Power and Rollaway Risk
NHTSA · 2026-08-12
- SevereBMW X3 Vehicles Recalled Due to Potential Loss of Steering Control
NHTSA · 2026-08-12
- SevereBMW S 1000 RR Motorcycles Recalled Due to Potential Engine Stall Risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-23
- SevereBMW and Toyota vehicles recalled due to engine starter fire risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-08
- SevereBMW Recalls 29,119 Vehicles Due to Starter Relay Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-08
Same manufacturer · BMW of North America, LLC
See all →- SevereBMW Recalls 428 Vehicles for Integrated Brake System Malfunction
NHTSA · 2026-07-01
- HighBMW Recalls 2017-2018 C Evolution Motorcycles for Electrical Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-05-14
Same hazard · fire
See all →- Severe3M Recalls Scotch Thermal Laminators Due to Fire Hazard
CPSC · 2026-10-15
- HighLippert Recalls Power Seating Assemblies Due to Fuse Defect
NHTSA · 2026-10-09
- SevereSnow Peak Recalls Propane Fireplace Inserts and Lava Rocks
CPSC · 2026-10-08
- Severe
- SevereDR Power Trimmer Mowers Recalled for Fire and Burn Hazards
CPSC · 2026-10-08