NHTSA vehicle safety data
2021 BMW R 18 Recalls & Complaints
The 2021 BMW R 18 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of October 21, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2021 BMW R 18. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2021 BMW R 18 owner complaints
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2021 BMW R 18, describing incidents dated September 8, 2026.
Most-cited components
- Power Train 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #11767369 · Filed
Failed reverser mechanism recall. Dealer replaced the module and claimed reverese is still inoperable and I needed to pay to have it diagnosed. Even though the problem started with less than 1000 miles on the bike. Being unable to back the heavy bike up without assistance forces me to either try to…
Reverse Gear Control Unit May Overheat
NHTSA #26V658000 · Power Train — Manual Transmission — Seals/Gaskets · NHTSA notice
Reported October 7, 2026 · BMW of North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 4,630 vehicles
Completion not yet reported (dataset updated October 21, 2026)
Vehicles built starting September 9, 2020 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer 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.
Reverse Gear Control Unit May Overheat
NHTSA #24V716000 · Power Train — Manual Transmission — Seals/Gaskets · NHTSA notice
Reported September 26, 2024 · BMW of North America, LLC
Potentially affected: 5,048 vehicles
Repair completion: 57.65% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated October 21, 2026)
Owners notified April 7, 2025
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
Other BMW R 18 model years
Check your 2021 BMW R 18 VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW R 18 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a BMW VIN