2021 BMW R 18
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2021 BMW R 18. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2021 BMW R 18. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
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.
Owner complaints
1 complaints
Latest complaints
- Power train
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…
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 push it when needed or have someone, or multiple people, try to push the bike manually creating risk of injury and property damage.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
- 10225135The taper spline between the driveshaft and the rear drive assembly were assembled dry on certain vehicles. This could result in rust to form.
- 10218394Service action: replace emission control information
- 10214998Replace emission control information.
- 10206760On K34 and K35 motorcycles, the battery must be removed to access and test the wiring at the DME (engine control unit).
- 10204682In an effort to continuously improve Motorrad connectivity capabilities, an important software update for the new 10.25? TFT display is scheduled.
- 10204671Customer may complain of a noisy fuel pump. The drive frequency of the fuel pump may cause a resonance.
- 10201170When diagnosing fault codes (0x3A13D7, 0x3A13D9), technicians erroneously condemn the electronic throttle grip, which analyses show is rarely the culprit.
- 10200266Brackets holding the front LED turn signals are susceptible to rust with exposure to moisture.
- 10200265In very rare instances, only the dipped beams (low beams) may be functional; during that time, other ligght functions are no longer available
- 10200254BMW Motorrad USA is pleased to announce the launch of the BMW Motorrad Ultimate Care Program, effective June 23 , 2021. Three different plans will be offered for consumer bikes, as well as two Authority-specific plans. Model-year 2020 and newer BMW Motorcycles from the time of retail up to the first scheduled ?break in? service are eligible.
Every BMW R 18 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.