How do I know if a recall applies to my 2021 BMW R 18?

Recalls are matched by make, model and model year, but many cover only certain VIN ranges. Confirm with your manufacturer or dealer using your full VIN, or use the official Transport Canada or NHTSA lookup.

Are recall repairs free?

Yes. In both Canada and the United States the manufacturer must fix a recalled defect at no charge, through a franchised dealer.

RECALLS — MAKE · MODEL · YEAR

2021 BMW R 18 recalls

Q: Does the 2021 BMW R 18 have any recalls?

Transport Canada lists 1 campaign and the U.S. NHTSA lists 2 for the 2021 BMW R 18. Matched by make, model, and model year. Many recalls affect only specific VIN ranges — confirm with your dealer using your full VIN.

3 safety recall campaigns have been filed for the 2021 BMW R 18 with Transport Canada and the U.S. NHTSA. Here is what both agencies say.

Canadian recalls: 01
U.S. recalls: 02
Total campaigns: 03

Transport Canada recalls

Electrical#2024561September 26, 2024
935 units affected
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.

Canadian data updated August 24, 2026

U.S. NHTSA recalls

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETS#26V658000October 7, 2026
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: 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.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETS#24V716000September 26, 2024
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: 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.

Does this recall apply to my vehicle?

Matched by make, model, and model year. Many recalls affect only specific VIN ranges — confirm with your dealer using your full VIN.

What to do

Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer in both countries. To confirm a recall applies to your specific vehicle, or to book the work, contact your manufacturer or dealer with your full VIN, or use the official channel:

NHTSA recall lookup (search by VIN) — U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Defects and recalls database — Transport Canada

Check a 2021 BMW R 18 VIN

A VIN decode confirms your vehicle's exact model year, trim and assembly plant, then runs this same recall check against it.

Data sources and coverage limits →