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BMW R18 motorcycle reverse gear unit can overheat and burn

NHTSA campaign 24V716000 · Reported 2024-09-27 · BMW of North America, LLC

critical How serious is it? About this label

Fire is a serious danger, so have the interim disconnection done right away; BMW does not tell owners to stop riding, but do not delay the dealer visit.

What's wrong, in plain English

On certain 2021-2024 BMW R18 motorcycles, the seal on the reverse gear control unit can break down over time. Once the seal fails, moisture gets inside the unit, and that can make it overheat. An overheating unit can catch fire. As a temporary fix, the dealer disconnects the reverse gear control unit from the motorcycle's electrical system, so reverse will not work. The dealer later replaces the unit entirely. Both the interim step and the replacement are free.

What you should do

1. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your R18 is included.
2. Call your BMW Motorrad dealer, or BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417, and ask for the interim disconnection now.
3. Return when parts are available to have the reverse gear control unit replaced — both repairs are free.

Affected vehicles (1)

2022 BMW R 18

Who to contact

BMW — official BMW recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-525-7417

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Why do BMW transmissions, driveshafts and motorcycle gearboxes keep failing? · all 12 BMW recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETS
Summary: 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 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 replace 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.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.