Recall 16V948 covers 21 2016-2017 BMW S 1000 Rr and S 1000 R motorcycles for loose rear-suspension bolts. Free repair at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 21 2016-2017 S 1000 Rr and S 1000 R motorcycles because a rear suspension deflection lever bolt can loosen and affect handling. If the bolt loosens, handling changes raise the risk of a crash, and BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear suspension deflection lever on the 2016-2017 BMW S 1000 Rr and S 1000 R motorcycles is part of the rear suspension linkage. It connects the rear wheel swing arm and link strut so suspension movement is transferred in a controlled way as the rear wheel moves over the road.
On these motorcycles, a bolt connecting the deflection lever to the link strut, or a bolt connecting the lever to the rear wheel swing arm, was not tightened to specification during assembly. If that bolt loosens, the rear suspension linkage no longer holds its position as designed. That change can adversely affect motorcycle handling.
The warning sign is a knocking noise from the rear suspension. If the rider hears that noise, the rear linkage is not behaving normally and the motorcycle needs dealer inspection.
Who's affected?
Spans the S 1000 Rr and S 1000 R across the 2016 and 2017 model years, both tied to the rear suspension.
| 2016 BMW S 1000 Rr | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2017 BMW S 1000 Rr | rear suspension |
| 2017 BMW S 1000 R | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 21 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose rear suspension bolt can affect motorcycle handling and increase the risk of a crash. A knocking noise from the rear suspension is the warning sign listed for this recall. If you hear it, stop riding when safe and contact a BMW dealer to schedule the bolt replacement. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 BMW S 1000 Rr or S 1000 R motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free rear-suspension deflection-lever bolt replacement and tightening.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW sent one. If not, reference recall number 16V948 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop riding if the motorcycle's handling feels abnormal.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the rear suspension deflection lever bolts and tightens the fasteners to the correct specification. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. BMW has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible owners who already paid for this repair. Bring documented repair paperwork to the service desk, or contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 30, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 30, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| February 10, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 10, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 17, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V948?
Recall 16V948 covers 21 2016-2017 BMW S 1000 Rr and S 1000 R motorcycles with a rear suspension deflection lever bolt that can loosen. If that bolt affects handling, crash risk increases. BMW dealers will replace the bolts and tighten them to specification for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 BMW S 1000 Rr or S 1000 R is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 16V948. If it is, call a franchised BMW dealer and schedule the rear suspension bolt replacement. Reference recall number 16V948 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW's remedy says dealers will replace the bolts and tighten them to the proper specifications free of charge. The work must be completed by a franchised BMW dealer.
Is it safe to ride before the repair is done?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect involves motorcycle handling. If the motorcycle feels unstable, handles differently, or you are unsure whether the repair is complete, stop riding and call a BMW dealer for instructions before moving it.
What if I bought this BMW motorcycle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your motorcycle is included, then contact a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall number 16V948 when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V948000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V948 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V948000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →