Recall 17V591 affects 1,478 2014-2016 BMW F800 R and F800 GT motorcycles for rear side reflector visibility. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 1,478 2014-2016 F800 R and F800 GT motorcycles because the rear side reflex reflectors are not properly visible in certain traffic conditions. Obscured reflectors can make the motorcycle harder for other drivers to see and increase crash risk; BMW dealers will replace the reflectors free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear side reflex reflectors on the 2014-2016 BMW F800 R and F800 GT are passive safety reflectors mounted near the rear of the motorcycle. They do not create light on their own. When another vehicle's headlights hit them from the side or rear angle, they reflect that light back so the motorcycle is easier to see in traffic or at night.
On affected motorcycles, the issue starts with the license plate holder. A bracket redesign changed where the rear side reflex reflectors sit on U.S. specification motorcycles. In that position, the exhaust silencer blocks part of the reflector from certain viewing angles, so the motorcycle does not meet the required visibility angle for rear side reflectors.
There is no warning sign before failure. The motorcycle will not feel different to ride, and the reflector issue will not trigger a dashboard light. The problem is visibility to other drivers, especially when they rely on reflected light to judge where the motorcycle is.
Who's affected?
Spans the F800 R and F800 GT across the 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years, with equipment listed as the recalled component.
| 2016 BMW F800 R | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2015 BMW F800 GT | Equipment |
| 2014 BMW F800 GT | Equipment |
| 2016 BMW F800 GT | Equipment |
| 2015 BMW F800 R | Equipment |
| Units affected | 1,478 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2014-2016 BMW F800 R or F800 GT motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Obscured reflectors reduce the motorcycle's visibility to other road users and increase the risk of a crash. Check whether your VIN is included, then schedule the license plate holder modification so the rear side reflex reflectors are repositioned. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 BMW F800 R or F800 GT motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free license plate holder modification that repositions the rear side reflex reflectors.
- Bring the recall notice if you have one. If not, reference recall number 17V591 when you call.
- Ride with extra visibility caution until the repair is complete; keep the rear reflectors clean and give other drivers more space.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician modifies the license plate holder so the rear side reflex reflectors sit in the correct position and are properly visible from the side. The repair is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. BMW has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible owners who already paid for this reflector repair before the recall work was completed. Bring repair documentation to the service desk and ask how BMW handles the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 22, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 22, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| September 22, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 13, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 13, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 21, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V591?
Recall 17V591 covers 1,478 2014-2016 BMW F800 R and F800 GT motorcycles with rear side reflex reflectors that are not properly visible in certain traffic conditions. BMW dealers modify the license plate holder to reposition the reflectors for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 BMW F800 R or F800 GT is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 17V591. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the license plate holder modification. Reference recall number 17V591 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. BMW dealers will modify the license plate holder and reposition the rear side reflex reflectors free of charge, regardless of where you bought the motorcycle.
What is the safety risk?
Obscured rear side reflectors can make the motorcycle harder for other drivers to see in certain traffic conditions, increasing crash risk. The fix repositions the reflectors by modifying the license plate holder at a franchised BMW dealer.
What if I bought my BMW motorcycle used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your F800 R or F800 GT is included, then contact a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall number 17V591.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V591000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V591 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V591000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →