Recall 18V713 affects 2,661 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M3 vehicles for driveshaft flange failure. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 2,661 2016-2017 M4 and M3 vehicles because the connection between the driveshaft and flange can fail and cause a loss of propulsion. That loss of drive power can increase crash risk, and BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The driveshaft in the 2016-2017 BMW M3 and M4 carries engine power from the transmission toward the rear wheels. A flange is the bolted connection point at the end of that shaft, so the driveline can transfer torque without slipping, shaking, or separating.
On affected vehicles, the integral flange on the driveshaft was built without enough long-term durability. As the vehicle ages and accumulates mileage, the connection between the driveshaft and flange can loosen. If the flange separates from the driveshaft, power no longer reaches the wheels and the vehicle loses propulsion.
Owners can be warned by noise or vibration from underneath the vehicle. That noise or vibration can grow stronger over time, especially as the driveshaft connection continues to loosen.
Who's affected?
Covers M3 and M4 performance cars across the 2016 and 2017 model years, all tied to the driveline.
| 2016 BMW M4 | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2016 BMW M3 | driveline |
| 2017 BMW M3 | driveline |
| 2017 BMW M4 | driveline |
| Units affected | 2,661 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A driveshaft problem can cause loss of vehicle propulsion, which increases the risk of a crash. Noise or vibration from underneath the vehicle is the warning sign to take seriously, especially if it gets worse over time. Schedule the recall repair soon and drive cautiously until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 BMW M4 or M3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free driveshaft replacement that fixes the driveshaft-flange connection failure.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 18V713 when you call.
- Drive with caution until the repair is complete, because a driveshaft connection failure can cause loss of propulsion.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the driveshaft covered by recall 18V713. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. BMW uses its standard reimbursement plan for owners who paid out of pocket for a related driveshaft repair before the recall repair was completed. Bring receipts or other repair documentation to the BMW service desk, or contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 for reimbursement instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 11, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 11, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| October 11, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 3, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 3, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 9, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V713?
Recall 18V713 covers 2,661 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M3 vehicles with a driveshaft connection that can fail at the flange, causing loss of propulsion. BMW dealers will replace the driveshaft for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 BMW M4 or M3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V713. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the driveshaft replacement. Reference recall number 18V713 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW will replace the driveshaft free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of vehicle propulsion. If the driveshaft connection fails, the vehicle can lose power to the wheels, which can increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free BMW dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V713000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V713 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V713000 |
Source documents
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Download Misc. Document (PDF)
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Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
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Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
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Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
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Download Owner Notice (PDF)
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Download Recall Report (PDF)
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Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
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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 →