Recall 18V830 covers 1 2019 BMW F850GS motorcycle with improperly installed engine connecting rods. BMW will replace the engine free before sale.
BMW is recalling one 2019 F850GS motorcycle because improperly installed engine connecting rods can loosen over time. Loose rods can damage the engine and cause loss of engine power, which increases crash risk; BMW dealers will repair the motorcycle free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The engine connecting rods in the 2019 BMW F850GS link the pistons to the crankshaft inside the engine. As fuel burns and pushes each piston down, the connecting rod transfers that force to the crankshaft so the engine turns the drivetrain. The rods have to stay fastened to specification because they move under heavy load every time the engine runs.
On the recalled motorcycle, the connecting rods were not installed to BMW's production specifications during engine assembly. That installation error lets the rods loosen over time. If a rod disconnects, the engine no longer turns correctly and internal parts are damaged.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall record describes severe engine noise in the report that led BMW to investigate, but it does not identify a reliable early symptom before the connecting rod comes loose.
Who's affected?
| 2019 BMW F850GS | Engine |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2019 BMW F850GS motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loose engine connecting rods can damage the engine and cause a loss of engine power. If the engine loses power while riding, crash risk increases because the motorcycle loses propulsion in traffic. If your VIN is included, contact a BMW dealer and arrange the engine replacement before regular use. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 BMW F850GS is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer to confirm the free engine replacement was completed before sale.
- Schedule the engine replacement if it is still open; BMW replaces the engine to address loose connecting rods that can cause loss of engine power.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V830 when you call.
- Avoid riding the motorcycle until a BMW dealer confirms the recall repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the engine before the motorcycle is sold. The engine replacement is free, and the work is handled while the F850GS is still in dealer inventory. Because the affected motorcycle had not been sold before the recall repair, BMW does not offer reimbursement for this campaign. A buyer should confirm with the selling BMW dealer that the engine replacement was completed before delivery.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| November 26, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 26, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| November 26, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 7, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V830?
Recall 18V830 covers one 2019 BMW F850GS motorcycle with engine connecting rods that were not installed properly. Loose connecting rods can damage the engine and cause loss of engine power, increasing crash risk. BMW dealers replace the engine for free before sale.
What should I do if my 2019 BMW F850GS is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included in recall 18V830. If it is, contact a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer and reference recall number 18V830. The dealer repair is an engine replacement, and BMW covers the repair cost.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW's remedy says the dealer replaces the engine free of charge before sale. A franchised BMW motorcycle dealer handles the recall repair.
Is it safe to ride a 2019 BMW F850GS with recall 18V830 open?
An open recall 18V830 means the motorcycle needs dealer confirmation before regular use. The defect involves engine connecting rods that can loosen, damage the engine, and cause loss of engine power. Ask a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer what to do before riding it in.
What if I bought this BMW F850GS used?
The free recall repair still applies if your VIN is included. This recall record says the affected motorcycle had not been sold when BMW started the recall on December 7, 2018, but a later buyer should still check the VIN and ask a BMW dealer to confirm completion.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V830000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V830 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V830000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →