Recall 20V166 covers 365 2018-2020 BMW motorcycles for brake fluid reservoir cap labeling. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 365 2018-2020 motorcycles, including R Nine T Scrambler and R 1250 RT models, because the brake fluid reservoir cap lacks clear brake fluid and filling instructions. Improper brake system maintenance is linked to reduced braking performance and increased crash risk, and BMW dealers will replace the cap free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake fluid reservoir cover on the 2018-2020 BMW motorcycles in NHTSA campaign 20V166 sits on the brake fluid reservoir. That reservoir holds the hydraulic fluid the brake system uses to transfer pedal or lever force into braking pressure at the wheels. The cover also carries required service information, including the correct brake fluid type and how the reservoir is filled.
On affected BMW motorcycles, the color-specific reservoir cover does not clearly state that required information. The problem is not a cracked hose or a leaking caliper. It is a labeling defect: during maintenance, unclear instructions on the cover can lead to the wrong brake fluid or an improper filling process.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not expected to hear, smell, or feel this issue during normal riding, because the concern is the information printed on the reservoir cover and how the motorcycle is serviced.
Who's affected?
Spans 9 BMW R-series variants across the 2018, 2019, and 2020 model years, all tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2020 BMW R Nine T Scrambler | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 BMW R Nine T Racer | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 BMW R Nine T | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 BMW R Nine T | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 BMW R Nine T Scrambler | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 BMW R Nine T Scrambler | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 BMW R 1250 RS | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 BMW R 1250 R | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 BMW R Nine T | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 BMW R 1250 RT | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 BMW R 1250 Gs Adventure | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 BMW R 1250 Gs Adventure | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 BMW R 1250 RT | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 BMW R 1250 Gs | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 BMW R Nine T Pure | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 BMW R 1250 Gs | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 BMW R Nine T Pure | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 365 |
| 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?
Improper brake system maintenance can affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and schedule the brake fluid reservoir cap replacement soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2020 BMW motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free brake-fluid-reservoir-cap replacement that clarifies the required brake fluid and filling process.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V166 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete because improper brake system maintenance affects braking performance.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the brake fluid reservoir cap with the recall remedy cap so the brake fluid information is clear for service. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, and the repair is free at an authorized BMW motorcycle dealer. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW Motorcycle New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 19, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 27, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| March 27, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 11, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 18, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 23, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V166?
Recall 20V166 covers 365 2018-2020 BMW motorcycles with a brake fluid reservoir cap that does not clearly state the required brake fluid type or filling process. Improper brake system maintenance can affect braking performance and increase crash risk. BMW dealers replace the cap for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2020 BMW motorcycle is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 20V166. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the brake fluid reservoir cap replacement. Reference recall number 20V166 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, and BMW dealers replace the affected brake fluid reservoir cap free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking performance after improper brake system maintenance. The reservoir cap label is part of the maintenance guidance for the hydraulic brake system. If the wrong fluid or filling process is used, braking performance can be affected and crash risk increases.
What if I bought this BMW motorcycle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BMW R Nine T or R 1250 model is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall number 20V166.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V166000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V166 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V166000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →