Recall 24V716 affects 5,048 2021-2024 BMW R 18 motorcycles for reverse gear control unit overheating. Free interim disconnection is available before BMW's final replacement.
BMW is recalling 5,048 2021-2024 R 18 motorcycles because the seal for the reverse gear control unit can deteriorate, let moisture in, and overheat the unit. An overheated control unit increases the risk of a fire, and the BMW dealer repair will be free once BMW opens the final remedy.
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What's wrong?
The reverse gear control unit on 2021-2024 BMW R 18 motorcycles is the electrical controller for the optional reverse gear. On a heavy motorcycle, reverse gear helps move the bike at low speed when pushing it by hand is difficult. The control unit needs a dry internal circuit so it can send power to the reverse system without overheating.
On affected motorcycles, the seal around that control unit deteriorates over time. Once the seal breaks down, humidity can get inside the unit and corrode the electrical contacts. Corrosion changes how current moves through the circuit; in rare cases, that heat buildup can lead to a thermal event.
The rider can notice the reverse function stop working before the more serious problem develops. If reverse no longer engages or the system acts dead when selected, treat that as the warning sign and have the motorcycle checked through a BMW dealer.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2021-2024 R 18 model years, all tied to the same reverse gear control unit.
| 2021 BMW R 18 | manual transmission seal |
|---|---|
| 2024 BMW R 18 | manual transmission seal |
| 2022 BMW R 18 | manual transmission seal |
| 2023 BMW R 18 | manual transmission seal |
| Units affected | 5,048 |
| 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?
An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire. Loss of the reverse function is the warning sign to stop using reverse and call a BMW dealer. BMW's interim repair disconnects the unit from the electrical system. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once BMW opens it.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2024 BMW R 18 is included in this recall.
- Watch for BMW's owner letter, mailed April 7, 2025, if you have not received it.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer about the free interim disconnection of the reverse gear control unit, which addresses the overheating fire risk.
- Ask when BMW will replace the reverse gear control unit for free once the final repair opens.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 24V716 when you call.
What happens at the repair
For now, a BMW technician disconnects the reverse gear control unit from the motorcycle's electrical system. That interim work is free under the recall. The final repair is replacement of the reverse gear control unit, and BMW will cover parts and labor once that repair opens. BMW has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this repair. Bring repair invoices or other documentation to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 26, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| September 26, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 27, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
| November 18, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 18, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 7, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V716?
Recall 24V716 covers 5,048 2021-2024 BMW R 18 motorcycles. The seal for the reverse gear control unit can deteriorate and let moisture into the unit, which can make it overheat and increase fire risk. BMW's interim dealer step disconnects the unit for free, and the final replacement is free when available.
What should I do if my 2021-2024 BMW R 18 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 24V716. If it is, call a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer and ask for the free interim repair, which disconnects the reverse gear control unit from the electrical system. Ask the dealer when the final replacement unit is available.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. BMW dealers will disconnect the reverse gear control unit as an interim remedy for free, and BMW will replace the reverse gear control unit for free once the final remedy is available.
What is the safety risk on this BMW R 18 recall?
The safety risk is fire. BMW says moisture can enter the reverse gear control unit after the seal deteriorates, and the control unit can overheat. An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer remedy if your motorcycle is included.
When were owners notified about recall 24V716?
BMW mailed owner notification letters on April 7, 2025. If you bought the motorcycle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether recall 24V716 applies. Check your VIN, then contact a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer with the recall number if your R 18 is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V716000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V716 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V716000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →