BMW Recalls 4,630 R 18 Cruisers Over Reverse Gear Fire Hazard
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BMW of North America and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have issued a safety recall affecting 4,630 model-year 2021 through 2024 R 18 motorcycles. Regulators warn that bikes fitted with the factory optional reverse gear feature a control unit that can degrade, collect moisture, and catch fire.
Filed under NHTSA Campaign ID Number 26V658000, the recall identifies degraded seals on the reverse gear control module as the primary failure point. Over time, deteriorating seals allow moisture to penetrate the module housing, potentially triggering internal short circuits and overheating. Regulators warn that these thermal events create an immediate fire hazard directly beneath the rider on BMW's flagship big-bore cruiser.
To fix the issue, authorized BMW Motorrad dealerships will install a newly redesigned reverse gear control unit at zero cost to vehicle owners.
Riders should note that this remedy supersedes earlier shop visits. Owners whose motorcycles underwent the previous interim remedy involving a disconnected relay under recall 24V716 are still required to bring their bikes to a dealer to receive the permanent replacement hardware.
Official owner notification letters from BMW of North America are scheduled to begin mailing on November 27, 2026.
