2021 BMW R 18
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 BMW R 18 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 30 on record.
2021 BMW R 18 at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
2021 BMW R 18 recalls 2
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2024 R 18 motorcycles equipped with the optional reverse gear. The seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.
Fix: Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 27, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Motorcycles in this recall were previously recalled under 24V716. Motorcycles previously repaired un…
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2024 BMW R18 motorcycles. The seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.
Fix: As an interim remedy, the reverse gear control unit will be disconnected from the electrical system of the motorcycle, free of charge. Dealers will install an electrical relay between the battery and the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 7, 2…
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
2021 BMW R 18 common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 12
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 12.
The taper spline between the driveshaft and the rear drive assembly were assembled dry on certain vehicles. This could result in rust to form.
Bulletin MC330322 · Power Train · Apr 2025The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âÂÂdi…
Bulletin B611305 · Electrical System · Jan 2024The taper spline between the driveshaft and the rear drive assembly were assembled dry on certain vehicles. This could result in rust to form.
Bulletin MC330322 · Power Train · Sep 2022SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION
Bulletin SIB710222 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Equipment · Jun 2022REPLACE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION.
Bulletin SIB710222 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2022On K34 and K35 motorcycles, the battery must be removed to access and test the wiring at the DME (engine control unit).
Bulletin MC060321 · Electrical System, Equipment · Dec 2021In an effort to continuously improve Motorrad connectivity capabilities, an important software update for the new 10.25? TFT display is scheduled.
Bulletin MC620421 · Electrical System · Sep 2021Customer may complain of a noisy fuel pump. The drive frequency of the fuel pump may cause a resonance.
Bulletin MC130721 · Equipment · Sep 2021When diagnosing fault codes (0x3A13D7, 0x3A13D9), technicians erroneously condemn the electronic throttle grip, which analyses show is rarely the culprit.
Bulletin MC610821 · Electrical System · Jul 2021Brackets holding the front LED turn signals are susceptible to rust with exposure to moisture.
Bulletin MC630221 · Exterior Lighting · Jun 2021Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the R 18. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 1
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2021 BMW R 18. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Electrical
Issue: On certain motorcycles, the reverser control unit may not have been sealed properly. As a result, water could enter the control unit and cause it to corrode. If this happens, the control unit could short circuit. Note: This problem could cause the reverse function not to work. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: BMW Motorrad wi…
Transport Canada #2024561 · Sep 2024Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
2021 BMW R 18 vehicles on record
2021 BMW R 18WB10L2102M6E58790
2021 BMW R 18WB10L4101N6E53254
2021 BMW R 18WB10L2308M6E22132
2021 BMW R 18WB10L1108M6E16165
2021 BMW R 18WB10L1307N6F04719
2021 BMW R 18WB10L2103M6E43005
2021 BMW R 18WB10L2106M6E68352
2021 BMW R 18WB10L230XN6F05739
2021 BMW R 18WB10L1104M6E59899
2021 BMW R 18WB10L1104M6E16163
2021 BMW R 18WB10L1104M6E12436
2021 BMW R 18WB10L2104M6E07887
2021 BMW R 18WB10L2102M6E20153
2021 BMW R 18WB10L1109M6E31063
2021 BMW R 18WB10L2103M6E37916
2021 BMW R 18WB10L1106M6E31067
2021 BMW R 18WB10L1104M6E16213
2021 BMW R 18WB10L2109M6E37323
2021 BMW R 18WB10L110XM6E55887
2021 BMW R 18WB10L3101N6E87544
2021 BMW R 18WB10L310XN6E58298
2021 BMW R 18WB10L4106N6E69823
2021 BMW R 18WB10L2108M6E07942
2021 BMW R 18WB10L2104M6E07890