Does the 2022 BMW R 18 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2022 BMW R 18, the most recent reported on October 7, 2026 (Power train: manual transmission, seals/gaskets). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2022 BMW R 18?

Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is exterior lighting (8 complaints), followed by electrical system (1).

How many 2022 BMW R 18 complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 9 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2022 BMW R 18 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 9 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2022 BMW R 18.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2022 BMW R 18 recalls

Power train: manual transmission, seals/gaskets

NHTSA campaign 26V658000 · reported October 7, 2026 · BMW of North America, LLC · 4,630 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
The 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 under the prior recall will need the new repair completed.

Power train: manual transmission, seals/gaskets

NHTSA campaign 24V716000 · reported September 26, 2024 · BMW of North America, LLC · 5,048 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
The 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, 2025 Owners may contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Exterior lighting8
Electrical system1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 21, 2025 · Electrical system · fire reported
A fire started near the reverse mechanism and battery when it was started.

Apr 2, 2024 · Exterior lighting
The contact owns a 2022 BMW R 18. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V884000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware…

Mar 21, 2024 · Exterior lighting
I bought a 2022 BMW R18B motorcycle in 2023. There are 3 models of this motorcycle. R18 is plain without a fairing or smart controls. The R18 Transcontinental is top of line with fairing computer, navigation, phone pairing. The R18B which is my motorcycle is basically the same as Transcontinental except it does not…

Oct 7, 2023 · Exterior lighting
Adaptive headlight does not work and the low beam reflector is completely loose. With the reflector loose the headlight will occasionally blind oncoming traffic, point to the sky or side of the road. It is unsafe to ride unless riding with high beams, which is not safe for oncoming traffic.

Oct 4, 2023 · Exterior lighting
While on a multi-state trip I noticed that two pieces of the headlight have come loose inside the lens distorting the beam. On September 19, 2023 I took the bike in for a warranty claim and it was approved. Now two weeks later the dealer is still unable to give me a time frame for replacement due to the number of…

R 18 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Fires
2021	2	1	0
2022	2	9	1
2023	2	0	0
2024	2	0	0

All BMW R 18 years →

Questions

Does the 2022 BMW R 18 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2022 BMW R 18, the most recent reported on October 7, 2026 (Power train: manual transmission, seals/gaskets). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 BMW R 18?: Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is exterior lighting (8 complaints), followed by electrical system (1).
How many 2022 BMW R 18 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 9 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 21, 2025.