Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2021 BMW R 18 by year filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2021 BMW R 18
Motorcycle, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Sep 28, 2026 to Sep 28, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year15,048 vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Close to the median 2021 motorcycle
Severity index0.02021 motorcycles average 5.8
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2021 BMW R 18 name powertrain
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
One recall campaign covers the 2021 BMW R 18
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24V-716 | Sep 27, 2024 | Seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating | Powertrain | 5,048 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2021 BMW R 18
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Sep 28, 2026Failure Sep 8, 2026Ijamsville, MDPower train
Failed reverser mechanism recall. Dealer replaced the module and claimed reverese is still inoperable and I needed to pay to have it diagnosed. Even though the problem started with less than 1000 miles on the bike. Being unable to back the heavy bike up without assistance forces me to either try to push it when needed or have someone, or multiple people, try to push the bike manually creating risk of injury and property damage.
NHTSA complaint 11767369
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
12 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- MC330322 Apr 26, 2025 · Service Campaign
The taper spline between the driveshaft and the rear drive assembly were assembled dry on certain vehicles. This could result in rust to form. - B611305 Jan 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The 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 âdisc… - MC330322 Sep 7, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The taper spline between the driveshaft and the rear drive assembly were assembled dry on certain vehicles. This could result in rust to form. - SIB710222 Jun 14, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION - SIB710222 May 26, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
REPLACE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION. - MC060321 Dec 13, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
On K34 and K35 motorcycles, the battery must be removed to access and test the wiring at the DME (engine control unit). - MC620421 Sep 22, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In an effort to continuously improve Motorrad connectivity capabilities, an important software update for the new 10.25? TFT display is scheduled. - MC130721 Sep 14, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer may complain of a noisy fuel pump. The drive frequency of the fuel pump may cause a resonance. - MC610821 Jul 13, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
When diagnosing fault codes (0x3A13D7, 0x3A13D9), technicians erroneously condemn the electronic throttle grip, which analyses show is rarely the culprit. - MC630221 Jun 30, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Brackets holding the front LED turn signals are susceptible to rust with exposure to moisture. - MC630121 Jun 30, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In very rare instances, only the dipped beams (low beams) may be functional; during that time, other ligght functions are no longer available - MC000621 Jun 23, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW Motorrad USA is pleased to announce the launch of the BMW Motorrad Ultimate Care Program, effective June 23 , 2021. Three different plans will be offered for consumer bikes, as well as two Authority-specific plans. Model-year 2020 and newer BMW Motorcyc…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.