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BMW Recalls All 2021-2024 R 18 B / Transcontinentals Over Faulty Headlights

“Low Beam Reflector Attachment Points Could Become Damaged and Eventually Break

Two BMW motorcycles riding on a paved road.
A view of BMW's R 10 Transcontinental. Media provided by BMW.
  • BMW received multiple complaints, warranty claims and reports that may be related to “low beam reflector attachment points” and “vibrating headlamps”
  • the company decided to enact a voluntary, non-compliance recall on all R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinentals (2,369 bikes in total)
  • Units affected by this recall are numbered at 2,369 bikes,  all registered between model years 2021 and 2024
  • Owners will be notified by February 13th
  • Dealers were given notice back on December 22

If you are in possession of a 2021-2024 BMW R 18 B or R 18 Transcontinental, you are eligible for a recent recall on a faulty headlight.

Late last year, the NHTSA’s Safety Recall tells us that BMW received 8 customer complaints, 72 warranty claims, and 68 dealer field reports on detached reflectors and vibrating headlamps.

Four BMW motorcycles.
A view of BMW’s R 18 lineup for 2022. Media provided by BMW Motorrad.

Which of BMW’s motorcycles are eligible for this recall?

BMW has decided to approach the problem with a “better safe than sorry” standpoint, so 100% of the following years of BMW models are under a non-compliant recall:

A side view of two BMW motorcycles.
A view of BMW’s R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental. All media provided by BMW.

What is BMW doing about the faulty component?

This is a standard recall, so standard procedure applies.

BMW owners will be recommended to take their motorcycle to an authorized BMW motorcycle dealer to have the remedy performed; the remedy is apparently “still being developed,” but we’re also assuming the fix will be free of charge here.

A side view of a BMW motorcycle.
A side view of BMW’s R 18 B. Media provided by BMW.

When will BMW notify owners and dealers about this recall?

As of December 22nd of last year, dealers were notified; if you are an owner, you can expect a notification around or by February 13th.

A side view of a BMW motorcycle.
A view of BMW’s R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental. All media provided by BMW.

What can I do about this recall?

Should you find yourself affected by this recall and wish to do your own homework, feel free to contact either BMW’s Customer Service or the  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at the following contact points:

BMW Customer Service

  • Telephone #:1-800-525-7417

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline

  • Telephone #: 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153)

  • Recall No: 23V-884 (23V88400)

  • www.nhtsa.gov

Do you know of anybody affected by BMW’s most recent recall?

*All media provided by BMW Motorrad*