This 2022 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the BMW brand.
Key Factor:below-average recall rate
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Standard Safety Record
The 2022 R 18 maintains a standard safety record for BMW, with 1 recall documented.
1 recall for this vehicle1.5 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.
Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.
Focus Area:general reliability
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Fire
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Vs Brand: Better than avg (1.5)
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Summary:
Safety & Reliability Score
92/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-0.45
Investigation Impact-0
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2022 BMW R 18
Model Year2022
MakeBMW
ModelR 18
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Jan22
NEWProduction
Jan22
RECALLRecall Issued
Aug23
ISSUEFirst Report
Consumer Complaint Analysis
β οΈ
Most Reported Issue
1 complaints (11% of total)
β‘οΈ
Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 9 consumer complaints by severity level.
π High
1(11%)
π’Low
8(89%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
βοΈEngineering Insight
Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 7,000 miles.
π Mileage data extracted from 1 of 9 complaints (11% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (100%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
POWER TRAIN
Official Safety Recalls (1)
Campaign: 24V716000
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETS
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Summary
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.
Consequence
An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
As an interim remedy, the reverse gear control unit will be disconnected from the electrical system of the motorcycle, free of charge. Dealers will replace 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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
0 investigations
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No active investigations for this vehicle.
Consumer Complaints
9 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2022 R 18.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Fire11%
Battery11%
Warning11%
Electricalβ οΈ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A fire started near the reverse mechanism and battery when it was started.
Electricalπ΅ Low
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 of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electricalπ΅ Low
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 have top case and rack for mounting top case. Here is the safety problem with the R18B. The Transcontinental has running and brake light built into top case. Directional signals are mounted on saddlebags. they also do braking. but on the R18B which has no top case there isn't a rear fender mounted running and brake light. Only a license plate light and small reflector. brake and turn are only on bottom of saddlebags. this arrangement results in inadequate brake warning for vehicle traffic behind motorcycle. BMW should supply the R18B with a sizeable fender mounted running and brake light.
Electricalπ΅ Low
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.
Electricalπ΅ Low
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 theses that have failed. I cannot ride the bike for fear of it going out entirely for safety as well as a law violation. I definitely cannot ride it at night for obvious reasons. The bike has 7000 miles now with most of a 3 year/36000 mile warranty remaining.
Electricalπ΅ Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The BMW R18 B motorcycle is equipped with an adaptive headlight, which directs the headlight beam in the direction of the motorcycle's lean angle and handlebar rotation; however, the headlight has failed, where the reflective mirror pieces have fallen apart. The loose reflective pieces creates a dazzling effect in the direction of the light beam; this appears to be a high failure item on the R18 B and Transcontinental models, equipped with the adaptive headlight. I dropped my motorcycle off for service in order to have the headlight failure repaired under warranty in May, where the BMW service center just notified me 4 months later that the headlight has arrived from Germany and is ready to be replaced.
Electricalπ΅ Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The adaptive headlight assembly had a sudden and unexpected catastrophic internal failure leading to complete loss of low beam headlight. BMW R18 Transcontinental. An appointment has been made with local BMW motorcycle dealer.
Electricalπ΅ Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Pieces of headlight reflector are breaking off inside the headlight housing. This causes the beam of light to completely miss the road. Also the adaptive function of headlight will stick to one side periodically meaning all light is pointing left or right of the roadway when going straight.
Electricalπ΅ Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Motorcycle is equipped with an Adaptive headlight. The main reflector that is a part of the moving adaptive headlight has broken off inside the headlight assembly and is obstructing the headlight beam pattern. It also does not allow the headlight to aim properly. The broken reflector is not permitting the adaptive headlight to function as intended and has the moving part wedged out of alignment. Headlight still illuminates however it is pointed off to one side and is not aimed high enough to provide adequate road illumination. I contacted the dealer Tuesday August 15th, 2023 and the soonest they can get the vehicle in for inspection is September 7th, 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any recalls for the 2022 BMW R 18?
Yes, the 2022 BMW R 18 has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETS.
Is the 2022 BMW R 18 safe to drive?
The 2022 BMW R 18 has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.
Where can I check if my 2022 BMW R 18 has open recalls?
You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local BMW dealer.
πYear-over-Year Context
β‘οΈStable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2022 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
π―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Power train
Issue: presents fire risk under certain conditions
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If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm power train recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.
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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all power train recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaign:24V716000
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your BMW dealer to verify recall completion status.
π§What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your BMW dealer.
If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyβrecall repairs are always free.
Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
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If You're Buying Used
Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.