2017–2025 BMW K 1600 B and 3 other BMW models: power train recall
An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
What was reported
Source: manufacturer filing, 49 CFR Part 573Reported to NHTSA Apr 2, 2026 by BMW of North America, LLC.
What that means, in plain English
Source: WhichTrim's reading of the filing above — not NHTSA's wordingThe stated consequence is an increased risk of fire from an overheating reverse gear control unit, which meets the critical threshold for a thermal event.
Written for us by a language model from the manufacturer's filed text, which is quoted in full above. Where the two differ, the filing is the record and this is only our summary of it.
The fix, from the dealer bulletin
Source: NHTSA remedy instructions and dealer noticeLabour, as the warranty table lists it
- 1 h · op 00 60 451 · Vehicle lump-sum fee not affected by technical campaign
The operation code and time the manufacturer pays the dealer; a customer-pay estimate elsewhere is a different number.
Special tools
- (for motorbikes without a center stand) 1 FRU Labor Operation K48 GTL and K 1600 B
- 61 35 100 Replacing reverser control unit 11 FRU
- © 2026 MOTORRAD USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. All Rights Reserved
- 8/22/26, 5:06 AM 61 04 26_RECALL 26V-214: Replace Reverser Control Unit
- about:blank 5/8 +61 35 600 Replacing reverser control unit 10 FRU
- +46 52 510 Mounting and dismounting the rear-wheel stand with
Read from NHTSA’s copy of the manufacturer’s dealer documents. The procedure itself is in the bulletin; a franchised dealer has the current copy on the manufacturer’s portal, and that copy governs. Working a lot or a fleet? Recall Watch carries this line on every VIN it checks: remedy status, hours, stop-sale.
Which vehicles are covered
Source: NHTSA campaign 26V214000Vehicles built from Apr 20, 2017 onward — a VIN outside that window is not part of this campaign even if the year, make and model match.
None of the vehicles this campaign names has a page on WhichTrim: the catalogue covers the cars, trucks and SUVs the EPA certifies from 2016 on, and these vehicles fall outside it — older model years, or motorhomes, trailers, buses, motorcycles and chassis cabs the EPA does not rate. The campaign record above is complete as filed, and whether one specific vehicle is included is settled by its VIN. Other campaigns on vehicles without a page here →
The federal paperwork
Source: nhtsa.govFiled documents
Check one specific vehicle
A recall applies to a build range, so year, make and model cannot settle it. Type the VIN and the WhichTrim recall report checks this campaign’s build window and engine against it.
Campaign 26V214000
Own one, or run a fleet? Recall Watch checks each VIN against every new NHTSA campaign and emails you when one lands, this one's expansions included. Or take a free one-line alert by model year.
A recall covers a build range. Only your VIN settles it.
Check it with the WhichTrim recall report now, or have us check it every night and email you when something new is filed.
Common questions
Source: NHTSA, 49 CFR Part 573Does this recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal law requires the manufacturer to remedy a safety defect or a compliance failure at no charge, for vehicles up to 15 years old measured from the date of first sale. A dealer that asks you to pay for a recall repair is in the wrong.
How do I know whether my vehicle is included?
By VIN, not by model year. This campaign covers vehicles built from Apr 20, 2017 onward. The manufacturer files a build range with NHTSA and only vehicles inside it are covered, so two identical-looking cars from the same year can differ. NHTSA's own lookup checks a VIN against the manufacturer's list.
What if the repair is not available yet?
It happens, and often. Manufacturers must notify owners when a defect is found even if the parts or the software are not ready, then notify them a second time once the remedy exists. This campaign was filed without a repair available — BMW of North America, LLC says so in the text above.
What did the manufacturer say was wrong?
The problem, risk and fix quoted on this page are the manufacturer's own words as filed with NHTSA under 49 CFR Part 573. WhichTrim does not paraphrase them.
Who started this recall?
NHTSA's record credits the manufacturer. A recall can begin with the manufacturer's own testing, with a defect investigation, or with a compliance test against a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.