2020–2026 BMW 5 Series and 3 other BMW models: power train recall
An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, a damaged driveshaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
What was reported
Source: manufacturer filing, 49 CFR Part 573Reported to NHTSA Aug 12, 2026 by BMW of North America, LLC, owners notified Oct 8, 2026.
What that means, in plain English
Source: WhichTrim's reading of the filing above — not NHTSA's wordingDriveshaft connection failure can cause unexpected loss of drive power in traffic or vehicle rollaway, both crash risks, but the filing uses hedged language ('may become damaged', 'possibly resulting') and no stop-drive order was issued, keeping this below critical.
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 noticeThe remedy, in the manufacturer’s words: To ensure BMW has the most up -to-date contact and vehicle information, owners should register their vehicle at bmwusa.com/myBMW.
Parts named
| Part number | Description | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| 33 12 7 607 158 | Recessed nut | 1 |
| 26 10 8 842 520 | Propeller shaft (G16 with B58C RWD) 1 (if needed) | |
| 33 10 8 695 523 | Rear axle differential (G16 with B58C) 1 (if needed) | |
| 26 11 7 523 709 | Hex Bolt (M12x1.5x58-ZNS3) 3 (if needed) | |
| 26 10 8 842 521 | Propeller shaft (G16 with B58C xDrive) 1 (if needed) | |
| 33 10 8 686 205 | Rear axle differential (G16 with B58C xDrive) 1 (if needed) | |
| 26 11 7 523 708 | Hex Bolt (M12x1.5x44-ZNS3) 3 (if needed) | |
| 26 10 8 832 972 | Propeller shaft (G16 with N63B) 1 (if needed) | |
| 33 10 8 686 983 | Rear axle differential (G16 with N63B) 1 (if needed) | |
| 33 17 6 760 336 | Hexagon screw with washer 1 (if needed) | |
| 33 32 6 760 368 | Nuts (rounds to 10) 3 (if needed) | |
| 33 13 7 555 749 | Assembly ring (dust shield) 2 (if needed) | |
| 26 10 8 842 413 | Propeller shaft (G30 with B58C xDrive) 1 (if needed) | |
| 26 10 8 842 414 | Propeller shaft (G30 with B58C RWD) 1 (if needed) | |
| 26 11 7 527 475 | Hex Bolt (M12x1.5x71-ZNS3) 3 (if needed) | |
| 26 10 8 842 415 | Propeller shaft (G30 with N63B) 1 (if needed) |
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 26V525000| Model year | Class | Safety Signal | Recalls on file |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW 5 Series | Midsize Sedan | F | 9 |
| 2022 BMW 5 Series | Midsize Sedan | F | 4 |
| 2023 BMW 5 Series | Midsize Sedan | C | 3 |
| 2024 BMW 7 Series | Large Sedan | F | 8 |
| 2025 BMW 7 Series | Large Sedan | D | 5 |
| 2026 BMW 7 Series | Large Sedan | A | 1 |
| 2020 BMW 8 Series | Coupe | F | 7 |
| 2021 BMW 8 Series | Coupe | D | 5 |
| 2022 BMW 8 Series | Coupe | C | 2 |
| 2023 BMW 8 Series | Coupe | D | 4 |
| 2024 BMW 8 Series | Coupe | C | 2 |
| 2025 BMW 8 Series | Coupe | C | 2 |
| 2026 BMW 8 Series | Coupe | A | 1 |
| 2021 BMW M | Compact Sedan | F | 14 |
Those are the model years inside WhichTrim's range, 2016 onward. The campaign may cover others outside it, and the only thing that settles whether one specific vehicle is included is its VIN.
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 26V525000
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. 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. The remedy filed for this campaign is described 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.