2026 BMW R 1300 Rt recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. The cardan shaft may not have been sufficiently hardened, causing the universal joint to slip within the shaft and result in a loss of drive power.
What could happen: A loss of drive power while riding increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the cardan shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters will not be mailed because BMW called the one owner on October 30, 2025 and remedied the motorcycle on 11/21/25. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2026 R 1300 RT.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 25V672000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-525-7417.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 R 1300 RT motorcycles. The cardan shaft may not have been sufficiently hardened, causing the universal joint to slip within the shaft and result in a loss of drive power.
Consequence: A loss of drive power while riding increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cardan shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters will not be mailed because BMW called the one owner on October 30, 2025 and remedied the motorcycle on 11/21/25. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes:
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (1), Suspension (1), Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
05/13/2026 · Steering
Motorcycle has exhibited unstable handling behavior since delivery. The defect is specifically a weaving and wobbling oscillation that occurs when the motorcycle is upright and traveling in a straight line, as if the bike is constantly riding on rippled or uneven pavement even on smooth road surfaces. The rear of the motorcycle feels disconnected from the c…