Recall affects 16,736 motorcycles in the US
Originally published by Motorcycle.com
by Dennis Chung
Published: July 29th, 2026
Photo Credits: Motorcycle.com
For more information: https://www.motorcycle.com/bikes/news/2020-2026-bmw-s-1000-rr-recalled-for-ignition-lock-failure-44668897
BMW is recalling S 1000 RR models from 2020 to 2026 because of a risk of the ignition lock failing. The recall affects 16,736 motorcycles in the U.S., with notices expected to be mailed out to owners in mid-September.
According to recall documentation released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, strong vibrations may interrupt the electric contacts within the ignition lock. This may result in a loss of ignition, causing the engine to stall and turn off the TFT screen, rear lighting, turn signals, and electronic rider aids.
BMW first became aware of the issue in April 2025, after receiving an increasing number of warranty claims for ignition locks. An initial investigation estimated the rate of occurrence to be less than 0.1% of all S 1000 RR models. Preliminary findings suggested the problem was caused by vibration-induced wear on a contact pin, but further research was needed to determine what conditions can cause it to happen. The investigation also looked at other BMW four-cylinder models to see if they exhibited similar issues. In April 2026, the rate of occurrence increased to less than 0.5% of the S 1000 RR population, which suggested that the problem is more likely to happen as mileage increases.
As of this writing, BMW has not come up with a remedy, but expects to have one in place by September. There have been no reports of crashes or injuries related to the ignition lock issue, and there has been no evidence of it occurring with M 1000 RR, S 1000 R, S 1000 XR, or M 1000 XR models.