2020–2026 BMW (6 models) Powertrain / Transmission Recall 26V525000
NHTSA recall 26V525000 covers about 39,144 2020–2026 BMW (6 models) vehicles (powertrain / transmission), filed with NHTSA Aug 12, 2026. There is no do-not-drive or park-outside advisory.
Source: NHTSA campaign 26V525000 · Data as of Nov 6, 2026 · By CarWhere Research
What's recalled
Component: Powertrain / transmission (driveline, driveshaft)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential may become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a vehicle rollaway.
The risk
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.
The remedy and its status
Dealers will inspect the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential, and apply adhesive or replace the driveshaft and rear axle differential, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 8, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 2, 2026.
Status: NHTSA lists Oct 8, 2026 as the owner-notification date for this campaign.
Affected models and years
Models and model years NHTSA lists for this campaign. Not every vehicle of a listed model and year is included; check by VIN.
| Vehicle | Model years | More |
|---|---|---|
| BMW 540I | 2021–2023 | — |
| BMW 540I Xdrive | 2021–2023 | — |
| BMW 750E Xdrive | 2024–2026 | — |
| BMW 840I | 2020–2026 | — |
| BMW 840I Xdrive | 2020–2026 | — |
| BMW M550I | 2021–2023 | — |
Key dates
- Report filed with NHTSA
- Aug 12, 2026
- Owner notification
- Oct 8, 2026
- Recall initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Filed by
- BMW of North America, LLC
Check your VIN for 26V525000
- Find the 17-character VIN on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the door-jamb sticker, or your registration.
- Enter it in NHTSA's free VIN recall lookup. It shows every open recall on that exact vehicle, including this one if it applies and hasn't been repaired.
- If 26V525000 is open, call any BMW dealer's service department and give them the recall number. The repair is free.
Not sure of the exact model or year? Decode it first with the free VIN decoder.
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V525000?
NHTSA recall 26V525000 covers about 39,144 2020–2026 BMW (6 models) vehicles (powertrain / transmission), filed with NHTSA Aug 12, 2026. There is no do-not-drive or park-outside advisory. It covers certain 2020-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive vehicles.
Is it safe to drive a vehicle with recall 26V525000?
NHTSA's record for 26V525000 carries no do-not-drive or park-outside advisory. The risk NHTSA lists is: "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." Get the free repair as soon as it is available for your vehicle.
How do I know if my vehicle is affected by 26V525000?
Only a VIN lookup can tell you. Not every vehicle of the listed models and years is included, and repaired vehicles drop off. Enter your 17-character VIN in NHTSA's free recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any BMW dealer to check it.
What is the fix for recall 26V525000, and is it free?
NHTSA's record says: "Dealers will inspect the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential, and apply adhesive or replace the driveshaft and rear axle differential, as necessary, free of charge." NHTSA lists Oct 8, 2026 as the owner-notification date for this campaign. Safety-recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers.
Sources and method
- NHTSA recall record for 26V525000, from NHTSA's public recall campaign database. Problem, risk and remedy text is NHTSA's own wording.
- "Vehicles affected" is NHTSA's potential-units-affected count for the whole campaign.
- Data as of Nov 6, 2026. NHTSA updates campaigns as manufacturers file amendments, so check the official record for the latest.
Related recalls
- 26V096000: 2023–2026 BMW (9 models) electrical system (Feb 19, 2026)
- 25V644000: 2019–2025 BMW (6 models) electrical system (Sep 25, 2025)
- 24V739000: 2023–2024 BMW (16 models) electronic stability control (Oct 2, 2024)
- 24V576000: 2019–2021 BMW (10 models) engine & cooling (Aug 1, 2024)
- 24V104000: 2023–2025 21 models service brakes (Feb 12, 2024)
- 21V598000: 2019–2021 BMW & Toyota (7 models) engine (Aug 2, 2021)
- 21V554000: 2021 26 models seat belts (Jul 21, 2021)
- 21V096000: 2019–2021 BMW (21 models) backup camera / back-over prevention (Feb 19, 2021)