All dockets / Other Defects / RD-2026-009
BMW Recalls Nearly 28,000 Cars Over Driveshaft Detachment Risks
- Docket No.
RD-2026-009- Filed
- 2026-08-18
- Manufacturer
- BMW
- Hazard class
- Other Defects
- Units cited
- 28,000
- Reported by
- Staff
Summary
BMW has issued a safety recall affecting 27,720 luxury sedans due to a potential drivetrain flaw that could leave drivers stranded or lead to a vehicle rollaway. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign filing 26V525000, the connection joining the driveshaft to the rear axle differential can suffer damage over time. If the joint degrades completely, power will no longer reach the rear wheels, leading to an unexpected loss of propulsion while driving or an unintended vehicle rollaway if parked without the electronic parking brake engaged.
Affected BMW Models and Scope
The recall impacts a broad range of midsize and executive luxury sedans spanning multiple model years:
- 2021–2023 BMW 5 Series: 540i, 540i xDrive, and M550i xDrive
- 2022–2026 BMW 8 Series: 840i and 840i xDrive
- 2024–2026 BMW 7 Series: 750e xDrive plug-in hybrid
BMW's Fix and Next Steps for Owners
Authorized BMW dealerships will inspect the critical junction between the driveshaft and rear differential assembly free of charge. Depending on the condition of the hardware, technicians will either apply a specialized adhesive to secure the connection or replace the driveshaft and rear differential entirely.
Official owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed on October 2, 2026, at which point individual Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) will become fully searchable on NHTSA.gov. Owners seeking immediate information can contact BMW customer service directly at 1-800-525-7417.