Do you own a 2017 or 2018 BMW C Evolution maxi-scooter? If so, you'll want to know about the Motorrad's most recent safety recall. The problem relates to a 12V plug connector that could experience internal corrosion of its electrical contacts under very specific circumstances, over time.
Approximately 116 scooters are involved in this recall in the United States. This represents 100% of the population according to BMW's records. To be more specific, the issue involves an electrical plug connection that goes between the DC converter and the 12V battery. If conditions are just right (or wrong, depending on how you look at it), the front wheel can potentially splash water up in such a way that it is able to touch the ground cable lug on the 12V battery.
If this occurs, and if that cable lug doesn't have sufficient waterproofing, water can potentially seep along that cable thanks to capillary action. Over time, if this situation repeatedly occurs in damp conditions, the electrical contacts could corrode, which could in turn eventually escalate into a thermal event. There are a lot of ifs here, but it's clear that BMW is not taking chances.
For good reason, too; while BMW ceased selling the C Evolution maxi scooter in the US after a couple of model years (we do still get the C 400 GT in our market in 2026), thermal events that were traced back to this issue were reported in at least two other international instances, according to BMW's recall chronology.
BMW Motorrad notified its dealer network about this issue on May 21, 2026. It plans to notify registered owners of affected units on or about July 6, 2026. That is also the calendar date when affected VINs will be searchable in the NHTSA database.
Owners will be instructed to contact their local authorized BMW dealer to obtain recall service, which will consist of a repair cable kit being installed. This kit will feature improved weather sealing to prevent this issue. Owners who have already had repairs performed to address this issue may be eligible for reimbursement from BMW, provided they have sufficient evidence to back their claims.
Owners may contact BMW North America Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417. Additionally, owners may contact the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
