BMW has recalled 27,720 vehicles across three models due to an issue related to the driveshaft and rear axle that could cause affected vehicles to roll away when parked if the parking brake is not engaged. In some cases, the issue could also lead to a loss of power to the rear wheels.According to a recall report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2022-2026 BMW 8 Series (7,372 units), 2024-2026 BMW 750e xDrive (2,198 units), and 2021-2023 BMW 5 Series (18,150 units) have been recalled.Describing the issue, the report states that the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential may be subject to excessive wear. This could increase the risk of an incident or crash.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe NHTSA states that, in rare cases, the issue could result in a loss of power to the rear wheels. Affected BMWs could also roll away if the parking brake is not engaged. Such an event could cause the vehicle to collide with other vehicles, property, or even people.a blue car parked on a roadHow BMW Found Out About the IssueIn December 2024, BMW launched an engineering investigation after noticing an increase in field incidents. In the first quarter of 2025, it created a parts-return program to collect components from high-mileage vehicles for examination, initially focusing on the driveshaft-to-rear-axle differential interface.Between the first and third quarters of 2025, BMW conducted computer simulations, bench testing, and metallurgical analysis to determine how the damage occurred. It also reviewed production data across its assembly plants, inspected supplier parts and manufacturing processes, and worked with the supplier to identify potential causes.The investigation continued through the second quarter of 2026, with BMW comparing other vehicle types, driveshaft designs, and configurations. Engineers also performed multi-body simulations, monitored field data, conducted statistical forecasting, and reviewed vehicle assembly and supplier records to identify potentially affected vehicles.AdvertisementAdvertisementOn August 5, 2026, BMW decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The automaker said it had not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to the issue.Remedy Program for Affected OwnersThe recall report states that the connection between the driveshaft and the rear axle differential will be examined. To solve the issue, an adhesive will be applied, or the driveshaft and rear axle differential will be replaced, based on the severity of the problem.Owners whose BMWs are affected by this issue will be notified by First-Class Mail and instructed to take their vehicles to an authorized service center, where the remedy will be performed at no cost.Owners who have already had the repair performed at their own expense will be reimbursed according to BMW Group's reimbursement plan. Dealer notifications were sent on August 12, 2026, while owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed on October 2, 2026.