BMW, Rivian and Toyota Owners Have New Recalls to Check—Is Your Vehicle on the List?

September 25, 2026

BMW, Rivian and Toyota owners have several recent safety recalls worth checking, but the problems look very different once you get past the headlines. A driveshaft issue affects certain BMWs, a software problem can cover a huge group of Rivians, and Toyota has a small recall involving steering components on select newer SUVs.

That difference matters because a recall listed for a model does not automatically mean every vehicle with that badge needs a repair. The VIN determines whether a specific vehicle falls inside the recall population. NHTSA recommends checking a vehicle’s 17-character VIN for the most precise result.

A BMW Driveshaft Problem Could Affect More Than One Model

BMW’s recent recall centers on the connection between the driveshaft and rear differential. Recall 26V525000 covers certain 2021-2023 BMW 540i and 540i xDrive models, 2021-2023 M550i models, 2022-2026 840i and 840i xDrive models, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive models. BMW reported 27,720 potentially affected vehicles.

The concern involves a damaged connection that could cause a loss of power to the rear wheels. A damaged driveshaft could also allow the vehicle to roll if the parking brake remains unapplied. BMW plans to inspect the connection and apply adhesive or replace components as needed, at no charge. Owner letters are expected to go out October 2, 2026.

There is one timing wrinkle for owners. NHTSA’s listing says affected VINs will become searchable through its recall system on October 2. That means an owner who checks today may not see this particular campaign yet, even though BMW has already reported it. Keeping the recall campaign number, 26V525000, handy can make a later check easier.

Rivian’s Recall Shows Why Software Can Become a Safety Issue

Rivian’s newest campaign takes a very different route. Recall 26V597000 covers certain 2022-2027 R1S, 2022-2026 R1T and 2027 R2 vehicles. The recall covers as many as 98,828 vehicles built from August 23, 2021, through August 10, 2026.

The issue involves the rearview camera. When the vehicle sits in reverse, a notification can obstruct the camera image. That can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. Rivian has released a free over-the-air software update, so owners do not necessarily need a traditional service appointment for the remedy.

The timing looks different here, too. Rivian expects to mail owner notices on November 9, and NHTSA says the affected VINs will become searchable on that date. That does not mean owners should forget about the campaign until November. Owners can contact Rivian with questions and should watch for manufacturer communications about the update.

Toyota Has a Much Smaller, More Targeted Recall

Toyota’s newest campaign involves only 617 potentially affected vehicles, but the defect deserves attention because it involves steering. Recall 26V598000 covers certain 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid vehicles, along with select 2026 Lexus RX and TX models.

A manufacturing error could cause a front steering knuckle to crack and break. If that happens, the vehicle could lose steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Toyota plans to inspect the steering knuckles and replace them when necessary, free of charge. Owner letters are expected November 2, 2026.

This recall also illustrates why a vehicle’s build date can matter. The affected vehicles came from a very narrow production period in June 2026. A 2026 Grand Highlander sitting next to another 2026 Grand Highlander on a dealership lot could have a completely different recall status. The model year alone cannot settle the question.

The Model Name Gets You Close, But the VIN Finishes the Job

A recall headline can make it sound as if an entire model line suddenly has a problem. That is rarely how the actual recall population works. Manufacturers identify specific vehicles using production records, equipment configurations, software versions, or other identifying information.

NHTSA’s recall system lets owners search by VIN, license plate, or vehicle year, make and model. The VIN search provides the vehicle-specific result and can show whether the vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

That distinction becomes especially useful for used-car shoppers. A seller might truthfully say that a particular BMW, Rivian or Toyota model has a recall while still not knowing whether the exact vehicle needs the repair. Checking the VIN before buying can turn a vague conversation into a specific answer.

A Recall Does Not Mean the Same Thing as a Dealer Repair

These three campaigns also show how different recall remedies can be. BMW expects technicians to inspect a mechanical connection and potentially repair or replace parts. Toyota expects dealers to inspect steering components and replace them if needed. Rivian can address its camera issue with an over-the-air software update.

Owners should also pay attention to the timing of the remedy rather than assuming that every announced recall already has a completed repair available. Manufacturer notices can arrive weeks after a recall filing, and NHTSA’s VIN database can receive campaign information on a different schedule.

For anyone who recently bought one of these vehicles, that distinction can prevent a frustrating dealership visit. Check whether the recall applies, check whether the remedy has become available, and follow any safety instructions included in the manufacturer’s notice.

Your Car’s Recall Status Can Change After You Check It

A clean recall search today does not create a permanent guarantee that the vehicle will never receive another recall. Automakers can report new safety campaigns later, and owners can receive notices months after a manufacturer first files a campaign.

The BMW, Rivian and Toyota campaigns offer three different reasons to make that check. One involves a drivetrain connection, another involves software and rear visibility, and another involves steering hardware. None requires guessing from the badge on the trunk. The VIN tells you whether your particular vehicle belongs in the repair queue.

Is your vehicle affected by one of these recalls, or have you recently discovered a recall that surprised you? Share your experience in the comments.