“Unique wintertime road treatment conditions.”
BMW of North America is conducting a regional recall of 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles.The electronic control module in the driver’s side footwell (FRM) may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt, according to documents just released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (AutoInformed.com: BMW Group to Invest $811 Million in UK to Make Next Mini)
The ~100,000 affected vehicles were sold or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.
This is an expansion of a Mini safety recall that was specific to Canada due to what BMW said were unique wintertime road treatment conditions (“very hygroscopic salt types and significant usage”) in that market. When the so-called 18F-175 was submitted to NHTSA, there were 16 reported incidents in Canada involving the FRM alleging some level of thermal damage, but no known incidents in the US market. BMW discussed this matter with the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) in September 2018.
Mini Recall History
- On 19 January 2023, Transport Canada contacted BMW Canada regarding some owner complaints in which vehicles which had the 2018 recall performed (18F-175) subsequently had issues involving the FRM. Between February and April, BMW Canada discussed this matter with Transport Canada.
- A review of field data indicated that some vehicles, which had the 2018 Canadian safety recall performed, subsequently experienced FRM corrosion and some level of thermal damage. Most of these vehicles contained a sunroof. It was thought that the sunroof drain was a contributing factor, whereas for the other vehicles, it was suggested that other, external influences, were involved. An engineering review, including additional analysis and testing, was conducted.
- The test results indicated that, due to a number of contributing factors (large changes in temperature, multiple freeze/thaw cycles, vehicle aging), it could be possible for the sunroof drain hose to become damaged, cause the hose to loosen, and eventually detach from the drain tube. If this were to occur, it could allow water to enter the vehicle interior.
- Vehicle assembly and supplier production information, and vehicle registration records, were reviewed to determine the number, and production dates, of potentially affected vehicles. On May 4, 2023, BMW decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.
- As of May 4, 2023, BMW has identified six (6) incidents in the US which, due to similar factors, has led to FRM corrosion and similar outcomes. These incidents occurred between September 2019 and October 2022, and involved vehicles produced between 2010 and 2013, all equipped with a sunroof.
BMW said it has not received any reports, nor is BMW otherwise aware, of any accidents or injuries related to this safety defect.The repair remedy is currently being developed. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 3 July 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov about NHTSA recall 23V337.
BMW North America Recalls Mini Models for Short Circuits
“Unique wintertime road treatment conditions.”
BMW of North America is conducting a regional recall of 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles.The electronic control module in the driver’s side footwell (FRM) may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt, according to documents just released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (AutoInformed.com: BMW Group to Invest $811 Million in UK to Make Next Mini)
The ~100,000 affected vehicles were sold or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.
This is an expansion of a Mini safety recall that was specific to Canada due to what BMW said were unique wintertime road treatment conditions (“very hygroscopic salt types and significant usage”) in that market. When the so-called 18F-175 was submitted to NHTSA, there were 16 reported incidents in Canada involving the FRM alleging some level of thermal damage, but no known incidents in the US market. BMW discussed this matter with the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) in September 2018.
Mini Recall History
BMW said it has not received any reports, nor is BMW otherwise aware, of any accidents or injuries related to this safety defect.The repair remedy is currently being developed. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 3 July 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov about NHTSA recall 23V337.