2016 MINI COUNTRYMAN

TRAILER HITCHES

Curt Manufacturing LLC (Curt) is recalling certain Class 1 trailer hitches, part number 11451, sold for installation on 2016-2018 Mini Cooper Clubman and Countryman vehicles. The vehicles may have inadequate structure points for the trailer hitch mounting, causing the hitch to sag under to certain

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This complaint concerns my 2016 Mini Cooper Countryman S, All-Wheel Drive. About four months ago, I began experiencing wobbling and noise when making turns at low speed. I took the vehicle to multiple repair shops for diagnosis. The first shop recommended replacing the clutch pack assembly ($2,626 + tax). The second shop suggested replacing the transfer case (~$2,928 + tax). Based on that, I purchased a used transfer case ($407) and had a third shop install it ($580), but the issue persisted. I then went to a fourth shop, which again insisted it was a transfer case problem. However, since my vehicle is relatively new with low mileage, they recommended reinstalling the original transfer case. After doing so, I noticed only minor improvement, and soon the same wobbling and noise returned. So far, I have spent the following on unsuccessful repairs: $108 diagnostic fee $407 for a compatible used transfer case (purchased from eBay) $580 for the installation of the used transfer case

This complaint concerns my 2016 Mini Cooper Countryman S, All-Wheel Drive. About four months ago, I began experiencing wobbling and noise when making turns at low speed. I took the vehicle to multiple repair shops for diagnosis. The first shop recommended replacing the clutch pack assembly ($2,626 + tax). The second shop suggested replacing the transfer case (~$2,928 + tax). Based on that, I purchased a used transfer case ($407) and had a third shop install it ($580), but the issue persisted. I then went to a fourth shop, which again insisted it was a transfer case problem. However, since my vehicle is relatively new with low mileage, they recommended reinstalling the original transfer case. After doing so, I noticed only minor improvement, and soon the same wobbling and noise returned. So far, I have spent the following on unsuccessful repairs: $108 diagnostic fee $407 for a compatible used transfer case (purchased from eBay) $580 for the installation of the used transfer case

Seat Belt retractors on both drivers and passenger side failed. At the time of failure, seat belt would become loose then the locking mechanism of the retractor would engage and not disengage again. Even once the seat belt was retracted all the way to its storage position, the locking mechanism will not release. The driver side retractor failed and was replaced under certified preowned warranty on or around 06/03/2021 at Mini of Monrovia. No reason was given at this time as to why the failure had occurred. The passenger side retractor failed in the exact same manner on 11/17/2023 and the drivers side failed again on 12/05/2023. The vehicle was taken to Principal BMW Mini of San Antonio on 12/13/2023 for repair, after the technician confirmed that the identical issue had occurred on the passenger side, the drivers side was not able to be duplicated due to the lock releasing by the time the technician inspected it. Additionally, since the repair of the initial repair of the drivers side

The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power; however, the contact was able to safely pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure had since become a regular occurrence. Several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was water damage within the footwell control module, and water damage to the ignition control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 57,000.

Mileage: 57,000

The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated that intermittently the “Passenger restraint system malfunction - Fault in passenger-restraint system affecting air bag - Consult Nearest Service Center" message was displayed while the seat was occupied. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side seat sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was reoccurring more frequently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

Mileage: 86,000

The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated that intermittently the “Passenger restraint system malfunction - Fault in passenger-restraint system affecting air bag - Consult Nearest Service Center" message was displayed while the seat was occupied. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side seat sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was reoccurring more frequently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

Mileage: 86,000

The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated that his daughter was informed by an independent mechanic that the vehicle could be started without the ignition key. The contact stated that his daughter tested the vehicle while the keys remained in the residence with him. The contact stated that his daughter was able to start and drive the vehicle without the ignition key. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact's daughter that she would be responsible for the cost of the diagnostic test and repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Mileage: 60,000

I suddenly have a warning appear on my start menu including warning lights. Upon starting, The message states “ RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION! Fault in passenger-restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Continue to wear seatbelt. Have system checked by nearest Mini Center” I bought this car used less than a year ago, but my extended warranty does not cover electrical or restraint systems. I called BMW customer service and they said they could not help me. As it stands, my airbag will not deploy on the passenger side if I am in a crash.

I suddenly have a warning appear on my start menu including warning lights. Upon starting, The message states “ RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION! Fault in passenger-restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Continue to wear seatbelt. Have system checked by nearest Mini Center” I bought this car used less than a year ago, but my extended warranty does not cover electrical or restraint systems. I called BMW customer service and they said they could not help me. As it stands, my airbag will not deploy on the passenger side if I am in a crash.

WENT TO GAS UP MY 2016 MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN ALL4 S, AFTER GASSING I STARTED THE CAR AND STARTED PULLING AWAY FROM GAS PUMP STATION WHEN SUDDENLY I FELT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD AND HEAVY TO STEER THEN THERE'S WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD SAYING STEERING WHEEL ASSISTANCE MALFUNCTION. I PULLED OVER TO NEXT PARKING SPOT AND TRIED TURNING ENGINE OFF AND ON AND STEERING WHEEL STILL FEELS HARD AND HEAVY TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. MY DAD EVENTUALLY DROVE THE CAR SLOWLY TO CAR SHOP NEARBY BUT CAR SHOP SAID CAR NEEDS TO BE EVALUATED BY DEALERSHIP SO HE DROVE IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR EVALUATION. MY DAD STATES CAR DRIVABLE BUT STEERING IS HARD

Mileage: 60,760

ON FEBRUARY 8, 2021 9:00AM DROVE MINI APPROXIMATELY 24 MILES, RETURNED HOME. PARKED CAR, TURNED OFF ENGINE, WENT INTO HOUSE AND LESS THAN 3 MINUTES LATER, NEIGHBOR SAYS MY ENGINE IS SMOKING FROM UNDER HOOD. WITHIN SECONDS IT WENT FROM HEAVY, WHITE SMOKE TO FIRE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD AND ENGULFED FRONT OF VEHICLE, BREAKING WINDSHIELD, MELTING TIRES. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS THAT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, NO SMELLS, NOTHING TO WARN OF IMPENDING FIRE. LUCKILY, THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE IN A PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF HOME RATHER THAN IN COVERED GARAGE. I KEPT A HOSE GOING ON HOOD AND SURROUNDING BUSHES TO KEEP FIRE FROM ESCALATING TO BUILDINGS OR HILLSIDE UNTIL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED THE MINI WAS KEPT IN GOOD WORKING ORDER, ALL MAINTENANCE DONE ON TIME. SO LUCKY WE WERE NOT IN THE VEHICLE WHEN IT OCCURRED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS CONSIDERED UNKNOWN.

Mileage: 49,000

ON FEBRUARY 8, 2021 9:00AM DROVE MINI APPROXIMATELY 24 MILES, RETURNED HOME. PARKED CAR, TURNED OFF ENGINE, WENT INTO HOUSE AND LESS THAN 3 MINUTES LATER, NEIGHBOR SAYS MY ENGINE IS SMOKING FROM UNDER HOOD. WITHIN SECONDS IT WENT FROM HEAVY, WHITE SMOKE TO FIRE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD AND ENGULFED FRONT OF VEHICLE, BREAKING WINDSHIELD, MELTING TIRES. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS THAT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, NO SMELLS, NOTHING TO WARN OF IMPENDING FIRE. LUCKILY, THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE IN A PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF HOME RATHER THAN IN COVERED GARAGE. I KEPT A HOSE GOING ON HOOD AND SURROUNDING BUSHES TO KEEP FIRE FROM ESCALATING TO BUILDINGS OR HILLSIDE UNTIL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED THE MINI WAS KEPT IN GOOD WORKING ORDER, ALL MAINTENANCE DONE ON TIME. SO LUCKY WE WERE NOT IN THE VEHICLE WHEN IT OCCURRED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS CONSIDERED UNKNOWN.

Mileage: 49,000

ON FEBRUARY 8, 2021 9:00AM DROVE MINI APPROXIMATELY 24 MILES, RETURNED HOME. PARKED CAR, TURNED OFF ENGINE, WENT INTO HOUSE AND LESS THAN 3 MINUTES LATER, NEIGHBOR SAYS MY ENGINE IS SMOKING FROM UNDER HOOD. WITHIN SECONDS IT WENT FROM HEAVY, WHITE SMOKE TO FIRE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD AND ENGULFED FRONT OF VEHICLE, BREAKING WINDSHIELD, MELTING TIRES. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS THAT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, NO SMELLS, NOTHING TO WARN OF IMPENDING FIRE. LUCKILY, THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE IN A PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF HOME RATHER THAN IN COVERED GARAGE. I KEPT A HOSE GOING ON HOOD AND SURROUNDING BUSHES TO KEEP FIRE FROM ESCALATING TO BUILDINGS OR HILLSIDE UNTIL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED THE MINI WAS KEPT IN GOOD WORKING ORDER, ALL MAINTENANCE DONE ON TIME. SO LUCKY WE WERE NOT IN THE VEHICLE WHEN IT OCCURRED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS CONSIDERED UNKNOWN.

Mileage: 49,000

ON NOV 19, 2018 AT 6:00 PM I WAS DRIVING ON 6 LANE ROADWAY APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN FRONT DRIVER AIRBAG AND 2 SIDE AIRBAGS (FRONT AND REAR) DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE CAR CAME TO AN ABRUPT HALT IN THE INTERSECTION. STUNNED I THOUGHT I HAD HIT SOMEONE. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR BECAUSE THE CAR WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND I THOUGHT THE CAR WAS GOING TO CATCH FIRE. THE HORN WAS BLARING NONSTOP. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, RELEASED MY SEAT BELT. UPON LEAVING THE CAR AN OFF DUTY POLICE OFFICE CAME TO MY ASSISTANCE AND STATED 'MAM, ARE YOU OK? DID SOMEBODY HIT YOU?' I STATED ' I THINK I HIT SOMETHING. HE REPLIED 'YOU DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING AND NOBODY HIT YOU. I WITNESSED THE WHOLE INCIDENT.' WE CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND THE CAR WAS TRANSPORTED TO OUR MECHANICS SHOP. LATER THE NEXT DAY WE HAD IT TOWED TO A BMW BODY SHOP. BMW NORTH AMERICA SENT AN ENGINEER TO THE BODY SHOP TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS. WE ARE WAITING FOR THE REPORT FROM BMW.

Mileage: 23,242

OUR CAR WAS PARKED FOR APPROX. 10 MINUTES. THE CAR WAS OFF AND THE KEY WAS WITH MY WIFE. NO ONE WAS IN THE CAR, NOR WAS IT IN OPERATION ON ANY LEVEL. NO FLAMMABLE ITEMS WERE WITHIN THE CAR AND THE CAR WAS NOT PARKED ON ANYTHING FLAMMABLE. MY WIFE ALSO DOES NOT SMOKE. THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE NEAR THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY WERE ABLE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATED THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE AND IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE INCONCLUSIVE. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, THE FIRE WAS SO INTENSE THAT IT WOULD BE INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE A CAUSE OF THE FIRE. BMW AND TWO OTHER INSURANCE COMPANIES THEN PERFORMED AN EXTENSIVE REVIEW AND ALSO DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE'S CAUSE WAS INCONCLUSIVE. FROM MY UNDERSTANDING, OUR MODEL HAD A TURBO CHARGER WITH AN AUXILIARY WATER PUMP. THESE PUMPS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO HAVE A TECHNICAL PROBLEM IN WHICH THEY DON'T STOP RUNNING. OVER THE COURSE OF TIME, THE PUM

Mileage: 29,000

WHILE DRIVING HOME, ON HIGHWAY, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, I HAD THE REAR SUNROOF EXPLODE. HEARD A SINGLE CRACK, THEN ~30 SECONDS LATER, SUNROOF EXPLODED. LARGER PIECES OF GLASS CAUGHT BY SUN NET, HOWEVER, FINE PARTICLES OF GLASS NOW COVER REAR SEAT. NO KNOWN PRIOR DAMAGE.

Mileage: 18,100

ON MARCH 29,2018 MY DAUGHTER PARKED HER 2016 MINI COUNTRYMAN IN MY DRIVEWAY AND CAME IN TO VISIT. 10 MINUTES LATER MY WIFE WENT OUTSIDE AND SAW THE MINI ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE ON FIRE. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED, THE MINI AND MY 2 CARS WERE ON FIRE. ALL 3 WERE TOTALED, MY DRIVEWAY WAS RUINED AND THE SIDING ON MY GARAGE WAS DAMAGED BY THE HEAT OF THE FIRE.. I REMEMBER MINI RECALLING THEIR VEHICLES WITH TURBOS IN 2012. THE RECALL STARTED BECAUSE MINIS WITH TURBOS WERE STARTING ON FIRE AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED.THE SYSTEM TO COOL THE TURBOS WASN'T WORKING AND THE TURBOS OVERHEATED. THE NAPERVILLE FIRE DEPT REPORT SAID THAT IT APPEARED THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE MINI BUT THAT THEY COULD NOT TELL HOW IT STARTED. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS TOTALLY BURNED TO ASHES. OUR STORY FITS THE SAME PATTERN OF THE STORIES I READ CONCERNING THE RECALL OF 2012.I WANT TO SOUND AN ALARM BECAUSE PEOPLE CAN BE INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS

Mileage: 27,000