Mini recalls 30K Hardtops to improve side-impact protection
Wed, Jul 29 2015
According to NHTSA, the agency tested a 2015 Cooper and Cooper S Hardtop on July 1 and 2, but the S didn't meet one of the impact requirements. The analysis showed that rear passengers in these vehicles were potentially in greater danger in a crash. Upon further research, the government and Mini found more models potentially affected. The automaker isn't aware of any reports of accidents or injures from this problem. To rectify the situation, dealers will add more energy-absorbing material in the space between the rear interior panels and the exterior of the hatchbacks, which will take around four hours. The campaign to fix them will begin on Sept. 12.
RECALL Subject : Side Impact Crash Worthiness/FMVSS 214
Report Receipt Date: JUL 17, 2015
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V450000
Component(s): STRUCTURE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 30,456
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
MINI COOPER 2014-2015
MINI COOPER S 2014-2015
MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS 2015
Details
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
SUMMARY:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door vehicles and 2015 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop 2 Door vehicles. The affected vehicles do not meet the side impact performance requirements for the rear seat passengers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
CONSEQUENCE:
If the side impact performance requirements are not met, rear seat passengers may be at a higher risk of injury during a crash.
REMEDY:
MINI will notify owners, and dealers will install additional energy absorption material between the rear interior side panels and the exterior vehicle body, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 12, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525. Note: this recall supersedes 14V-815.
NOTES:
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.safercar.gov.
BMW Statement:
BMW recently has informed NHTSA of the company's intention to expand a previous safety recall filed in December 2014 to include additional Model Year 2014-2015 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Cooper and Cooper S as well as Model Year 2015 John Cooper Works vehicles produced from December 2013 through March 2015.
Owners and lessees of affected vehicles will receive a letter via First Class mail asking them to schedule an appointment with their authorized MINI dealer where additional energy absorbing material will be added between the vehicle's rear interior side panel and the body. The update may take approximately four hours; however, additional time may be required depending upon the MINI dealer's schedule.
The company is unaware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.
Report Receipt Date: JUL 17, 2015
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V450000
Component(s): STRUCTURE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 30,456
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
MINI COOPER 2014-2015
MINI COOPER S 2014-2015
MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS 2015
Details
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
SUMMARY:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door vehicles and 2015 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop 2 Door vehicles. The affected vehicles do not meet the side impact performance requirements for the rear seat passengers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
CONSEQUENCE:
If the side impact performance requirements are not met, rear seat passengers may be at a higher risk of injury during a crash.
REMEDY:
MINI will notify owners, and dealers will install additional energy absorption material between the rear interior side panels and the exterior vehicle body, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 12, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525. Note: this recall supersedes 14V-815.
NOTES:
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.safercar.gov.
BMW Statement:
BMW recently has informed NHTSA of the company's intention to expand a previous safety recall filed in December 2014 to include additional Model Year 2014-2015 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Cooper and Cooper S as well as Model Year 2015 John Cooper Works vehicles produced from December 2013 through March 2015.
Owners and lessees of affected vehicles will receive a letter via First Class mail asking them to schedule an appointment with their authorized MINI dealer where additional energy absorbing material will be added between the vehicle's rear interior side panel and the body. The update may take approximately four hours; however, additional time may be required depending upon the MINI dealer's schedule.
The company is unaware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.
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By Chris Bruce
See also: 2015 Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop First Drive [w/video], Porsche, Jaguar continue dominance in 2015 JD Power APEAL study, Mini getting serious with next Countryman SUV.