The vehicle dossier US · 2015
2015 MINI
COOPERProblems & recalls
56 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Engine appears in 14 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.
01 / Owner-reported evidence
What owners reported.
Categories attached to 56 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.
See original component labels
These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.
The reporting timeline
When reports arrived.
Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 12 years with reports.
23,500 miles is the median among 26 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 4,500–50,000 miles.
This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.
02 / Official safety campaigns
6 recall campaigns on file.
A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATIONCampaign 15V739000
Reported concern
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 door vehicles manufactured February 25, 2014, to May 16, 2015, 2014-2015 MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 door vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to May 9, 2015, 2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 door vehicles manufactured October 17, 2014, to June 2, 2015, and 2015 MINI Cooper S Hardtop 4 door vehicles manufactured November 24, 2014, to June 11, 2015. During a service appointment, the affected vehicles received replacement front passenger seat cushions (which contain integral Capacitive Interior Sensing (CIS) functions). The CIS functions may have been incorrectly calibrated, and if so, would cause impaired occupant classification and thus inappropriate air bag activation/deactivation.
Manufacturer’s stated response
MINI will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front passenger seat cushion, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525 .
Read campaign 15V739000 at NHTSAAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 15V628000
Reported concern
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper two-door vehicles, 2015-2016 MINI John Cooper Works and MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper four-door vehicles and 2014-2015 BMW i3 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the passenger frontal air bag may not deploy properly in a low speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Manufacturer’s stated response
MINI and BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525 and BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Read campaign 15V628000 at NHTSASTRUCTURE:BODYCampaign 15V450000
Reported concern
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."
Manufacturer’s stated response
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 began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525. Note: this recall supersedes 14V-815.
Read campaign 15V450000 at NHTSAEQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSCampaign 15V034000
Reported concern
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop two door vehicles manufactured December 1, 2013, to December 14, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with an incorrect maximum capacity weight stated on the Tire Information Placard. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less."
Manufacturer’s stated response
MINI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the incorrect labels with corrected labels, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notification on March 18, 2015. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Read campaign 15V034000 at NHTSAPOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)Campaign 14V789000
Reported concern
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door, and Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door vehicles manufactured January 6, 2014, to October 17, 2014. During service appointments, dealers may have inadvertently reprogrammed the transmission control unit with software that may allow drivers to exit the vehicle when the transmission is not in Park. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Manufacturer’s stated response
MINI will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control module with the correct software, free of charge. The recall February 4, 2015. Owners can contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Read campaign 14V789000 at NHTSASEATSCampaign 14V721000
Reported concern
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door vehicles manufactured August 12, 2014, to September 2, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the driver and front passenger seatback adjustment mechanism may not be fully engaged.
Manufacturer’s stated response
MINI will notify owners, and dealers will re-align and re-tighten the seatback adjustment mechanisms, free of charge. The recall began December 29, 2014. Owners can contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Read campaign 14V721000 at NHTSA03 / The manufacturer’s record
Instructions. Updates. Responses.
395 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.
M010424The automatic transmission limited warranty for the vehicle Selector Lever Magnetic Shift Interlock Mechanism (Gearshift lug assembly portion) has been extended to 10 years/120,000 miles, as determined by the vehicle’s original…NHTSA ID 11021120
The automatic transmission limited warranty for the vehicle Selector Lever Magnetic Shift Interlock Mechanism (Gearshift lug assembly portion) has been extended to 10 years/120,000 miles, as determined by the vehicle’s original in-service date, when a gearshift lug repair kit installation procedure is required to be performed to address a displayed Check Control message (CCM) that states P not engaged - secure vehicle with parking brake against rolling away.
Campaign / software reference: 2516900100
Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11021120 at NHTSAM010424For the eligible vehicles listed above, the limited warranty for the vehicle’s Selector Lever Magnetic Shift Interlock Mechanism (Gearshift lug assembly portion) has been extended to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the…NHTSA ID 11006765
For the eligible vehicles listed above, the limited warranty for the vehicle’s Selector Lever Magnetic Shift Interlock Mechanism (Gearshift lug assembly portion) has been extended to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle’s original in-service date, When a gearshift lug repair kit (item # 2) installation procedure is required to be performed to address a displayed Check Control message (CCM) that states: "P not engaged - secure vehicle with parking brake against rolling away."
Campaign / software reference: 2516900100
Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11006765 at NHTSAM511616Cavity protection applied to underside of the hood is leaking out onto the wheel arch trim and grille.NHTSA ID 10245428
Cavity protection applied to underside of the hood is leaking out onto the wheel arch trim and grille.
Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10245428 at NHTSAM610607MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can have variou…NHTSA ID 10244507
MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can have various causes, most of which are not due to the battery itself. For this reason, a battery replacement will permanently eliminate the problem only in the rarest of cases. The energy diagnosis test module helps to localize these causes. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âÂÂdischarged batteryâ complaints. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of a discharged battery cannot be identified. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time, it is very important that the diagnostic test plan is performed to completion; with all results taken into consideration.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10244507 at NHTSAM540123?The panoramic roof sunblind does not close, or jams while closing.NHTSA ID 10242535
?The panoramic roof sunblind does not close, or jams while closing.
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10242535 at NHTSAM110323?BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop: REPLACE CHARGE AIR LINE.NHTSA ID 10242534
?BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop: REPLACE CHARGE AIR LINE.
Components: COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10242534 at NHTSAM840322The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must per…NHTSA ID 10234353
The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an IMS registration in the mobile communication network. Due to a production error, the telematics control units were delivered without an IMS configuration. The Connected Drive voice services (Concierge Call, MINI Assistance and emergency call voice) can no longer be used regionally in the US in vehicle with telematics control units ATM-1 and TCB-4G. Voice control of the vehicle and all other telephone (paired mobile devices) functions are not affected. Emergency call location data is unaffected.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10234353 at NHTSAM610223The buttons on the gear selector switch (GWS) do not work, or the function indicator lighting has failed.NHTSA ID 10234352
The buttons on the gear selector switch (GWS) do not work, or the function indicator lighting has failed.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10234352 at NHTSAM610123Oscillations in the electric drive can occur. As a result, the 12 V positive battery cable may rub against the battery box cover.NHTSA ID 10234351
Oscillations in the electric drive can occur. As a result, the 12 V positive battery cable may rub against the battery box cover.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10234351 at NHTSAM630122Ambient lighting changes color after the vehicle goes to sleep.NHTSA ID 10233170
Ambient lighting changes color after the vehicle goes to sleep.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10233170 at NHTSAM610820During the service life of the vehicle, the high-voltage battery may unexpectedly not provide power to the vehicle.NHTSA ID 10228447
During the service life of the vehicle, the high-voltage battery may unexpectedly not provide power to the vehicle.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10228447 at NHTSAM220122During a vehicle inspection and/or while addressing a customer's concern, the engine stabilizer bar/link appears to be worn.NHTSA ID 10228445
During a vehicle inspection and/or while addressing a customer's concern, the engine stabilizer bar/link appears to be worn.
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10228445 at NHTSARecords below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.
04 / Agency investigations
Official inquiries.
An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.
BMW Safety Act ViolationsAQ15004
In a Consent Order executed on December 17, 2015, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) admitted that it violated the Safety Act by: failing to conduct a timely recall for Recall No. 15V-450; failing to file certain quarterly recall reports in a timely manner; failing to timely notify vehicle owners of the existence of a defect or noncompliance; failing to promptly advise NHTSA of delays with the beginning or completion dates for mailing owner or dealer notifications; and failing to timely submit copies to NHTSA of communications relating to recalls.As part of the Consent Order, NHTSA imposed a total civil penalty of $40 million against BMW NA for its violations of the Safety Act.The civil penalty consists of a cash payment, monetary performance obligations, and stipulated penalties.BMW NA paid the $10 million cash penalty on February 12, 2016.Failure to comply with the terms of the Consent Order or the Safety Act will result in portions of the stipulated penalties coming due.The Consent Order required BMW NA to appoint an independent safety consultant to assist BMW NA in developing best practices for complying with the Safety Act and evaluating safety issues under consideration by BMW NA.BMW NA was also required to develop a program to train dealers on the importance of complying with the prohibition on selling unremedied vehicles under recall, improve dealers' access to information necessary to maximize completion of open recalls, and invest in a pilot program to determine whether BMW NA can use data analytics to detect emerging safety defect trends.The population listed in this closing resume is based on BMW NA's untimely recall and does not include other issues addressed by the Consent Order, which relate to BMW NA's safety processes.Based on the Consent Order, BMW NA's admissions that it violated the law, and its ongoing performance obligations, this audit query investigation, AQ15-004, is closed. Closure of this AQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order, including BMW NA's ongoing performance obligations or legal obligations, and does not represent a determination by NHTSA as to BMW NA's performance under the Consent Order to date.
Recorded closure: Oct 2, 2017
Find investigation AQ15004International Autos, Inc. / Mini RecallAQ15003
The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and non-compliances with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and, in turn, that a dealer not sell and deliver a new vehicle subject to a recall unless the recall remedy has been performed (49 U.S.C. ?? 30112(a), 30120(i)).NHTSA opened AQ15-003 to determine whether International Autos, Inc. of West Allis, Wisconsin complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act). NHTSA received information that International Autos sold and delivered at least one new model year (MY) 2015 Mini Cooper 2-door hardtop vehicle to a customer without having had all required safety recall repairs performed on that vehicle. NHTSA opened this investigation and then issued an information request (IR) to International Autos on August 20, 2015.A copy is of this request is in this investigation's file, together with a public copy of International Autos' response.A careful review of the information supplied confirm that International Autos sold and delivered at least eleven new vehicles with outstanding safety recalls on them. Under a Settlement Agreement dated April 26, 2016, International Autos committed to take concrete actions to improve its processes for verifying that prior to sale and delivery of any new vehicle International Autos has confirmed that the vehicle is not subject to an un-remedied recall. International Autos confirmed that it had engaged in these processes since June 25, 2015.International Autos also committed that it now also checks for open recalls on every customer vehicle brought in for service, and that it checks for open recalls on every used trade-in vehicle, regardless of make or model, and takes steps to have all used trade-in vehicles repaired prior to retail sale. International Autos admitted to violating the prohibition on sales of new vehicles with open recalls, and agreed to pay civil penalties in the amount of $40,000.This Audit Query is closed.
Recorded closure: Aug 23, 2016
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