At the time, MINI had no idea how it would fix the problem, but apparently the “fix” didn’t work. NHTSA documents indicate that the models involved in the recall weren’t built with enough material to reduce the effect of side-impact collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some of those vehicles were improperly constructed and provide less protection for occupants during collisions than is required by law.
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The agency initially found the standard Cooper Hardtop to be compliant, however a slight variance caused the sportier S trim to fail.
America is recalling model year 2014-2015 MINI Cooper.
Over 30,000 MINI Cooper compact cars because rear seat passengers might not be protected in a side-impact crash. The recall will begin on the 12th of September. Note: this recall supersedes 14V-815.
The affected cars are the 2014 and 2015 MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S hardtop 2-door, along with the 2015 MINI John Cooper Works hardtop 2-door.
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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. Affected owners can contact MINI customer service at 866-825-1525.
