Mini recalls nearly 100,000 cars for potential electrical fire risk

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mini is remembering more than 97,000 cars to deal with a possible risk of fire. The recall covers the 2008-2014 Mini Clubman (including Cooper, cooper s and Works by John Cooper models) and the Mini 2007-2013 hardtop 2 Doors (again covering Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works variants). On both models, a control module under the driver’s side A-pillar is susceptible to water intrusion under certain circumstances. If the electronics inside are exposed to water, a short circuit can occur, which Mini says could lead to a “thermal event” – the engineer talks about “fire.”

While Mini says there are multiple circumstances where the module can be compromised, the recall is currently limited to models sold in climates where the use of road salt is prevalent. In this environment, road salt entering the cabin through normal means (read: your boots) can accelerate corrosion if water gets into the cabin. How could that happen? Mini says a common culprit is its own sunroof drain. Here’s the full explanation, pulled directly from the Mini defect report:

This safety recall involves the Footwell Control Module (FRM), an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls various lighting and power window functions, and is installed near the bottom of the A-pillar of the Driver’s side behind an interior trim panel. Due to various contributing factors (environmental, winter road treatment in certain US states, vehicle design configuration, and age), FRM may become susceptible to corrosion over time.

For vehicles equipped with a moonroof, after a period of several years involving large temperature swings, multiple freeze/thaw cycles can cause the vehicle’s moonroof drain hose to become damaged, loosen, and eventually separate. of the drain pipe inside the A-pillar, which could allow water to enter the interior of the vehicle. In certain US states, large amounts of road salt may be used during their winter road treatment activities. If water were to enter the interior, then in combination with road salt that may be present in the footwell, this could create an electrolyte solution. If this solution were to come into contact with the FRM, over time this could lead to corrosion, possibly leading to a short circuit. In rare cases this could lead to a thermal event.

Since salt is a potentially serious contributor to the problem, Mini is targeting this recall on vehicles 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 DC, and Wisconsin.

A fix is ​​currently being worked on. Mini will start sending recall notices to customers in early July.

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