2013 Mini Clubman

Vehicle: MINI Cooper Clubman (Model R55) VIN: [XXX] Recall: NHTSA 23V-337 Dealer: Flow MINI of Raleigh, NC 1. COMPONENT FAILED: The Junction Box Electronics (JBE) failed due to moisture/water intrusion, producing electrical fault codes across all core systems including airbags, brakes, and a JBE communication fault. The vehicle is located at Flow MINI of Raleigh and is available for inspection. 2. SAFETY RISK: Recall 23V-337 identifies that moisture intrusion into the JBE can lead to corrosion, short circuit, and in rare cases a thermal event (fire). My vehicle's carpet is wet, confirming active water intrusion into the footwell where the JBE is installed. Airbag and brake faults appear exclusively when it rains or when the vehicle is washed, directly and unambiguously linking all symptoms to water intrusion. The vehicle is currently unsafe to operate. 3. DEALER CONFIRMATION: Flow MINI of Raleigh confirmed moisture/water intrusion is causing the JBE faults — directly reproducing the failure during a dealer-performed wash. The dealer declined the recall repair solely because [XXX] is not listed among covered states. 4. MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: MINI USA denied coverage exclusively on the basis that North Carolina is not included in the recall's geographic region. The defect itself has not been disputed. 5. BASIS FOR COMPLAINT: The recall's geographic restriction was established based on road salt usage. North Carolina roads do receive road salt treatment during winter weather events. The recall documentation (RCRIT-23V337-7125.pdf, Page 4, Item 12) explicitly names the JBE as a covered component. I request that NHTSA: (1) treat this as urgent given confirmed airbag and brake faults, (2) review whether NC should be included in the recall's geographic scope, and (3) compel MINI USA to perform the recall repair on VIN [XXX] at no cost. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The 'Passenger air bag off' alert recurs without apparent cause, suggesting a system malfunction. I took my vehicle to a MINI dealership for evaluation, only to be informed that this is a known issue requiring replacement of the entire system at a cost of $1,800 + tax. Online research reveals that many MINI owners with similar models face this safety issue. Given the severity and prevalence of this problem, I respectfully request that your agency consider ordering a recall for affected vehicles to ensure a free and safe repair."

The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were occasionally remain illuminated while it was raining and while the vehicle was being washed, simultaneously causing the brake lights, turn signals, power windows, and other electrical components to malfunction. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.

Car is not starting when sitting over night or parked at a lot. Windows will not roll down. Blinkers will not work. Difficulty when transporting my special needs child places as it is difficulty when car will not function as it should. Near accidents have almost occurred due to blinkers not working. I have been told by two different mechanics after diagnostic that the Foot Wheel Module is the problem identified.

The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlight failed to illuminate and the turn signals failed to engage. Additionally, the contact stated that the interior lights failed to turn off causing the battery to drain. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with electrical system failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted.  The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure . The failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. 

The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated that the driver’s side backup light was inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic test and stated there was a failure with the driver’s side backup light, and a defective footwell module. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,747. The contact stated the defective footwell module was a recall and never informed of the recall.

UNKNOWN I was informed in July about the recall for my vehicle for the footwell control module. I have since taken my car in twice, the most being December 22, and they informed me that the fix for the recap was still not available. The recall was initially issued in May of last year, so it has been almost 8 months without being able to resolve the recall.