2016 Mini Countryman

Defect. Curt Manufacturing LLC (Curt) is recalling certain Class 1 trailer hitches, part number 11451, sold for installation on 2016-2018 Mini Cooper Clubman and Countryman vehicles. The vehicles may have inadequate structure points for the trailer hitch mounting, causing the hitch to sag under to certain loads and possibly separate from the vehicle.

Risk. If the trailer hitch sags or separates from the vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy. Curt will notify owners, and dealers will provide a replacement hitch, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2017. Owners may contact Curt customer service at 1-800-798-0813.

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This complaint concerns my 2016 Mini Cooper Countryman S, All-Wheel Drive. About four months ago, I began experiencing wobbling and noise when making turns at low speed. I took the vehicle to multiple repair shops for diagnosis. The first shop recommended replacing the clutch pack assembly ($2,626 + tax). The second shop suggested replacing the transfer case (~$2,928 + tax). Based on that, I purchased a used transfer case ($407) and had a third shop install it ($580), but the issue persisted. I then went to a fourth shop, which again insisted it was a transfer case problem. However, since my vehicle is relatively new with low mileage, they recommended reinstalling the original transfer case. After doing so, I noticed only minor improvement, and soon the same wobbling and noise returned. So far, I have spent the following on unsuccessful repairs: $108 diagnostic fee $407 for a compatible used transfer case (purchased from eBay) $580 for the installation of the used transfer case $1,058 to replace the rear differential fluid and reinstall the original transfer case This totals $2,153 in expenses, yet the wobbling and noise issue remains unresolved.

Seat Belt retractors on both drivers and passenger side failed. At the time of failure, seat belt would become loose then the locking mechanism of the retractor would engage and not disengage again. Even once the seat belt was retracted all the way to its storage position, the locking mechanism will not release. The driver side retractor failed and was replaced under certified preowned warranty on or around 06/03/2021 at Mini of Monrovia. No reason was given at this time as to why the failure had occurred. The passenger side retractor failed in the exact same manner on 11/17/2023 and the drivers side failed again on 12/05/2023. The vehicle was taken to Principal BMW Mini of San Antonio on 12/13/2023 for repair, after the technician confirmed that the identical issue had occurred on the passenger side, the drivers side was not able to be duplicated due to the lock releasing by the time the technician inspected it. Additionally, since the repair of the initial repair of the drivers side seat belt retractor, the buckle housing has fallen apart exposing the interior components to dirt, dust and debris. All repairs were were not completed due to the mileage of the vehicle being beyond the vehicle's warranty as stated by both the dealer, the regional service advisor and Mini USA Customer Service. No component of the seat belt system is subject to mileage based wear and tear and thus should not be wearing out in less that 8 years from the date of manufacture. Both instances of the s

The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power; however, the contact was able to safely pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure had since become a regular occurrence. Several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was water damage within the footwell control module, and water damage to the ignition control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 57,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated that intermittently the “Passenger restraint system malfunction - Fault in passenger-restraint system affecting air bag - Consult Nearest Service Center" message was displayed while the seat was occupied. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side seat sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was reoccurring more frequently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated that his daughter was informed by an independent mechanic that the vehicle could be started without the ignition key. The contact stated that his daughter tested the vehicle while the keys remained in the residence with him. The contact stated that his daughter was able to start and drive the vehicle without the ignition key. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact's daughter that she would be responsible for the cost of the diagnostic test and repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

I suddenly have a warning appear on my start menu including warning lights. Upon starting, The message states “ RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION! Fault in passenger-restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Continue to wear seatbelt. Have system checked by nearest Mini Center” I bought this car used less than a year ago, but my extended warranty does not cover electrical or restraint systems. I called BMW customer service and they said they could not help me. As it stands, my airbag will not deploy on the passenger side if I am in a crash.

WENT TO GAS UP MY 2016 MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN ALL4 S, AFTER GASSING I STARTED THE CAR AND STARTED PULLING AWAY FROM GAS PUMP STATION WHEN SUDDENLY I FELT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD AND HEAVY TO STEER THEN THERE'S WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD SAYING STEERING WHEEL ASSISTANCE MALFUNCTION. I PULLED OVER TO NEXT PARKING SPOT AND TRIED TURNING ENGINE OFF AND ON AND STEERING WHEEL STILL FEELS HARD AND HEAVY TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. MY DAD EVENTUALLY DROVE THE CAR SLOWLY TO CAR SHOP NEARBY BUT CAR SHOP SAID CAR NEEDS TO BE EVALUATED BY DEALERSHIP SO HE DROVE IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR EVALUATION. MY DAD STATES CAR DRIVABLE BUT STEERING IS HARD

ON FEBRUARY 8, 2021 9:00AM DROVE MINI APPROXIMATELY 24 MILES, RETURNED HOME. PARKED CAR, TURNED OFF ENGINE, WENT INTO HOUSE AND LESS THAN 3 MINUTES LATER, NEIGHBOR SAYS MY ENGINE IS SMOKING FROM UNDER HOOD. WITHIN SECONDS IT WENT FROM HEAVY, WHITE SMOKE TO FIRE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD AND ENGULFED FRONT OF VEHICLE, BREAKING WINDSHIELD, MELTING TIRES. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS THAT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, NO SMELLS, NOTHING TO WARN OF IMPENDING FIRE. LUCKILY, THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE IN A PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF HOME RATHER THAN IN COVERED GARAGE. I KEPT A HOSE GOING ON HOOD AND SURROUNDING BUSHES TO KEEP FIRE FROM ESCALATING TO BUILDINGS OR HILLSIDE UNTIL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED THE MINI WAS KEPT IN GOOD WORKING ORDER, ALL MAINTENANCE DONE ON TIME. SO LUCKY WE WERE NOT IN THE VEHICLE WHEN IT OCCURRED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS CONSIDERED UNKNOWN.

ON NOV 19, 2018 AT 6:00 PM I WAS DRIVING ON 6 LANE ROADWAY APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN FRONT DRIVER AIRBAG AND 2 SIDE AIRBAGS (FRONT AND REAR) DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE CAR CAME TO AN ABRUPT HALT IN THE INTERSECTION. STUNNED I THOUGHT I HAD HIT SOMEONE. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR BECAUSE THE CAR WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND I THOUGHT THE CAR WAS GOING TO CATCH FIRE. THE HORN WAS BLARING NONSTOP. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, RELEASED MY SEAT BELT. UPON LEAVING THE CAR AN OFF DUTY POLICE OFFICE CAME TO MY ASSISTANCE AND STATED 'MAM, ARE YOU OK? DID SOMEBODY HIT YOU?' I STATED ' I THINK I HIT SOMETHING. HE REPLIED 'YOU DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING AND NOBODY HIT YOU. I WITNESSED THE WHOLE INCIDENT.' WE CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND THE CAR WAS TRANSPORTED TO OUR MECHANICS SHOP. LATER THE NEXT DAY WE HAD IT TOWED TO A BMW BODY SHOP. BMW NORTH AMERICA SENT AN ENGINEER TO THE BODY SHOP TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS. WE ARE WAITING FOR THE REPORT FROM BMW.

OUR CAR WAS PARKED FOR APPROX. 10 MINUTES. THE CAR WAS OFF AND THE KEY WAS WITH MY WIFE. NO ONE WAS IN THE CAR, NOR WAS IT IN OPERATION ON ANY LEVEL. NO FLAMMABLE ITEMS WERE WITHIN THE CAR AND THE CAR WAS NOT PARKED ON ANYTHING FLAMMABLE. MY WIFE ALSO DOES NOT SMOKE. THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE NEAR THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY WERE ABLE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATED THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE AND IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE INCONCLUSIVE. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, THE FIRE WAS SO INTENSE THAT IT WOULD BE INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE A CAUSE OF THE FIRE. BMW AND TWO OTHER INSURANCE COMPANIES THEN PERFORMED AN EXTENSIVE REVIEW AND ALSO DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE'S CAUSE WAS INCONCLUSIVE. FROM MY UNDERSTANDING, OUR MODEL HAD A TURBO CHARGER WITH AN AUXILIARY WATER PUMP. THESE PUMPS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO HAVE A TECHNICAL PROBLEM IN WHICH THEY DON'T STOP RUNNING. OVER THE COURSE OF TIME, THE PUMP ITSELF CAN OVERHEAT AND IN OUR CASE, IGNITE OIL AND/OR FUEL WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. MOST PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO SEE THE FIRE START AND EXTINGUISH IT QUICKLY BUT IN OUR CASE, WE WERE DID NOT SEE THE FIRE START. IN CONCLUSION, OUR CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE NOT IN MOTION OR OPERATION. NO ONE WAS IN OR NEAR THE CAR. THE KEY WAS ALSO NOT IN OR NEAR THE CAR. IT CAUGHT ON FIRE APPROX. 10 MINUTES AFTER BEING PARKED IN NORMAL CONDITIONS. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS WERE PRESENT. NO MAINTENAN

WHILE DRIVING HOME, ON HIGHWAY, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, I HAD THE REAR SUNROOF EXPLODE. HEARD A SINGLE CRACK, THEN ~30 SECONDS LATER, SUNROOF EXPLODED. LARGER PIECES OF GLASS CAUGHT BY SUN NET, HOWEVER, FINE PARTICLES OF GLASS NOW COVER REAR SEAT. NO KNOWN PRIOR DAMAGE.

ON MARCH 29,2018 MY DAUGHTER PARKED HER 2016 MINI COUNTRYMAN IN MY DRIVEWAY AND CAME IN TO VISIT. 10 MINUTES LATER MY WIFE WENT OUTSIDE AND SAW THE MINI ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE ON FIRE. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED, THE MINI AND MY 2 CARS WERE ON FIRE. ALL 3 WERE TOTALED, MY DRIVEWAY WAS RUINED AND THE SIDING ON MY GARAGE WAS DAMAGED BY THE HEAT OF THE FIRE.. I REMEMBER MINI RECALLING THEIR VEHICLES WITH TURBOS IN 2012. THE RECALL STARTED BECAUSE MINIS WITH TURBOS WERE STARTING ON FIRE AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED.THE SYSTEM TO COOL THE TURBOS WASN'T WORKING AND THE TURBOS OVERHEATED. THE NAPERVILLE FIRE DEPT REPORT SAID THAT IT APPEARED THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE MINI BUT THAT THEY COULD NOT TELL HOW IT STARTED. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS TOTALLY BURNED TO ASHES. OUR STORY FITS THE SAME PATTERN OF THE STORIES I READ CONCERNING THE RECALL OF 2012.I WANT TO SOUND AN ALARM BECAUSE PEOPLE CAN BE INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. IT MAY BE THAT THE TURBO RECALL ISSUE WASN'T FIXED.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 MINI COUNTRYMAN. THE CONTACT WAS ALERTED BY HIS WIFE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES WHILE PARKED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S LOT WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. *TT THE CONSUMER STATED BMW PAID THE DEDUCTIBLE FOR HIS DAUGHTER'S VEHICLE BUT NOT THE OTHER CAR OR HOUSE. * FD REPORT CONCLUSION: UNDERTERMINED- DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE INVESTIGATORS WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE PROBABLITY EXISTS THAT DUE TO THE BEADED BATTERY CABLE FOUND THAT A SHORT ENSURED THUS CAUSING THE FIRE. THERE IS ALSO A PROBABILITY THAT A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION/ FAILURE ENSUED, BUT INVESTIGATORS WERE NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE IF THIS WAS A CAUSE, DUE TO THE OWNER STATEMENTS RECORDED IN NYPD INTERVIEWS THAT SHE DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 9/25/18*JP

I WAS ON A CITY STREET GOING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN A PICKUP TRUCK IN THE LANE TO MY RIGHT TRIED TO TURN INTO A DRIVEWAY I WAS APPROACHING TO MY LEFT- HIS CAR HIT MINE AND MY CAR ROLLED OVER ONTO THE ROOF AND THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY.