Mini is recalling more than 97,000 cars to address a potential fire hazard. The recall covers the 2008-2014 Mini Clubman (including Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works models) and the 2007-2013 Mini Hardtop 2 Door (again includes Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works variants). In both models, the control module below the driver-side A-pillar is vulnerable to water intrusion under certain circumstances. If the electronics inside come in contact with water, a short circuit can occur, which Mini says can cause a “thermal event” — engineer speak for “fire.” While Mini says there are several circumstances in which the module could be tampered with, 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 enters the cabin. How can that be? Mini says a common culprit is its own sunroof drain. Here’s the full explanation, lifted directly from Mini’s 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 under the driver’s side. is A-pillar behind the interior trim panel. Due to several contributing factors (environment, wintertime road treatment of certain US states, vehicle design configuration, and age), over time, FRM can become susceptible to corrosion. For vehicles equipped with a sunroof, after a multi-year period involving large temperature changes, multiple freeze/thaw cycles can cause the vehicle’s sunroof drain hose to become damaged, loosen and eventually separate from the drain pipe inside the A-pillar, allowing water to enter the vehicle. Allow access to the interior. In some US states, large amounts of road salt may be used during their wintertime road treatment activities. If water were to enter the interior, then this, in combination with the road salt present in the footwell, could form an electrolyte solution. If this solution contacts the FRM, over time, this can lead to corrosion, possibly resulting in a short circuit. In rare cases, this can lead to thermal phenomena. Because salt is a potentially serious contributor to the issue, Mini is focusing 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 in the works. Mini will begin sending out recall notices to customers in early July.
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