Mini recalls nearly 100,000 cars due to possible electrical fire hazard AllNews

Mini is recalling more than 97,000 cars to address potential fire hazards. The recall affects the 2008-2014 Mini Clubman (including Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works models) and the 2007-2013 Mini Hardtop 2 Door (again including Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works variants). In both models, a control unit under the A-pillar on the driver’s side is susceptible to water ingress under certain conditions. If the electronics inside are exposed to water, they could short circuit, which Mini says could lead to a “thermal event” — engineers speak of “fire.”

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

This safety recall affects the Footwell Control Module (FRM), an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls various lighting and power window functions and is installed on the underside of the driver’s A-pillar behind an interior trim panel. Due to several contributing factors (environment, the winter treatment of roads in certain U.S. states, vehicle design configuration, and age), the FRM can become susceptible to corrosion over time.

For vehicles equipped with a sunroof, after a period of several years with large temperature fluctuations, multiple freeze/thaw cycles can cause the vehicle’s sunroof drain hose to become damaged, become detached, and eventually disconnect from the drain line in the A- style, which can 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 handling operations. If water were to enter the interior, an electrolyte solution could form in combination with any de-icing salt in the footwell. If this solution were to come into contact with the FRM, it could lead to corrosion over time, possibly resulting in a short circuit. In rare cases, this can lead to a thermal event.

Since salt may be a 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 solution is currently being worked on. Mini will begin sending recall notices to customers in early July.

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