What 119 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman

My 2012 MINI Countryman (R60) experienced a complete electrical shutdown and engine failure while operating due to a severe manufacturing defect. Authorized dealership Jackie Cooper MINI of Edmond diagnosed the vehicle under RO# [XXX] and confirmed in writing that the "JBE electronic connectors are heavily corroded" and "The FRM has water/corrosion damage," providing a repair estimate of $4,700 (including a specific $1,055.84 charge to replace the FRM and clean the sunroof drains). Water entering the footwell area through defective, shrinking sunroof drainage structures is the exact identical failure mechanism, component (FRM3 Module), and extreme safety/fire hazard covered under mandatory safety recall NHTSA Campaign 23V-337. However, MINI has improperly excluded the R60 Countryman model from active coverage despite it utilizing the identical electrical infrastructure and drainage engineering layout. Releasing this vehicle into traffic presents a catastrophic risk of a highway vehicle fire or sudden total loss of vehicle control and lighting at high speeds. NHTSA must expand Recall 23V-337 to include the 2012 MINI Countryman to protect consumers from these documented structural water-ingress fires. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11745835

There is a recall existing for my car, by VIN mine is not included, however I have the exact same problem. Water in the driver side foot well electrical panel which has caused a fault in the lighting, hazard lights, and battery issue. The car cannot be driven because the hazard lights and daytime running lights will not turn off even with the key out. Running out the battery in the process. The mechanic found water and corrosion inside the electrical housing.

NHTSA ODI 11576223

i bought the car in august 2023 from carmax they were aware of recall , my car has no headlight, brake lights, door states open when not , windows do not roll down, cannot use alarm, will not lock, smells hot , i spoke with mini cooper and there is no remedy this is my only car i transport my grandchildren to and from school , i lost house due to a fire a yr ago , and lost everything , and see that a fire is at risk. mini cooper says nothing they can do because no remedy, carmax should not of sold this car with a recall .

NHTSA ODI 11573969

My car is affected by this recall and I have no turn signals, dash lights, high beams, working windows, security system, or backup sensors. There are also codes thrown which prevents me from renewing my registration due to DEQ test failure. The dealership can’t do anything and BMW North America has done nothing to remedy things.

NHTSA ODI 11566575

When the vehicle computer detects low voltage all turn signals, lights and instrument cluster immediately fail and do not turn back on. The Foot Well Module (FWM) or Foot Rest Module (FRM) computer becomes corrupt and deletes data from the module. This becomes a major safety hazard as a nighttime failure occurred causing several near accidents due to inability to signal to other vehicles. This is a known issue with Mini and they released an extended service bulletin knowing the factory footrest modules were manufactured incorrectly. Vehicles falling outside the initial warranty period are prone to safety risks when this occurs.

NHTSA ODI 11542960

My 2012 Mini Countryman has had failed signal lighting. My dealer has diagnosed the issue as a failed FRM module which I have been informed that NHTSA issued in conjunction with Mini USA a warranty extension to service this module's failure. While as an owner of this car for the past 9 years, I received not notice from Mini. I recently appealed for warranty coverage of this part. Mini USA has denied coverage of my failed FRM module stating the warranty was only good for 10 years from in-service date. My vehicle went in-service 8/12/2012, or ten years and ten months. Mini is adamantly denying good will to replace this part and my car is off the road do to no working turn signals.

NHTSA ODI 11531545

MY DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT KEEPS MELTING. THE PLASTIC THE THE LIGHT BUILD SCREWS INTO IS ACTUALLY MELTING T THE BRAKE LIGHT BULB. I'VE PAID MINI TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE AND THE SAME ISSUES HAS SURFACED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL.

NHTSA ODI 11197140

REAR BRAKE LIGHT BURNT AND MELTED. IT WAS REPAIRED AND NOW IT MELTED AND BURNT AGAIN BUT HAS CAUSED FURTHER DAMAGE REQUIRING THE WHOLE TAILLIGHT NEEDING REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA ODI 11089223

BRAKE LIGHT FAILED, BULB COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. DEALER SAID THE COMPLETE ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. UPON REMOVING THE ASSEMBLY, THE FIXTURE WAS REVIEWED TO FIND WHERE EXCESIVE HEAT HAD MELTED THE CONNECTION TO THE BULB (SAME ONES USED IN BMWS THAT MELTED THE WIRING HARNESS BACK IN 2003). I REPAIRD THE THE ASSEMBLY BY SOLDERING THE SOCKETS TO THE BOARD SUCH THAT IT DID NOT DEPEND ON A PIECE OF PLASTIC FOR PRESSURE CONTACT. IT WORKS, BUT WHEN A BULB TRUELY BURNS OUT, THE ASSEMBLY MUST BE REMOVED TO CHANGE THE BULB.

NHTSA ODI 11072200