Component/System That Failed: The oil filter housing cracked, causing a coolant leak. This part was made of plastic, which appears to be a weak point in the design and should ideally be aluminum for durability. Unfortunately, I no longer have the failed part for inspection. Safety Risk: The coolant loss resulted in a sudden loss of heat in freezing temperatures, which could be dangerous for drivers and passengers in winter conditions. While the engine did not overheat, the loss of coolant could have eventually led to engine overheating and failure, posing a safety risk if left undetected. Problem Confirmation: The issue was confirmed by an independent service center, which verified that the plastic oil filter housing cracked, leading to a coolant leak. The technician noted that this type of failure should not occur at such low mileage and suggested that the part’s material may be a design flaw. Inspection by Manufacturer or Others: At this time, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. However, reports from other Mini owners suggest similar failures, indicating a potential widespread defect. Warning Signs Before Failure: There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. The first noticeable sign was a loss of cabin heat in extremely cold weather. Upon checking, I discovered that the coolant level had dropped due to the leak.
NHTSA ODI 11640914