Issue 1 - Engine had a rough idle - dealer investigation found that the "upper engine mount had collapsed completely allowing the engine to rest on the housing". This problem occurred at 52 months from new vehicle purchase at 24,165 miles (warranty is 4 years, 50,000 miles). The vehicle was never in an accident, nor drive rough. No warning lamps or other indicators occurred. An internet search has identified this to be a common problem. I believe that the engine provides front end stability for a frontal crash, and any issue with the retention of the engine in such a situation would constitute a safety issue. I believe that Mini has a poor design, where all the stresses and loads that the engine sees are not included in the motor mount design - a fundamental safety issue - that should be part of a recall, or at a minimum a factory covered repair item for longer than the standard warranty. Issue 2 - At the same time I brought the car to the dealer for Issue 1 above, I identified an issue with the steering - steering had a dead spot where it was unclear if steering wheel movement resulted in actual vehicle steering. The dealer investigated and found "fault is internal to the steering rack, need to replace the steering rack and lower steering shaft as the is a high failure rate item". An issue with steering, especially an issue that is classified by Mini as a HIGH FAILURE RATE ITEM, should be considered a safety issue as loss of steering/power steering can result in the inability to avoid an accident. There were no warning lights or other indicator faults. This appears to be another design, manufacturing or assembly issue. Steering should last well beyond 52 months and 24,165 miles.
NHTSA ODI 11745233