MINI USA has had a minimal number of recalls since their entry into the US market (especially when compared to the other manufacturers recently) but we do have one new recall to bring to our reader’s attention. MINI USA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (US) has announced a recall of 5,805 2014 MINI Cooper (non-S) Hardtop models manufactured between January 7, 2014, to July 21, 2014 as the spare wheel may have been attached with a nut that is not self-locking. The consequence is that vibrations could cause the nut to loosen allowing the spare wheel to become dislodged from under the car.
The issue was first discovered on a company car in Germany and MINI has not received any reports of the issue, nor is MINI aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue. MINI Cooper S Hardtop models do not have a space saver spare and thus are not affected by this recall. Notices should be sent shortly from MINI USA to affected owners to schedule a service appointment to replace the spare wheel nut free of charge. However if you are unsure if you should have received a notice or would like to check if your car is affected, MINI USA has a website specifically for checking for potential recalls. Additionally you can call MINI USA at 1-866-275-6464.
<p>Literally “a loose nut behind the wheel” in the new MINI.</p>