MINI USA Recalls 2014 Cooper Hardtops Over Side Impact Requirements
We just learned that MINI USA is moving forward with a recall campaign for **3,679** 2014 2-door Hardtops over side impact performance requirements for the rear passenger seat.
The news comes from [Consumer Affairs](http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/mini-cooper-2-door-hardtops-recalled-010515.html):
>BMW of North America is recalling 3,679 model year 2014 Mini Cooper Hardtop 2 door vehicles manufactured December 1, 2013, to May 14, 2014.
The vehicles do not meet the side impact performance requirements for the rear seat passengers. If the side impact performance requirements are not met, rear seat passengers may be at a higher risk of injury during a crash.
The remedy for this recall is still under development. The recall is expected to begin February 18, 2015.
MINI USA confirmed with MotoringFile that recall notices will be sent out to affected owners starting in February. If you’re one of these owners, stay tuned for more details and don’t hesitate to reach out to MINI USA’s customers service: 1-866-ASK-MINI (866-275-6464).
<p>MINI doesn’t want affected vehicles on the road for fear of possible lawsuit. So when all the affected owners turn in their vehicles (for this to-be-determined fix), will MINI provide loaner cars (or rental reimbusement) for everyone? That’s quite a lot of loaner cars to be handing out.</p>
<p>Get over the bullhead mug, its going to be there until midterm. My question is just how are they going to fix this? Scrap all these and build new cars for these people? Give them a refund and have them buy a new car? or go to another brand?</p>
<p>With me it doesn’t matter, as I hardly ever have anyone in the rear seats, but I can see the problem. Something that should have been caught in the engineering and design stage.</p>
<p>Called MINI USA, they’re not giving much info but they did indicate the repair would take approximately an hour and is specific to the rear panels in the interior. They would not advise whether/not it was safe to have passengers in the rear seat at this time.</p>
<p>Forget the side airbags. Consider recalling the car for having such an ugly mug.</p>
<p>Do you realize people’s life could be at stake?</p>
<p>Of course. My comment is facetious and certainly safety should be a primary consideration.</p>
<p>MINI doesn’t want affected vehicles on the road for fear of possible lawsuit. So when all the affected owners turn in their vehicles (for this to-be-determined fix), will MINI provide loaner cars (or rental reimbusement) for everyone? That’s quite a lot of loaner cars to be handing out.</p>
<p>They could give them R56’s for a bit of nostalgia! :-)</p>
<p>Get over the bullhead mug, its going to be there until midterm. My question is just how are they going to fix this? Scrap all these and build new cars for these people? Give them a refund and have them buy a new car? or go to another brand?</p>
<p>With me it doesn’t matter, as I hardly ever have anyone in the rear seats, but I can see the problem. Something that should have been caught in the engineering and design stage.</p>
<p>what is different about the ones built during that period?</p>
<p>Called MINI USA, they’re not giving much info but they did indicate the repair would take approximately an hour and is specific to the rear panels in the interior. They would not advise whether/not it was safe to have passengers in the rear seat at this time.</p>
<p>Just got the recall notice today…</p>