Deliveries of two hugely popular car models put ‘on hold’ with 1000s recalled worldwide over potentially defective parts
MINI has put deliveries of its latest models on ice over a safety recall due to potentially defective parts.
Delays have occurred to orders of the new three and five-door Cooper and the Countryman SUV because of an impending brake system recall that has already affected the manufacturer’s parent company BMW.
Around 80,000 BMW and Rolls-Royce models worldwide have been called back for the same issue, which could see drivers lose control of their cars.
Mini UK confirmed to Autocar it had “partially” halted deliveries of Cooper and Countryman models due to the problem.
It is thought to be the same issue that has already sparked recalls in February for BMW's latest 5 Series and 7 Series as well as the current generations of the X1, X3, X5, X6, X7 and XM SUVs.
Also affected are the electric i5 and i7 as well as Rolls-Royce's first EV, the £330,000 Spectre.
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The issue relates to the integrated braking system, which determines the level of feel and feedback given to the driver through the brake pedal.
ABS and stability control system defects were found to potentially cause power breaking assistance to fail in the BMW models which have already been recalled.
The problem could mean drivers lost control of their car.
The BMW Group said it is temporarily putting on hold deliveries of new Mini Coopers, including the Convertible, and Countrymans and is looking to extend the recall action "as additional cases outside the original scope of the recall have been identified".
A spokesperson for Mini told Autocar: “Some new Mini vehicles, which are affected by the extension of the safety-related recall for the integrated braking system, are currently on hold and will be delivered to customers as soon as the respective parts have been exchanged.”
They added: “BMW Group UK is in discussions with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and will announce the intended remedy actions imminently.
“Where vehicles are recalled, affected customers in the UK will be informed via a letter to the registered keeper.”
Order books for new Minis are still open despite existing deliveries being on hold.
