Mini Cooper Under NHTSA Investigation

This investigation is for the 2002 and 2003 year model Cooper and Cooper S. NHTSA has received several complaints from consumers stating that they saw flames coming from the engine compartment. According to BMW, the parent company for Mini, water may enter the power steering pump ground cable due to a defective seal. The water can then contact the power steering pump power connecter causing it to corrode and eventually short out. This can cause the plug to heat up and eventually begin to smolder potentially getting hot enough to cause a fire. NHTSA is investigating the claims to determine the potential safety consequences due to the alleged defect.