Mini Coopers Recalled to Improve Crash Protection

BMW of North America is recalling 30,456 2014-2015 model-year Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door cars, along with 2015-MY Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop 2 Door cars, because they fail to meet federal standards for protecting rear-seat passengers in the event of a side-impact crash.

Dealers will “install additional energy absorption material between the rear interior side panels and the exterior vehicle body,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. There will be no charge for this service.

This action supersedes a previous recall (14V-815), NHTSA said.

The recall is set to begin Sept. 12. Vehicle owners can reach Mini customer service at (866) 825-1525.