Mini pauses deliveries of new models amid safety recall with DVSA update expected 'imminently'

This has already impacted Mini's parent company, with 80,000 BMWs and Rolls-Royce models have been called back amid fears drivers could be involved in an accident.

A Mini spokesperson told GB News: "In February 2024, the BMW Group issued a safety-related recall for the Integrated Braking System across a range of BMW models.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk

"The company is extending this action to include more BMW and MINI models as additional cases outside the original scope of the recall have been identified.

"BMW Group UK is in discussions with the DVSA 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."

More than 140,000 Mini Cooper SE vehicles are being recalled around the world, although it is believed that the UK will remain unaffected.

Nathan Harwood, Market Surveillance Engineer at the DVSA told GB News, said: "DVSA’s priority is to protect everyone from unsafe vehicles.

“It is the responsibility of vehicle manufacturers to manage the recall of any unsafe products when they do not meet the required safety standards.

“DVSA can and will take action against any manufacturer or distributor if they fail to act on safety defects."

German manufacturing giant BMW said it was recalling electric versions of the Mini because of problems in their batteries, with the potential for further recalls.

Around 39,000 vehicles could be affected in Germany, as a spokesperson for BMW confirmed to Reuters that there are no known accidents or injuries.

The spokesperson highlighted how problems in the battery system can lead to overheating, while a vehicle fire "cannot be ruled out".

According to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 12,535 Mini Cooper SSE vehicles are being recalled in the United States.

It states that the vehicles were manufactured with a high voltage battery that may not have been produced according to specifications.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• New £362k bulletproof EV protects against 'any and all threats' with electro-shock handles and pepper spray
• Drivers risk £1,000 fine for breaking crucial DVLA number plate rule just days after new changes
• M25 to close for weeks as crucial bridge is installed impacting thousands of drivers with long delays

The NHTSA states that all vehicles produced between March 21, 2019 and January 25, 2024, will be under investigation.

Faults may occur in the high voltage battery or high voltage system which can sometimes result in a short circuit, with rare cases resulting in a "thermal event".

As of August 2024, BMW said it was aware of two customer complaints, concerns and/or field instances, that could relate to the issue identified in the documents.