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Feds Investigating Mini Cooper for Steering Failure

After an investigation into the BMW Z4 for power steering failures, it is now the Mini Cooper turn to be probed by the feds for similar problems.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated an investigation into power steering failure in the Mini Cooper that could possibly increase the risks of an accident.

The federal agency says it has at least 54 confirmed reports from owners of the 2004 and 2005 Mini Coopers.  The complaints revolve around an effective loss of steering while driving.  The problem is believed to be serious enough to lead to accidents with possibly injuries and fatalities. According to Consumer Affairs, it has received more than 965 complaints from owners of Mini Coopers.  Out of these, more than 60 complaints involve the loss of power steering.  However, a majority of the complaints mentioned power steering as just one in a long list of complaints related to the Mini Cooper.

Now, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a probe into these complaints of Mini Cooper power steering failures.  A total of 80,000 Mini Coopers are involved in the probe.  According to the complaints, many of the drivers were able to control their cars, but it became more difficult when the power steering was lost.  Other drivers reported that they had problems trying to control the vehicle.

This isn’t BMWs first brush with power steering failure.  In July, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a similar investigation into complaints in the BMW Z4.  The agency had received 107 complaints about power steering failure in the BMW, including at least one report of an accident.  The BMW Z4 vehicles included models from 2003 to 2005.  BMW owns the Mini Cooper brand.

It seems to California auto accident lawyers like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is opening up more investigations into defects than before, and automakers are recalling more vehicles than they did in the past.  Since the Toyota scandal broke last year, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was caught off guard by having to explain why complaints of unintended acceleration went without action, the agency has been quicker to begin investigations into problems after receiving complaints.  The Mini Cooper and BMW investigations are a prime example.

Earlier this year, the agency also announced that it would begin an investigation into power steering failure in the Toyota Corolla.  That investigation focused on Toyota models between 2009 and 2010.  According to the agency, power steering failure complaints involving the Toyota Corolla have involved dozens of complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration since April 2008.  An overwhelming majority of those complaints noted that the Corolla suddenly veered to the left or right while the motorist was traveling at 40 mph and above.  The complainants have mentioned that the failure made it seem like the vehicle was hydroplaning, or being buffeted by high winds.

Steering failures can be catastrophic when a motorist is driving on a busy highway or when traveling at any significant speed.

The Reeves Law Group is a law firm with offices throughout California dedicated exclusively to the representation of personal injury victims, including victims of automotive defects. Please visit our website at trlglaw.com. If you desire a free consultation on a personal injury matter, please call us at (800) 644-8000 or email us.

The Reeves Law Group is not representing any party in the matters discussed in this posting.

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