| Subject: | Loss of power steering assist |
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| Investigations Summary: | Odi has received 339 complaints alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle. When the power steering assist stops working, drivers experienced difficulty in steering and/or controlling the vehicle. According to BMW drivers may experience either a temporary or permanent loss of power steering assist. BMW further advised that a temporary loss of power steering assist may be due to a malfunctioning cooling fan or an under-voltage condition in the power steering system. A permanent loss of power steering assist may be due to an error in the internal electronics, and may also result in the continuous running of the power steering pump. The voq complaints allege 5 minor crashes and 3 fires. The crashes are described as "hit the curb". The fires are described as "melted wires". There were no property damage claims. Odi has received similar complaints for other model year Mini cooper vehicles. Additional information is required to evaluate the frequency, consequence, and scope of this issue. Accordingly, the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis. |
| Vehicles Affected by this investigation: |
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Defect investigation of engine compartment fire
Defect investigation of loss of power steering assist
Defect investigation of exhaust pipe burns