Mini Cooper Countryman owners have reported 5 exterior lighting related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common exterior lighting problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's exterior lighting (5 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting problems |
My 2011 Mini cooper had to go to my mechanic because I have no turn signals, no dash or interior lights and my front windows will not go up or down. My mechanic determined the problem to be the footwell control module. My mechanic did not/can not repair because it has to be programmed at a dealership. My dad also has a 2011 Mini cooper and he has been notified that there is a recall for his VIN # for the footwell control module. I don't understand why there is not a recall for my VIN #. I am at a standstill with a car that I am afraid to drive because I am unable to signal to other drivers that I am about to turn. And I am afraid of being in an accident because of the turn signals and then being trapped in the car because it wont unlock and the windows wont go down. And if I drive it at night I cannot see any of my dash gauges and indicators of problems. I called the nearest dealership and was told that there will probably be a recall for my VIN# at some point and that I would be reimbursed for the work if I go ahead and have them do it. I called Mini cooper and inquired about the possibility of a recall and was told that there may never be a recall. I don't know what to do because the dealership told me that they will investigate the damage and do the repairs which could include new carpet and body work and and and. . . . . . I am sure that I can not afford all of that work to be done at a BMW/Mini cooper dealership. So I am left with the decision to chance driving it or chance spending a large amount of $ that may never be reimbursed.
The problem started with fog lights blinking on and off while the car was off. As I entered the vehicle I noticed a pool of water on the floor bed. The car has a sunroof which was closed at the time, as well as all of the windows - water came in from somewhere else. I proceeded to turn on the car to see what was happening and the car did not turn on. I thought maybe the battery is dead - tried to give it a boost and it did not work. I replaced the battery - it turned on the car but most lighting areas and power windows do not work. The two front windows are not working properly, they do not go up or down, only the back windows. I do not have control of the headlights - it just stays on one setting. The directional lights do not work. The console lights do not work. This puts myself and others at risk because I can’t aware other drivers when I making a turn or changing lanes. I can’t see the console panel at night, unaware of gas, speed, or radio functions. The car has been driven locally only during the day to avoid accidents and when I arrive at my destination - I notice smoke coming out of the hood. There is an active recall (23v-337) on the r55 & r56 models but not r60 models - which is my car. The exact description of defect (see below) is what is happening to my car and I’d like to have this model added to the recall. It is very dangerous to keep driving this car which I need for daily use. “this safety recall involves the footwell control module (frm), an electronic control unit (ecu) which controls various lighting and power window functions, and is installed near the bottom of the driver's side a-pillar behind an interior trim panel. Due to several contributing factors (environmental, certain us states' wintertime road treatment, vehicle design configuration and age), over time, the frm could become susceptible to corrosion. For vehicles equipped with a sunroof, after a multi-year period involving large temperature changes, multiple freeze/thaw cycles. . ”.
There is a recall existing for my car, by VIN mine is not included, however I have the exact same problem. Water in the driver side foot well electrical panel which has caused a fault in the lighting, hazard lights, and battery issue. The car cannot be driven because the hazard lights and daytime running lights will not turn off even with the key out. Running out the battery in the process. The mechanic found water and corrosion inside the electrical housing.
When the vehicle computer detects low voltage all turn signals, lights and instrument cluster immediately fail and do not turn back on. The foot well module (fwm) or foot rest module (frm) computer becomes corrupt and deletes data from the module. This becomes a major safety hazard as a nighttime failure occurred causing several near accidents due to inability to signal to other vehicles. This is a known issue with Mini and they released an extended service bulletin knowing the factory footrest modules were manufactured incorrectly. Vehicles falling outside the initial warranty period are prone to safety risks when this occurs.
My 2012 Mini countryman has had failed signal lighting. My dealer has diagnosed the issue as a failed frm module which I have been informed that NHTSA issued in conjunction with Mini USA a warranty extension to service this module's failure. While as an owner of this car for the past 9 years, I received not notice from Mini. I recently appealed for warranty coverage of this part. Mini USA has denied coverage of my failed frm module stating the warranty was only good for 10 years from in-service date. My vehicle went in-service 8/12/2012, or ten years and ten months. Mini is adamantly denying good will to replace this part and my car is off the road do to no working turn signals.