After receiving 12 complaints from Mini Cooper owners regarding engine fires, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into certain model years. The fires have not been small as five of the 12 reported that the blaze engulfed the car, resulting in a complete loss. Eight of the complaints mentioned that the incident happened after the car had been parked and turned off. All vehicles have been early turbocharged S models: both 2007 and 2008 model years.
The NHTSA will be investigating all Mini models with the 1.6 liter Prince engine, including the convertible and Clubman. The complaints began earlier in the year and quickly increased as time went on. As of now, a Preliminary Evaluation is opened to determine the root of the problem. Field reports from an Early Warning Reporting data file are also being looked into to find any related data.
Source: NHTSA
