It's a Mini PR adventure: 30,000 cars recalled in UK

Nearly 30,000 Mini Coopers are to be recalled in Britain after makers detected an electrical fault which could lead cars to catch fire.

German car maker BMW said the recall concerns 235,000 vehicles worldwide. Safety checks revealed a problem which can cause the water pump to fail – potentially causing the car to overheat – and manufacturers are investigating one case in Britain where a fire is being linked to the water pump.

The recall relates to two models: the Mini Cooper S and the Mini John Cooper Works. Around 29,800 cars in the UK could be affected. Owners will be issued with a recall notice in the next few weeks. But a spokesman insisted the vehicles were safe to drive and there was a “very low incidence” of the fault. “In more extreme cases, it could create a heat build-up in the wiring and some smouldering,” he said.

“Potentially it could cause a fire. We're not aware of any accidents connected with this.”