BMW has voluntarily listed a recall for a steering glitch on 2002-2005 model year Mini Cooper and Cooper S cars in the United States. The recall involves over 86,000 cars and is being conducted in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Power steering can fail in the cars, sometimes suddenly, which can be a safety concern. The driver can still steer the car, but it requires much more effort to do so. This could mean loss of vehicle control.
BMW says they are aware of 20 accidents and five injuries related to the defect. The NHTSA has received 339 complaints about the problem, with five crashes being reported to them directly. BMW has extended the warranty on effected cars and will begin sending recall notices in December.
