MINI USA has responded to our report with an official statement regarding the situation.

MINI USA STATEMENT



“At MINI, our owner safety and confidence is our first priority. Earlier this week, as part of our ongoing quality analysis, our team discovered that certain new MINI Hardtop vehicles could experience some engine coolant leakage from the oil filter housing. This can result in a power reduction and subsequently cause the yellow/red “engine overheating” warning light to light up. We immediately brought this issue to the attention of all of our dealers and issued an immediate stop delivery on all affected vehicles. For the small number of Motorers who have already taken delivery of their new MINI Hardtop, we are working to quickly and effectively replace the needed part at no charge.”

MINIUSA is holding all Cooper deliveries ahead of the 4/15 launch date due to a oil filter housing problem. We reported the news, courtesy of several sources, via Instagram, Twitter and Facebook yesterday but held-off reporting it on MF in order to confirm the details.

According to sources the issue only affects the F56 Cooper and not the Cooper S as some rumors had us believe.

The delay shouldn’t last long as the revised part is expected in the US and at dealers within a week or two. That means those waiting for for a delivery of a MINI Cooper around the launch date likely won’t have to wait longer than a few extra days.