Recall 15V628 covers 6,073 2014-2016 MINI vehicles for passenger frontal air bag module defects. Repair is free at any franchised MINI dealer.
MINI is recalling 6,073 2014-2016 Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works, and I3 vehicles because a manufacturing error means the passenger frontal air bag can fail to deploy properly in a low speed crash. That failure increases injury risk for the front passenger, and MINI dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The passenger frontal air bag inflator module is the part inside the passenger-side air bag that controls how the bag fills during a crash. On the 2014-2016 MINI Cooper, I3, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles in this recall, that module is supposed to deliver the right deployment force for the seat position and crash conditions. Its job is to help cushion the passenger without creating the wrong force pattern.
The defect is in the second-stage parts inside the passenger-side front air bag module. A supplier manufacturing error left those parts out of specification. Because of that error, the second stage of the inflator can ignite after an unspecified time delay. That delay can keep the passenger frontal air bag from deploying as designed in a low speed crash.
There is no warning sign before failure. The air bag system can look normal until a crash demands deployment, so an owner is not expected to hear, see, or feel a symptom during regular driving.
Who's affected?
Spans Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works, and I3 across the 2014-2016 model years, all tied to the passenger-side front air bag inflator module.
| 2014 MINI Cooper | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2014 BMW I3 | front air bag |
| 2014 MINI Cooper S | front air bag |
| 2015 MINI John Cooper Works | front air bag |
| 2016 MINI John Cooper Works | front air bag |
| 2015 BMW I3 | front air bag |
| 2015 MINI Cooper | front air bag |
| 2015 MINI Cooper S | front air bag |
| 2016 MINI Cooper | front air bag |
| 2016 MINI Cooper S | front air bag |
| Units affected | 6,073 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, the passenger frontal air bag can fail to deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury to the front seat passenger. Until the module is replaced, drive cautiously and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised MINI dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 MINI Cooper, I3, Cooper S, or John Cooper Works is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised MINI dealer to schedule the free passenger frontal air bag module replacement that addresses improper deployment in a low speed crash.
- Bring the recall notice if MINI has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V628 when you call.
- Avoid carrying a front-seat passenger until the repair is complete if you are concerned about passenger air bag protection.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a MINI technician replaces the passenger frontal air bag module covered by recall 15V628. The new module is installed at no charge, and parts and labor are covered. MINI has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you already paid for a repair tied to the passenger frontal air bag defect, contact MINI customer service or ask the dealer how to submit documentation for reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 2, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| October 7, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| November 20, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 20, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 25, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V628?
Recall 15V628 covers 6,073 2014-2016 MINI Cooper, I3, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles with a passenger frontal air bag module defect. In a low speed crash, the air bag can deploy improperly and increase injury risk for the front seat passenger. MINI dealers replace the module for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 MINI Cooper, I3, Cooper S, or John Cooper Works is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V628. If it is, contact a franchised MINI dealer to schedule replacement of the passenger frontal air bag module. Reference recall number 15V628 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 15V628, MINI dealers replace the passenger frontal air bag module free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a passenger air bag that deploys improperly in a low speed crash. That failure increases the risk of injury to the front seat passenger. The repair path is to have a MINI dealer replace the passenger frontal air bag module for free.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2014-2016 MINI Cooper, I3, Cooper S, or John Cooper Works is included, then call a franchised MINI dealer with recall number 15V628.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V628000 |
|---|---|
| MINI customer service | 1-866-825-1525 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V628 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V628000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →