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Curt trailer hitch on Mini Clubman, Countryman may separate

NHTSA campaign 17E051000 · Reported 2017-09-17 · Curt Manufacturing LLC

high How serious is it? About this label

Serious when you are towing, since a sagging or separated hitch can cause a crash, though the notice does not restrict driving the vehicle itself.

What's wrong, in plain English

This recall covers an add-on trailer hitch, part number 11451, that was sold to fit these Mini models — it is the hitch being recalled, not the car. The places on the vehicle where the hitch bolts on are not strong enough, so under certain loads the hitch can sag and may even come off the vehicle. A hitch that droops or detaches while you are towing can cause a crash. Curt will supply a replacement hitch free.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and look at your hitch for part number 11451 to see if recall 17E051000 covers it. 2. Contact Curt customer service at 1-800-798-0813 or your installing dealer to arrange the swap. 3. Get the replacement hitch fitted at no cost before towing again.

Affected vehicles (2)

2018 MINI Clubman
2018 MINI Countryman

Who to contact

MINI — official MINI recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-275-6464

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

Official notice

Component: TRAILER HITCHES
Summary: Curt Manufacturing LLC (Curt) is recalling certain Class 1 trailer hitches, part number 11451, sold for installation on 2016-2018 Mini Cooper Clubman and Countryman vehicles. The vehicles may have inadequate structure points for the trailer hitch mounting, causing the hitch to sag under to certain loads and possibly separate from the vehicle.
Safety risk: If the trailer hitch sags or separates from the vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Curt will notify owners, and dealers will provide a replacement hitch, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2017. Owners may contact Curt customer service at 1-800-798-0813.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.