MINI Countryman rear armrest can come loose in crash

NHTSA campaign 24V340000 · Reported 2024-05-15 · BMW of North America, LLC

medium How serious is it? About this label

Moderately serious, since it only matters during a crash when an airbag deploys, and the notice places no restriction on driving the vehicle.

What's wrong, in plain English

A bracket holding the armrest on the rear door panel of some 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4 and JCW Countryman ALL4 models may not be fastened properly. If an airbag goes off, the armrest can break free. It could hit someone sitting in the back seat, or it could keep the side airbag that protects the chest from inflating the way it should. Dealers will replace both rear door panels. These cars have not been sold yet, so no owner letters are being mailed.

What you should do

1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your Countryman is on the list. 2. Contact your MINI dealer, or BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417, and mention recall 24V340000. 3. Have both rear door panels replaced at no charge; if you just purchased the car, ask the dealer to confirm it was already done.

Affected vehicles (1)

2025 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: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:THORAX
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4 and JCW Countryman ALL4 vehicles. The armrest support bracket on the rear side door panel may be improperly secured, allowing the armrest to detach during an air bag deployment.
Safety risk: A detached armrest can strike a rear seat occupant or prevent the thorax air bag from deploying properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right rear side door panels, free of charge. The vehicles have not been sold from dealer inventory and therefore no owner letters will be mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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