BMW Mini Recall R/2002/166: Handbrake May Self Release, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 2 Dec 2002
- Launched
- 26,381
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2002/166
- DVSA reference
BMW recalled Mini vehicles. Depending on the driver's seat position the locking mechanism of the handbrake lever may fail due to the angle that the lever is operated. The dealer will fit a new improved design handbrake assembly. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Depending on the driver's seat position the locking mechanism of the handbrake lever may fail due to the angle that the lever is operated. This may cause the brake to release even when the car is left unattended.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: HANDBRAKE MAY SELF RELEASE Defect: Depending on the driver's seat position the locking mechanism of the handbrake lever may fail due to the angle that the lever is operated. This may cause the brake to release even when the car is left unattended Remedy: Fit a new improved design handbrake assembly.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause the brake to release even when the car is left unattended.
The Fix
The dealer will fit a new improved design handbrake assembly.
Are You Affected?
Mini may be included. BMW estimates 26,381 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with BMW, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with BMW.
- Book with any franchised BMW dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2002/166. See how to get a BMW recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini, Mini 3 DR Hatch, Mini 5 DR Hatch, Mini ClubmanOn some diesel vehicles glycol leakage from the EGR-Cooler may occur. In very rare cases this could lead to the melting of the Intake manifold and in very rare cases result in a possible fire | Urgent | R/2023/174 | |
| MiniThe high-pressure fuel rail may not have been produced according to specifications | Urgent | R/2022/281 | |
| Mini, Mini Clubman, Mini CountrymanUndetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold | Urgent | R/2022/256 | |
| MiniStatic electricity may accumulate in the fuel filler tube | Low | R/2021/294 | |
| 1 Series, 2 Series, Mini, Mini Clubman and 2 moreThe exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak over time | Low | R/2020/179 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2002/106 on 31 Jul 2002, for brake pedal may become detached. The one launched after it was R/2003/026 on 3 Feb 2003, for front brake hose could rub on tyre. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2002 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2002/166, launched 2 December 2002. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.