The proportioning value that controls brake function had a catastrophic failure and caused the brake calipers especially the left front to lock suddenly. The caused the left front wheel to lock and caused the car to pull hard to left and become difficult if not impossible to control. The car pulled hard left and risked the car moving uncontrollably into on coming traffic. The failed part was saved and is available for inspection. The safety of the driver(my wife) was put at risk during the loss of control of the car. Other cars in the area were also put at risk simply due to the loss of control of our car. The problem was confirmed by the independent service center. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to the dealership. The dealership thought the root cause was the brake master cylinder. This turned out not to be the case. The root cause was the failed proportioning valve. This caused the calipers to lock. The discs, rotors, calipers and proportioning value were replaced. There were no warning lights and the car had been taken for regular service at the dealership which was included in the purchase of the car. We were told that there is no warning light for a failure of this part.

- Blue Ridge , GA, USA

In Nov-2014 my son was driving our '05 MINICooper down the interstate at 55mph and all of a sudden the steering stopped working. He was barely able to control the car and get it to the side of interstate. He was 17 yrs old and it was very hard for him to steer it and get out of traffic. He was extremely frightened. We then got the car to a repair shop (not the local MINIshop, since their labor rate was too high), we had to pay $1,201.75 to repair the steering. After receiving a letter regarding the steering recall from MINIcorporate in early 2016, we were told to call/go to the local MINIdealer and they would handle the claim. After several calls, emails, and a personal visit to the knoxville, tn MINICooper dealer, I have got nowhere. They refuse to handle the claim (once telling me that it had been submitted to MINIcorporate, but then it turns out they admitted that it never was submitted)... then most recently basically they told me to leave them alone. They will not give me proof that the claim was submitted (which I am guessing it has not been), and now they will not answer my emails. Carol hwang at knoxville MINIhas been very rude and uncooperative. They refuse to give me a contact at corporate, as I've requested, to confirm the claim has been submitted and to follow up on getting reimbursed for this repair related to the recall. When I called corporate MINIthey said I have to deal with the local MINIshop. Local MINIshop in knoxville says corporate will handle the claim. So I am getting nothing but a run-round. This incident was very scary for us! my son could've been killed when the steering went out. He was terrified and thought he was going to get hit and crushed by a semi truck. The whole thing was awful. Now all I want to do is get reimbursed for the repair, but I cannot get MINICooper to cooperate. Please help.

- Knoxville, TN, USA