NHTSA Complaint #11506454 — 2014 MINI CLUBMAN

I have had 2 problems with the springs breaking on my car which seems like a very odd thing, especially for a 2014 model that is not abused. This seems like a manufacturing defect and can easily cause an accident due to tire blowout and/or unpredictable handling. 1) The most recent problem occurred on February 8, 2023 with the front springs. The spring on the driver side broke and shifted outward rubbing the inner sidewall of the tire causing it to blowout. Fortunately I was on surface streets driving around 20-30MPH when this started (noticed smoke from the wheel well and a burning smell. I was only a block or two from a friends house when this started and was lucky the tire did not blow out until I was less than 200 yards from his house. As of now I put one of the winter wheel/tire on the car but it is still not drivable due to the spring hitting the tire. This repair and a new tire (old set only had around 20,000 miles) are to be replaced tomorrow, February 10, 2023 for an estimated $1100 for new front shock/spring assemblies , labor and alignment (I am also replacing the tires for $1300 so all are the same make/model/mileage). I can share bill after the repairs are complete. 2) The oldest problem was with the rear springs in March 2020. The springs rusted and broke causing the car to squat in the rear and not handle safely on the road above 50MPH. It would bounce unpredictably and sway side to side in the rear. I was fortunate that I did not have to make any quick maneuvers that could have caused the car to go out of control. The springs were replaced at a local shop for a total of $1010.88. I can locate the file and share this bill if necessary