NHTSA Complaint #11625676 — 2002 MINI COOPER

Unoccupied passenger side airbags; all front & backseat bags deployed after passenger side tires hit pothole on road. Pieces of interior, including decorative plastic, interior light covers were projected across cabin & hit me. I had no idea what had happened. Car shut off shortly after incident. It was night, I was sitting in middle of my lane, unable to start Mini. Good samaritans helped push it into parking lot while waiting for assistance. After 15 minutes, car started and was driven home. I had slight injuries from being hit by hard material projectiled across cabin. Very thankful I was the only occupant because if a passenger had been in the seat, they would have most definitely sustained injuries. I had to cut the airbags out in order to have clear lines of sight before driving the following day. I’m fearful that the drivers side air bags may do this as well. I have owned this vehicle since 2004. Not aware of history prior to 2004;(accidents, original airbags?). only know it came from a Dealer in CA. (Possibly “Friendship” may be name of town or dealership). I have not had repairs made yet. I don’t drive this vehicle daily. There are no police reports since there was no need. No insurance claims since 2002 model. There were no malfunctions with the warning light prior to incident. However, the following day when I drove, the airbag indicator light came on for passenger side. I did not find a recall but not sure if I would for a 22 year old vehicle.