Vehicle's switch controlling headlights was left in the "parking lights on" mode inadvertently (it opened terminal 15 per MINICar would not start less than 12 hours later. MINIreports that this "damaged the battery beyond repair" and said it was not subject to warranty replacement because the user had operated the switch. If this happened for many MINIowners, people would be stranded and left in a dangerous condition. Furthermore, this is clearly something MINIis choosing to ignore and classify as user error when it is a defect. MINIcharged $600+ plus dollars to replace the battery, reprogram the vehicle and physically install the new battery. The dealer rep said he has personally seen 6 other vehicles this year alone with the same problem.

- San Jose, CA, USA