My other half and I picked up a brand new 2012 Justa about 3 weeks ago. It replaced a 2012 Fiat 500 Sport that we were having alot of dealer service issues. 700 miles later the tail lights have water droplets and condensation in them. I know it has been raining just about everyday since this past Saturday. Why would a brand new car have water in the tail lamps?

 

It happens. Factory defect. Go to the dealer and have them replaced. Covered by the warranty. My wife's 2009 had the same problem with the fog lights. Replaced them and good to go.

 

It's going in first thing tomorrow morning. It was at the dealer last week for a defective air bag in the drivers door.

So annoying!

 

Yea take it with a grain of salt.

Stuff happens. Hopefully this will be it and you will have no more problems.

Happy motoring. (It will come.)

 

I hope this will be the last of the issues. It is a new car and I'm having used car issues. It is a little disheartening after dealing with the Fiat 500 that was in the shop weekly since delivery. 8 Months.

Maybe you guys could provide some input in another issue. During cold starts the engine revs up and is rough for a couple minutes. I wait until it calms down before driving off. Sometimes the car shakes. Normal MINI feature? From what I read on the forum this is the norm.

 

Oh on the upside... the dealer has been great so far with correcting the problems.

 

Mine idles a little rough too when first starting it cold. Goes away after a little bit though. Only problem I've had with mine was a rattle in the driver's side door panel. That was fixed but now my window clanks when going up. Got an appointment for that this coming Monday.

Overall, very impressed and happy with the car.

 

The dealer informed us that the condensation is normal and that there is a TSB out regarding this issue. In my opinion I do not think it is for a new car. A few years ago when I owned a 03 Sentra SE-R Spec V both front headlights had condensation in them after 3 months of ownership. Nissan warrantied both sides with no questions asked. They did tell me to drive with the lights on which will help the assemblies to keep dry.

 

I would ask to see the TSB, if there is one out for it they should not have an issue showing it to you. If there is one I would contact Mini and see about having them contact the dealer to have them replaced anyway. Lights should never have water/condensation in them.

 

Doesn't sound right.

 

...and I quote the service and tech manager... "The tail lights and headlights are not air sealed and are vented. Condensation is normal. There is an open TSB on it."

They refused to replaced them however stated if it continues it is a seal issue and they will replace them at that time. They "water tested" them and they are not leaking. They stated they had 3 new cars on the lot with the same non-issue concern and could find more. They went on how it has been raining for the past 4 days and has been warm, cold and humid.

I have full warranty, only 700 miles on it. If it occurs again they will be replacing it. No damage or condensation is viewable at the moment. I did show them pictures of the inside lenses completely covered in condensation.

 

This is a very informative thread:
Gen 2 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) Database

This TSB refers specifically to moisture in the head lamps:
http://www.minitis.net/tsb/bulletins...p/M630309g.htm

Hope this helps.

 

I see the TSB is for the headlamps and states nothing about the tail lamps. Ty - I'll bookmark this incase other issues arise

 

Sorry to hear about this, especially after what issues you came from. It is true for the headlights at least are vented and not sealed. I have not yet messed with the tail lights to confirm or deny but lots rain and humidity with temperature swings can very easily cause this on any car.

 

So I'm being told this is normal...

 

my mini doesn't see much rain here in socal, but i do have a dead bug in one of my tail lights. they certainly are not air tight!