U0140 on MINI: How to Diagnose & Fix
Lost Communication with BCM
1 MINI model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical · $600-$1,600 repair
U0140 on MINI by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The FRM (Footwell/Body control) module sits low in the driver's footwell on the R55. Blocked sunroof drains and road salt let water reach the module, corroding the circuit board and causing a short circuit. Symptoms range from erratic lighting, dead windows, and dead brake lights to the module melting down and setting the car's interior on fire. NHTSA campaign 23V337000 covers 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper/Cooper S/JCW sold or ever registered in salt-belt states and DC, plus Alaska, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Utah. Multiple NHTSA complaints describe owners waiting well over a year for the remedy, and at least two describe the car being destroyed by fire that started in the driver's footwell.
Common Symptoms
- Power windows inoperable
- Exterior lights, turn signals or brake lights dead or erratic
- Burning smell or smoke from driver's footwell
- Multiple unrelated warning lights (airbag, check engine)
- Wet driver's side carpet
- Vehicle fire while parked
How to Fix
Check the recall by VIN and have the dealer perform 23V337000 - inspection of the sunroof drains, footwell area, and FRM, with replacement of affected components free of charge. Outside the recall, clear the sunroof and cowl drains before they back up, and have a corroded FRM replaced and recoded. A water-damaged FRM must be replaced, not just dried out; the corrosion continues under the conformal coating.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Sources for this issue (2)
U0140 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does U0140 mean on a MINI?
U0140 stands for "Lost Communication with BCM." U0140 is a network communication code meaning a module has lost communication with the body control module (BCM) over the vehicle's data bus. The BCM oversees many body and convenience functions — lighting, door locks, windows, wipers, anti-theft, and gateway communications — so losing contact with it can cause a wide range of seemingly unrelated electrical problems and warning lights. This is typically a wiring, connector, power/ground, or bus fault, or a failure of the BCM itself. Because the BCM often acts as a communication hub, this code can appear alongside other 'lost communication' codes. On MINI it is documented across 1 model: Clubman.
What are the most common causes of U0140?
The most common causes of U0140 are: Loss of power or ground to the BCM, CAN/data bus wiring damage, short, or open circuit, Corroded, loose, or damaged BCM connectors, Blown fuse feeding the BCM, Failed body control module, Water intrusion or corrosion in the harness, Another module faulting the shared data bus. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix U0140 on a MINI?
Published repair estimates on MINI range from $600 to $1,600 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for U0140 on a different make?
View U0140 across all makes →Join 700+ subscribers following Au7o for vehicle insights and updates.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.