2010 Mini Cooper

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  MY DAUGHTER GOT OUT THE PASSENGER DOOR AND WALKED AROUND TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE TO GET GROCERY BAGS FROM INSIDE OF THE TRUNK AREA OF THE HATCHBACK. AS SHE LEANED FORWARD TO GRAB BAGS FROM INSIDE OF THE HATCHBACK AREA WHICH WAS OPENED BY MYSELF SHE SUDDENLY WAS TAKEN BACK BY A STINGING FEELING ON HER LOWER LEG. AS SHE STARTED TO SCREAM I ASKED WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. SHE TOLD BE THAT HER LEG FELT LIKE IT WAS ON FIRE. AS I LOOKED DOWN I SAW A CRESCENT SHAPED DARK RED AREA ON HER LOWER LEG THAT WAS CAUSED BY THE TAIL PIPE THAT PROTRUDES SLIGHTLY FROM THE BUMPER. SHE DEVELOPED A BURN ON HER LOWER LEG THAT NOT ONLY HURT BUT SHE IS AFRAID SHE WILL LEAVE A SCAR. THIS SHOULD BE CORRECTED IN SOME MANNER TO PREVENT ANYONE FROM SUFFERING FROM BURNS EITHER USING A HEAT RESISTANT METAL OR A SHORTER TAILPIPE. ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL OR WRITE [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *KB

• 12/24/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  THE VEHICLE IS A STANDARD MODEL CONVERTIBLE, NOT AN "S" MODEL. TRUNK LATCH MALFUNCTION WHILE IN MOTION: TRUNK LATCH OPENS/DISENGAGES SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, WITH THE KEY INSERTED AND THE MOTOR RUNNING. THIS UNPREDICTABLE FAULT CAN OCCUR ANYWHERE, INCLUDING ON A FREEWAY. THE TRUNK LID CAN DROP TO FULL OPEN, EXPOSING ITEMS STORED IN TRUNK AS POSSIBLE DEBRIS-THREAT TO VEHICLES FOLLOWING. DRIVER OF VEHICLE IS PRESENTED WITH CHOICE BETWEEN RISKING STOPPING (FOR EXAMPLE, ON THE SHOULDER OF A FREEWAY) OR RISKING INCIDENT INVOLVING FOLLOWING VEHICLES. EVENTUALLY, TRUNK LATCH WILL CEASE ALL FUNCTION. REPLACEMENT COST IS APPROXIMATELY $300 PLUS LABOR. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW. THIS 2010 MODEL IS DRIVEN 2 OR 3 TIMES PER WEEK FOR RELATIVELY SHORT DISTANCES. IT HAS BEEN DRIVEN FEWER THAN 30,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THIS FAULT HAS OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS. ITEMS IN TRUNK HAVE SPILLED ONTO ROADWAY. DRIVER HAS HAD TO STOP AND SLAM THE TRUNK CLOSED. THE INCIDENTS LIKELY WOULD HAVE OCCURRED MANY MORE TIMES IF THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN DAILY AND FOR LONGER DISTANCES. TRUNK LATCH SYSTEM WAS REPLACED AND THE NEW LATCH SYSTEM BEGAN MALFUNCTIONING IN THE SAME MANNER WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF REPLACEMENT. DATE LISTED BELOW IS THE MOST RECENT DATE UPON WHICH THE INCIDENT OCCURRED.

• 12/08/2016· ENGINE

  PURCHASE PREVIOUSLY OWNED (BY 1 OWNER, LOW MILEAGE) 2010, MINI COOPER FROM DEALERSHIP 2 YEARS AGO. CURRENTLY HAS ONLY 70K MILES. LAST WEEK WHILE DRIVING, TIMING CHAIN FAILED SUBSEQUENTLY CAUSING $3100+ IN ESTIMATED DAMAGES. FIRST ISSUE I HAVE IS HOW DOES A TIMING BELT LAST ONLY 70K MILES ON A SUPPOSED HIGH-END, HIGH-PERFORMANCE VEHICLE LIKE MINI/BMW? EVERY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED (FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC) RECOMMENDS CHANGING TIMING BELT AROUND 100K MILES, SO THE THOUGHT OF CHANGING A TIMING CHAIN WAS FOR AT LEAST 20K MORE MILES NEVER CROSSED MY MIND. SECOND ISSUE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT HAS BEEN AWARDED TO MINI COOPER OWNERS (SAME MAKE AND MODEL) ON OR ABOUT 2010 FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. HOWEVER, MINI COOPER CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND THE ONLY LOCAL MINI COOPER SERVICE CENTER IN SAN ANTONIO TEXAS HAS INFORMED ME THAT MY VIN # WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS SETTLEMENT...EVEN THOUGH THE CAUSE AND AFFECT OF THE TIMING CHAIN FAILURE IS EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM MY MINI COOPER EXPERIENCED WITH ONLY 70K MILES. *TR

• 12/08/2013· ENGINE

  ENGINE SEEMED TO BE LACKING POWER INTERMITTENTLY DRIVING TO WORK. FELT SOMETHING WAS WRONG, BUT NO INDICATOR LIGHTS DISPLAYED SO I CONTINUED DRIVING. NOTICED HEATER BEGAN BLOWING COLD AIR, YELLOW WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING ENGINE WAS BEGINNING TO OVERHEAT. WITHIN 10 SECONDS, RED WARNING LIGHT REPLACED THE FIRST LIGHT (ENGINE OVERHEATING!). CONTINUED ON UNTIL I COULD SAFELY STOP. CALLED WRECKER TO TAKE TO REPAIR SHOP. FOUND COOLANT & OIL HAD EXPLODED FROM ENGINE WITH VISIBLE CRACK IN THE PLASTIC HOUSING. THANKFULLY, CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. MINI DEALERSHIP HONORED THE WARRANTY. STATED THE VACUUM PUMP HAD FAILED CAUSING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ENTIRE ENGINE. ENGINE IS BEING REPLACED. *TR

• 12/07/2022· AIR BAGS

  Passenger seat occupancy sensor has failed, rendering the airbag system permanently turned off until it is replaced. This is an issue that is so common that people are purchasing bypass units off of eBay to trick the computer into thinking the passenger is there. A quick google search will confirm this. It cannot be condoned that a company as large as BMW gets a free pass on refusing to fix this while companies on eBay profit on a device that is clearly not safe to use.

• 12/07/2015· ENGINE

  THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT IN THIS VEHICLE FAILED. AFTER GETTING IT REPLACED AT THE DEALER I LEARNED LATER THERE IS A RECALL (THAT HAD ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED). I ALSO LEARNED THAT THE THERMOSTAT MAY HAVE BEEN COVERED BY THE FEDERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY (THE DEALER SAID IT WASN'T BECAUSE THE LIGHT WASN'T ON).

• 11/28/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  Unknown. I’d just like to know how long Mini is allowed to work on a solution for the safety recall for the footwell control module that was issued last May. Given that they have known about problems with this module for years, it seems to me that they should have a solution ready to deploy by now. Thanks for your assistance.

• 11/28/2020· AIR BAGS,SEATS

  I HAVE A 2010 MINI COOPER HARDTOP. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM OF THE LAST THREE YEARS. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG ALERT GOES ON WHEN I HAVE A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT SAYING PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF. I'VE TAKEN IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY WILL NEED TO DISMANTLE THE SEAT TO SEE IF THE SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE AND REPLACE. I SEE THAT OTHER MODELS OF MINI COOPERS HAVE HAD RECALLS FOR THIS DEFECT IN SEAT SENSORS. MODELS IN YEARS BEFORE AND AFTER 2010. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE PROCEDURE, AND DANGEROUS IF I HAVE A PASSENGER.

• 11/13/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 11/07/2013· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY AND WITHOUT WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,347.

• 11/04/2024· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  Engine stalling Oil pan leaks Caused the engine to shut down when slowing down or sitting in traffic on highway. No warning lights prior to incidents Only right after

• 11/02/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  COPY OF COMPLAINT sent to MINI USA today 9/2/24. (Removed my personal data -name, address, email, phone number): I have been waiting since JULY 2023 for notice of a fix for this DANGEROUS ISSUE of failed FOOTWELL MODULES that can CATCH ON FIRE! How is this either legal or humane? When I call, and I call regularly, to ask about any progress made in CORRECTING THE POTENTIALLY FATAL to the driver, problem, I'm asked to BE PATIENT...that a fix is being studied but none has become available. And, oh yes, always the "FOOTWELL FIRES are very very rare"...so I suppose if I have one and I DIE my heirs should take comfort in knowing that it was very very rare? Here's the bottom line. I spoke with a service manager at MINI OF LOVELAND and I will not divulge his name because he doesn't deserve to be reprimanded or hassled. I asked him if they were replacing ANY FOOTWELL MODULES BECAUSE OF THE RECALL. I was given the same BS about "working on creating a part that will fix it". Yeah, right. But here's the jewel in this conversation: When I asked what they'd do if my Footwell module failed for MECHANICAL REASONS he told me and I BELIEVE it's a fix that should be offered to all affected owners: "He told me that when FWMODULES in my make/model/year mini, fail (not catch fire but fail as they normally do - i.e. windows won't go up or down, OR turn signals and or/headlights won't work, etc. the fix for that also address the recall issue: REPLACE THE FOOTWELL WITH THE SAME PART with these modifications to address the corrosion/fire recall: They remove the old broken module. They clean out the entire footwell removing any signs of corrosion from the leaked in water. THEY PACK the module with material that will prevent moisture from seeping in. AND then they close it back up! AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER> I WANT THIS FIX! I deserve this fix as do other mini owners who are affected by this recall to prevent death or severe burns or both from failed footwell modules. THANKS

• 10/22/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  COLD / WARM START KNOCKING NOISE NOTHING DONE BY GLOBAL IMPORTS. *TR

• 10/22/2010· VISIBILITY

  2010 MINICOOPER. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING A STRESS CRACK THAT DEVELOPED ON THE WINDSHIELD UNRELATED TO ANY IMPACT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRACK WAS A STRAIGHT LINE, NOT CONSISTENT WITH AN IMPACT WHICH LEAVES A SPIDER LIKE CRACK. *JB

• 10/21/2016· AIR BAGS

  "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT WITH THE SEAT BELT ON, AND VEHICLE IS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS WAS EXPRESSED TO MINI, WHO HAS A RECALL FOR EXACTLY THIS PROBLEM ON EARLIER MODELS, AND MINI HAS EXPRESSED THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX IT. I HAVE VIDEO OF THIS OCCURRING IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN WATCHING IT. *TR

• 10/20/2016· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

  WHILE ON A RECENT ROAD TRIP, PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LAMPS BEGAN TO COME ON INTERMITTENTLY WHILE THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. AT FIRST, THE SYSTEM SEEMED TO RESET WHEN THE ENGINE WAS SWITCHED OFF, BUT OVER THE COURSE OF 2 DAYS, IT STOPPED RESETTING AND THE WARNING LIGHTS, AS WELL AS THE WARNING TONES, WOULD JUST GO ON AND OFF SPONTANEOUSLY WITH THE SEAT OCCUPIED. NOW THE "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" INDICATOR LAMP ABOVE THE REARVIEW MIRROR, WARNING LAMP NEAR TACHOMETER (AREA 1 AS INDICATED BY MINI OWNER'S MANUAL), AND AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILURE LAMP (AREA 2) ARE CONTINUOUSLY LIT WHEN PASSENGER SEAT IS UNOCCUPIED. I HAVE NOT HAD THE SYSTEM CHECKED BY A MECHANIC YET; CURRENTLY, THE NEAREST MINI DEALERSHIP/SERVICE CENTER IS 202 MILES FROM ME. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON ISSUE REPORTED HERE AND ON SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS. THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER ALSO FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED IN SPRING OF 2015.

• 10/17/2024· AIR BAGS

  Airbag light is deployed when passenger is sitting in seat. Module under seat is not recognizing the passenger and airbags are turned off. This is a safety concern in likeliness of an accident the passenger could be injured.

• 10/17/2018· ENGINE

  2010 MINI COOPER S 2 DOOR, UP TO DATE WITH ALL MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE, CHANGED OIL EVERY 4,000 MILES. CAR SHOWROOM QUALITY. AT 81,000. MILES I SHUT IT OFF IN MY GARAGE AND LATER WENT TO START THE ENGINE, IT WAS DEAD AND WOULD NOT TURN OVER EVEN WITH A CHARGE. I HAD IT TOWED TO BRAMAN MOTORCARS, WPB, FL WHERE I PURCHASED IT NEW AND ORIGINAL OWNER AND WAS TOLD IT IS THE RETENTION CHAIN. BMW OF N. AMERICA HAD A CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR 2007 TO 2010 MINI COOPERS, SUIT CLOSED IN 2015 SAID MY VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE CLASS ACTION SUIT AND REFUSED TO FIX MY CAR. THEY WANT 11,000-13,000 TO FIX. I AM WITHIN THE YEARS THE SUIT WAS MENTIONED MY MILEAGE IS RIGHT AT THE POINT IT MAKES MENTION IN THE CLASS ACTION SUIT. MY VIN # IS NOT INCLUDED BECAUSE THEY ONLY PAID ON THE VIN NUMBERS THAT WERE IN THE SUIT. BMW OF N AMER. DID NOT ADD VIN# OF OTHER CARS THAT WERE NOT IN THE SUIT. I WAS NEVER CONTACTED AND DID NOT KNOW ABOUT MY CAR. I AM TOLD I CAN JUNK IT AND BUY A NEW CAR. I TOOK CARE OF MY CAR FOR EVERYTHING AND NOW MY CAR IS JUST GONE AND THEY ARE NOT WANTING TO HELP ME FIX IT. BMW OF N AMERICA DID NOT OFF ANY GOODWILL ON THE REPAIR NOR MAKE IT A RECALL ISSUE. THEY JUST SETTLED THE CASE FOR THE CARS KNOWN AT THAT TIME AND THE REST OF US CAN JUST GO POUND DIRT! I NOW AM WITHOUT A CAR OR TRANSPORTATION AND BRAMAN MOTORCARS TRIED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ME WITH QUOTING ME HIGH PRICES ON A NEW CAR, THAT I CANNOT AFFORD. PLEASE HELP. NO ONE THAT KNOWS ME OR MY CAR CAN BELIEVE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY CAR BECAUSE OF HOW WELL I TAKE CARE OF IT.

• 10/13/2015· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  MISS FUNCTION WITH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, EVERY MORNING I HAVE PROBLEMS TO START UP MY MINI. LOSS OF POWER RESULT FROM THIS MISS FUNCTION WHICH REPRESENT A DANGEROUS SITUATION ON A HIGHWAY BY NOT HAVING THE POWER TO REACT TO ANY SITUATION. I TOOKED TO LOCAL DEALER AND THEY GAVE ME A LIST OF POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS, INCLUDING TO CHANGE THE HIGH PRESURE FUEL PUMP. NOW I HAD BEEN SEARCHING FOR OTHER OWNERS IF THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND I DID FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL BLOGS TALKING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I AM CONCERN ABOUT MY SAFETY AND MY FAMILY SAFETY WHEN THEY DRIVE WITH ME. PLEAES CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED MORE DETAILS ON THIS ISSUE. [XXX] I DO NOT UNDERS STAND WHY MINI/BMW CONTINUES NOT ACCEPTING THIS IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, HOPE NO BODY GET HURT AS A RESULT. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

• 10/11/2013· ENGINE

  ENGINE NOISE DUE TO TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER DEFECT. IF THE CHAIN OR TENSIONER FAIL COMPLETELY THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL IN MOVING TRAFFIC OR CREATE A ROADSIDE HAZARD. *TR

• 10/06/2017· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED IN TRAFFIC ON A CITY STREET WHEN I WAS DRIVING 40 MPH AND WOULD NOT RUN. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AT ALL. IT WAS VERY SCARY. I HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY WHO ADVISED THAT THE TENSIONER THAT SECURE THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED AND RUINED THE ENGINE. IN MAY, I HAD A WATER PUMP FAILURE THAT I HAD REPAIRED AND I UNDERSTAND THERE HAVE BEEN LAWSUITS ON BOTH, MINI TELLS ME MY VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THAT LAWSUIT THAT ONLY CONVERTIBLES WERE COVERED FOR THAT YEAR. THEY GAVE ME A NUMBER TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE PUMP. I STILL OWE $6K AND THE CAR IS TOAST. ;-(

• 10/04/2010· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL YET THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL IT CRASHED INTO A CURB. THE POLICE ARRIVED ON SCENE TO ASSIST, HOWEVER A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOT BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY BUT WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,000.

• 10/01/2010· STEERINGFire

  MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE 2006, LESS THAN 40K MILES. I WAS DRIVING FOR MAYBE 6 MILES AND WHILE I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN I FELT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY AND THE CAR WAS MOVING VERY ODDLY SO I PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY TO CHECK WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CAR. NOTICING THE SMOKE FORM THE HOOD BEFORE I GOT OUT THE CAR AND THOUGHT MY CAR WAS OVER HEATED. I THOUGHT I WOULD JUST CALL THE ROADSIDE SERVICE TO HELP. BUT WHAT HAD TOOK PLACE NEXT WAS SOMETHING I CAN ONLY IMAGINE FROM A MOVIE SET ....SMOKE..HEAVY SMOKE...FLAME FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY WOULD NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE HOOD SO INSTEAD THEY CUT THE HOOD OPEN AND WAS ABLE TO PUT OFF THE FIRE. THE CAR WAS TOTAL. I JUST HAD THE SERVICE ONE MONTH AGO AT THE DEALER (REPLACE BATTERY, WHEEL ALIGNMENT, ROTATION TIRES AND 32 POINT INSPECTION)AND LIKE ALL THE PREVIOUS SERVICES WAS DONE AT THE DEALER. I DON'T KNOW WHAT EXACTLY HAD HAPPEN TO THE CAR, MY INSURANCE CO CLAIMED THAT THERE IS NO RECALL BY BMW/MINI ON THE CAR SO THEY DON'T SEE THE POINT TO SPEND MONEY AND TIME TO CHECK INTO WHAT HAD CAUSED THE FIRE...BUT I WANTED TO KNOW AS A CAR OWNER AND A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE. I THINK I AM ENTITLE TO AND TO PREVENT THIS HAPPEN TO MORE MINI OWNER. PLEASE HELP! *TR

• 09/29/2018· ENGINE

  ENGINE LOST POWER ON HIGHWAY. TIMING CHAIN LOOSENED, CAUSED SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE.

• 09/26/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFire

  VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AND UNATTENDED FOR OVER 7 HOURS. IT WAS REPORTED TO THE METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER REPORT NUMBER 10-140-031. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED IT WAS MECHANICAL DEFECT. *TR

• 09/23/2022· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  Transmission/timing chain issue/engine malfunctions

• 09/21/2016· AIR BAGS,SEATS

  FAULTY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR FOR AIRBAG. WEIGHT SENSOR FAILS TO DISTINGUISH WHEN SOMEONE IS OR IS NOT IN THE SEAT, CAUSING THE AIRBAG FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER CONSTANTLY READ "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF."

• 09/15/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  My vehicle started smelling intensely like burning plastic which filled the compartment. I brought it immediately to the repair shop. I had it towed in. It was apparent something was on fire. When I got to the repair shop (not mini) the electrical components for the interior, turn signals and windows) had failed and smoldered. There were no warning lights. I was told that there was a recall for the Footwell Module and that this had caused the problem. I never received a letter for the recall. The car is registered in California but was first sold in New York and so it qualifies for the recall but when I look up my VIN it says no recalls. The part has failed, and they have told me they have no replacement part yet so my car is now sitting with a car cover with the windows rolled own because they cannot roll up without the Footwell Module. Mini says they have no solution. I had to buy a new car. This was not an easy expense for me as I have limited income due to a disability.

• 09/13/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact's son owns a 2010 Mini Cooper Hardtop. The contact stated that the windows failed to roll down, and the turn signals and the headlights were inoperable. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed that the footwell control module (FRM) was severely corroded. The contact later received NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for a temporary repair and she would later receive reimbursement. The local dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for temporary repair; however, the manufacturer informed the contact that they would no longer provide reimbursement for any repairs completed prior to the safety recall because the vehicle was drivable despite the safety failures. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

• 09/11/2015· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINEFire

  I WAS DRIVING THE CAR FOR A 300 MILES TRIP, NEVER HAD AN ISSUE BEFORE. AFTER STOPPING IN SAN ANTONIO THE FANS KEPT RUNNING FOR AT LEAST 15MIN. STOPPED AT A CONVEINIENCE STORE AND TOPPED OFF COOLANT WHICH WASNT MISSING ANY AND CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL AND ADDED ONE QUART OF OIL. TAKING ON THE TRIP TO AUSTIN TX, THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE AT 70MPH WHEN MY LOW OIL LIGHT CAME ON. TEN SECONDS LATER PULLED TO THE SIDE AND SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE ENGINE. LESS THAN A MINUTE LATER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FIRE STARTED BLAZING THROUGHOUT THE CAR BURNING ALL OUR BELONGINGS.

• 09/08/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  AFTER RECEIVING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE FOR A BATTERY ISSUE I WAS DRIVING HOME AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AT NIGHT WHEN THE INTERIOR LIGHTING OF MY DASHBOARD WENT OUT AND MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, TURN SIGNALS, FOG LIGHTS, HIGH BEAMS, AND WINDOWS CEASED TO FUNCTION. WHEN I MADE IT HOME I SCANNED MY VEHICLE VIA OBD2 AND A PLETHORA OF CODES HAD APPEARED ALMOST ALL RELATED TO SAFETY FEATURES SUCH AS LIGHTING, AIRBAGS,DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL, SUSPENSION, ABS, AND SPEED SENSING DEVICES. AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF RESEARCH AND DIAGNOSTIC WORK I DETERMINED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE DRIVER SIDE FOOTWELL MODULE WHICH HAS LONG BEEN KNOWN TO BE A DEFECTIVE ITEM TO MINI/BMW SO MUCH SO THAT IT'S BEEN GIVEN A WARRANTY EXTENSION OF 10 YEARS/ 156,000 MILES THAT REMAINS ACTIVE, BUT ONLY TO ELIGIBLE VEHICLE WARRANTY HOLDERS. AFTER MY EXPERIENCE OF LOSING PRACTICALLY ALL VEHICLE LIGHTING WHICH INCLUDED BOTH TURN AND HAZARD SIGNALING ABILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I IMPLORE THE NHTSA TO ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL ON THESE FAULTY FOOTWELL MODULES GIVEN THE EASE AND SUDDENNESS AT WHICH THEY CEASE TO FUNCTION FOR REASONS THAT RANGE FROM MOISTURE INTOLERANCE, ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES, AND EMERGENCY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AS WAS MY PARTICULAR CASE. THE PROBLEM HAS ALREADY BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE MANUFACTURER AND I FEEL IT IS NOW TIME THAT THE GOVERNMENT ADDRESS THIS KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE IN ORDER TO PROTECT AMERICA'S ROADS AND HIGHWAYS AS WELL AS THE CITIZENRY AT LARGE.

• 09/08/2018· AIR BAGS

  WHEN YOU TURN ON THE CAR THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF RANDOMLY ON MY DASHBOARD AND THE YELLOW PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING SIGNS ON THE TOP OF THE CAR ALSO COMING ON AND OFF, SOMETIMES IT DISAPPEAR WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. I CALLED MINI COOPER LOCAL DEALER, NO RECALL NOTED INCLUDING IN YOUR WEBSITE.

• 09/06/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES

  WHILE DRIVING, CARS AROUND ME WERE BEEPING WHEN I SWITCHED LANES AFTER SIGNALING AND STEPPED ON THE BRAKES. I WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED! COME TO FIND OUT ALL OF MY LIGHTING SYSTEMS WERE INOPERABLE. I HAD: *NO BRAKE LIGHTS *NO TURN SIGNALS *NO HAZARD LIGHTS *NO HEADLIGHTS *NO TAIL LIGHTS *WINDOWS WERE INOPERABLE. THE LIST GOES ON. THIS IS TERRIFYING TO HAVE HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING, AND EVEN WORSE, I DIDN'T REALIZE WHAT WAS HAPPENING UNTIL I HAD NEARLY BEEN HIT BY TWO DIFFERENT CARS. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN EVEN WORSE HAD IT FAILED AT NIGHT. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE ISSUE IS THAT THE FOOTWELL MODULE (AKA FRM) HAD FAILED. THIS HAPPENED AT ONLY 41,000 MILES. APPARENTLY THIS IS EXTREMELY COMMON AND A LONG-KNOWN DEFECT ON MINI COOPERS. IN MY OPINION THERE NEEDS TO BE AN IMMEDIATE RECALL ON ALL AFFECTED FRMS. I LEARNED THAT MINI ISSUED A "SILENT RECALL" OF EXTENDED WARRANTIES, FROM 4 YEARS TO 8 YEARS, AND NOW TO 10 YEARS/156,000 MILES. I AM OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY 6 MONTHS BY TIME, BUT WITHIN WARRANTY BY 115,000 MILES. I CONTACTED MINI USA TO REQUEST THAT THEY COVER THE PART REPAIR, AS THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART IN MY CAR'S MODEL AND YEAR AND A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE. THEY HAVE REFUSED, DESPITE ME GETTING IN TOUCH THREE TIMES. I ALSO NOTIFIED CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT MINI USA THAT I NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION ON THIS PART, OR ON ANY OTHER PART. ADDITIONALLY, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION OF RECALLS THAT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE, THOUGH THROUGH MY RECENT RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT SOME HAVE BEEN ISSUED. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH AS WELL AS DISCUSSIONS WITH MINI TECHS WILL REVEAL WIDESPREAD FRM FAILURE. MANY OTHER COMPLAINANTS ON THIS PAGE ARE REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE. HAS ANY INVESTIGATION TAKEN PLACE? IF NOT, I HOPE THERE WILL BE ONE.

• 09/01/2015· UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash

  ON THURSDAY,JULY 30, 2015 MY HUSBAND WAS HEADED TO WORK. HE WAS REAR ENDED WHILE HE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. HE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH SEVERE WHIPLASH AND HAS SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR THE PERSON WHO HIT MY HUSBAND ADMITTED FAULT IMMEDIATELY. TWO VEHICLE INSPECTIONS WERE DONE BY AN ADJUSTER. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING A MINI COOPER AND HE WAS REAR ENDED. THE ADJUSTER INFORMED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A STEEL PLATE. HENCE, THE IMPACT TO THE BACK OF HIS VEHICLE MAY HAVE BEEN MUCH GREATER. AFTER SPEAKING WITH AN ADVISOR AT THE CONCORD, CA MINI COOPER DEALER, I LEARNED THAT THE STEEL PLATE IN THE MINI COOPER IS STANDARD AND A REQUIRED SAFETY FEATURE. THE MINI COOPER WAS PURCHASED FROM CARMAX.COM ( CARMAX IN FAIRFIELD, CA ). MY CONCERN AND QUESTION IS WHETHER ON NOT CARMAX KNEW THIS AND DO THEY GENERALLY SELL USED VEHICLES THAT DO NOT MEET STANDARD SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. I HAVE NOT CONTACTED CARMAX ABOUT THIS. THANK YOU. *TR

• 08/28/2023· AIR BAGS,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  02/16/2023 i purchase mini cooper s from a private owner i paid cash 6,0000 for the car 2 months later my car broke down i had my car towed to a shop i was told that my motor mounts had no bolts or screws and that what cause my car to break down it also broke my intake and wheel bearings had to be replaced total cost 1,600.00 On 08/04/2023 my car breaks down i was told that my valve broke and two cylinders needed to be replace the mechanic also told me that my card did not have the miles that it showing on the odometer when i purchase my car odometer read 156,000 miles i was told my mechanic that my car has almost 300,000 miles and the memory brain on my car is ready it a 2006 but my vin number said 2010 im having to replace my engine on my car still in th shop at i already paid up front 4200

• 08/26/2014· STRUCTURE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR HATCH DOOR BECAME AJAR WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.

• 08/13/2016· ENGINE

  TENSIONER BROKE CAUSING TIMING CHAIN SHEARED THE CAMSHAFT GEAR AND DESTROYED ENGINE...HAD CAR 7 MONTHS...BOUGHT USED AT TOYOTA OF NICHOLASVILLE IN NICHOLASVILLE KY

• 08/08/2013· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  I HAD JUST PARKED IN OUR GARAGE AND GOT OUT TO GET ITEMS OUT OF THE TRUNK OF THE CAR. MY LEG TOUCHED THE TAIL PIPE OF THE CAR AND THERE WAS IN INSTANT BURN TO THE CALF OF MY LEG. IT ONLY TOOK ONE SECOND. IT WAS THE SIZE OF A QUARTER AND SKIN WAS BURNED OFF INSTANTLY. IT IS QUITE PAINFUL. I TOOK A PICTURE OF THE INJURY AND I ALSO TOOK A PICTURE OF THE TAIL PIPE TO SHOW THAT IT STICKS OUT BEYOND THE BUMPER. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A POOR DESIGN IN REGARDS TO SAFETY. *TR

• 08/01/2012· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, TWO PASSENGERS SUSTAINED BURNS TO THEIR LEGS FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE WHILE PLACING AN ITEM IN THE TRUNK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,732.

• 07/29/2021· ENGINEFire

  The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a rattling sound heard with a burning odor detected. The vehicle stalled without warning. The check engine light warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer performed an oil change and the check engine light was reset; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and diagnosed with engine failure after failing the smog test. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was 104,000.

• 07/22/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  'DEATH RATTLE,' A RATTLING SOUND THAT COMES FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. 002D50 DME:SUPER KNOCKING 002D9C DME: KNOWCKSENSOR, SIGNAL CAR RUNS ROUGH FOUND SUPER KNOCKING PLAUSIBLITY FAULTS AND RATTLING FROM THE ENGINE. TIMING CHANIN IS FAULTY REPLACED TIMING CHAIN CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT TIMING CHAIN KIT CHAIN GUIDE BOLT SEAL CHAIN GUIDE BOLT SEAL TIMING RAIL BOLT CAMSHAFT BOLT CAMSHAFT BOLT SPARK PLUG ILZKBR7B-8D TIMING RAIL BOLT VALVE COVER GASKET SET BROKEN TIMING CHAIN GUIDE ==COMPLAINT== BROKEN TIMING CHAIN GUIDE IN OIL PAN ==CAUSE== CORRECTION: REMOVED OIL PAN, CLEANED CLOGGED OIL PUMP AND RESEALED OIL PAN CHEMICAL GASKET BMW OIL SERVICE COST OF ALL REPAIR IS LABOR$1450.00 PARTS$534.89 TAX$52.15 TOTAL$1922.04 PAID$1922.04

• 07/20/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER

  While driving home one night the following items failed to work: Head lights; turn signals, front windows (so no hand signals); Hazard lights; interior lights; and speedometer dash light. This occurred shortly after a battery change. I am not sure if tail of brake lights function at this time. Driving the vehicle in this condition presents a unacceptable safety concern. During daily light hours I had already noticed the turn signal issue and just thought maybe a relay was bad and had not had time to investigate. Investigation revealed the failed part is the FOOTWELL MODULE, and that this is a KNOWN ISSUE by Mini Cooper. Rather than issue a recall and fix the parts, they offered an extended warranty that lasted 10 years (which expired 13 months ago for my car). As a safety issue, this should have been a recall for all vehicles, not a wait til people have a fail to fix. This issue affects newer models as well.

• 07/19/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire

  The contact owned a 2010 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled a burning odor within the interior of the vehicle. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the road, and after visual inspection, he observed flames emanating from the footwell control module. The contact stated that bystanders assisted him in extinguishing the flames. No police or fire reports were filed. No warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic; instead, it was towed to the contact's residence, where it remains. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number 23V337000 (Electrical System), and the VIN was included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

• 07/13/2016· ENGINE

  THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDE RAIL, CHAIN TENSIONERS,SLIKE RAIL FRICTION WHEEL ETC ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED AND IT ONLY HAS 13000 MILES I KNOW THAT BMW IS BEING SUED AND HABBERSTAD SAID THAT WE WOULD BE INFORMED OF THE SUIT IF OUR VEHICLE IS PART OF THE SUIT. PLEASE HELP US WITH THIS MATTER.

• 07/11/2018· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MINI COOPER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. AFTER SAFELY PULLING THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BLUE RIDGE MOTOR WORK (2424 FORT HENRY DR., KINGSPORT, TN) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST DUE TO NO RECALLS BEING ATTRIBUTED TO THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000.

• 07/11/2015· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  OUR 2010 MINI COOPER DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR HAS MALFUNCTIONED MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THIS CAR (PREVIOUS WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE). IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN MINI'S. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS POSSIBLY DEADLY CONDITION IF WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT AS RESCUE/MEDICAL PERSONNEL COULD NOT GET US OUT OF THE DOOR. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO HAVE BMW/MINI OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM AND HAVE A SECOND, MECHANICAL, WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR.

• 07/09/2022· AIR BAGS,SEATS

  The airbag occupancy detection switch in the passenger seat is defective. This is occurring so often on Mini Coopers (R56 models from 2007-2013) that a passenger occupancy defeat switch is being openly sold and YouTube videos are available showing how to fit this device. This disables the occupancy detector switch, causing grave danger of death to infants or children seated in the passenger seat during a collision. MINI is currently charging nearly $1,000 to rectify this common fault. This defect has been confirmed multiple times by MINI, including on my vehicle on 7/8/2022. The component has been inspected by the manufacturer and confirmed to be defective. There were warning lights displayed on the central console, as well as on the driver tachometer every time the car is started. This warning cannot be defeated. This Youtube video (and many others…) have been posted more than 3 years ago about the issue, showing how to disable the warning. This one has over 74,000 views! https://youtu.be/gDlmtygUipM It is WELL overdue that you do something about this clear, present and deadly danger to children! Thank you.

• 07/05/2023· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS

  Passenger seat occupancy sensor failure. This is a very common fault in the R56 series Mini Cooper. The manufacture has not initiated a recall. There are vendors selling "bypass" kits which will cause unsafe air bag deployment in an infant is in the seat.

• 07/04/2025· ENGINE

  Engine issues Engine leaks over heating seal gasket Timing bell Engine missed firing

• 07/02/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  THE SOUND OF THE MOTOR IS VERY VERY NOISE, AND SHAKES REALLY BAD AFTER YOU START THE CAR.