On 2008 MINICooper S, with approx. 12.5K, complete failure of timing chain and components. Was just covered inside of dealer warranty, but even the deal admitted that this is a common problem. Online, other have report the same failure in large numbers. This should be a recall!

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

2008 MINICooper S. the vehicle had a complete electrical and engine failure with no notice. While driving on interstate 287 in NJ with absolutely no notice the car lost total power. Every warning light illuminated on the dash, all gauges dropped to zero, no power whatsoever from the engine, no way to open windows or door locks as their was a complete and total electrical and mechanical failure of this vehicle - there was absolutely no notice. One moment the vehicle was operating normally and the next I had complete and total mechanical, engine and electrical failure rendering the car disabled and without power in the middle lane of interstate 287 South in morristown NJ. Vehicle brought to MINIdealer; vehicle there for almost 2 weeks-supposedly "fixed". the same problem happened a second time within 100 miles of that first service. Vehicle brought to MINIdealer again. Happened a third time for the service technician while he drove the car home from princeton to pa. Vehicle was at MINIfor another 2 and one half weeks. Now they say it is fixed and I do not feel confident they are correct. This problem is without warning and leaves the vehicle permanently disabled in a total and complete way that can lead to serious injury or death for the occupants. MINIcustomer service was abhorrent. They would not return calls and stalled time and again when asked to repurchase this vehicle which is clearly unsafe. They will do nothing. The NHTSA must investigate. The only part they tell me is wrong is the footwell module but will be no more specific. MINImust be held accountable for this defect and failure; this is of very serious nature. Again, the car completely fails-everything-engine, electrical, all power you can not open door locks, windows or the rear hatch. The engine losses all power. Please investigate.

- Basking Ridge, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2008 MINICooper which was purchased in August 2008. He stated that the vehicle would not start. The check engine light illuminated on the instrument control panel. Previously, the vehicle began stalling and losing power. He also observed smoke emitting from the engine compartment and smelled oil burning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a loss in pressure and one of the four cylinders had failed. They also found a dilapidated timing chain and possible emissions failures. The dealer was not sure what caused the failures to occur. The dealer also confirmed that the vehicle was burning oil excessively and the fuel injectors had failed. The contact was awaiting repairs to date. The contact assumed all repairs were to be made under warranty. The failure and current mileages were 29,335.

- Baldwin, NY, USA

Very noisy drive train upon initial start-up; more significant when engine is cold. Noise abates as engine warms.

- San Diego, CA, USA

Engine compartment of 08 MINICooper S gets so hot it has melt the hood scoop. My hood scooping is bowing down and the car has 2700 miles on it. I suggest a recall and a heat shield to resolve this issue. Too many complaints on the forums.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA