10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
73,382 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2010 Mini Cooper engine problems

engine problem

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2010 Mini Cooper Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #64

Jul 212022

Cooper

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The FRM module on my 2010 MINI Cooper S failed in 2022. I was unable to access multiple functions on the vehicle, including interior and exterior lighting, window controls, and other operations that worked randomly during this time. I needed my car fully operational for work commuting so I had to find a replacement FRM, which I did from an OEM MINI parts website, [XXX]. The new FRM I purchased was matched to my vehicle's VIN and installed and programmed by my local MINI shop, Detroit Tuned [XXX] ), in Clawson, MI. The total bill for this was over $800 (I have receipts for the purchase and the install). The recall notice from MINI/BMW came in 2023, and according to their website there is still no fix, which makes no sense since I bought an OEM replacement that was fitted to my car in 2022, as I noted here. How can a part that when fails can potentially cause vehicle fires ("thermal incident", per their recall notes) NOT be replaced immediately by the manufacturer" And how can MINI/BMW say they can't get the part when an OEM version is available online? The delay in this fix is unacceptable. My OEM replacement FRM works perfectly, but I am out the $800+ I spent to get it since MINI didn't then and still doesn't have them available, "officially". So if they ever get the part and replace my fully operational replacement for free, I am still out the money I spent in 2020 to make my car operationally safe. What can I do to get a refund from MINI/BMW" Thanks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Highland Park, MI, USA

problem #63

Mar 172023

Cooper

  • 30,000 miles
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 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 stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that she was unable to check for warning lights due to a previous failure of the instrument cluster. The contact was able to coast the vehicle over to the side of the road. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact stated that the stall was an intermittent failure and occurred at various speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that there were various other electrical failures with the power windows. Additionally, the sunroof was unable to open or close as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was also intermittently not able to turn off after turning the ignition key to the off position and remained running until the vehicle turned off independently. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

problem #62

Aug 042023

Cooper

  • miles
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 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

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #61

Sep 012022

Cooper

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmission/timing chain issue/engine malfunctions

- Owensboro, KY, USA

problem #60

Feb 112022

Cooper

  • miles
The car consumes too much oil. This is not mentioned in the car manual. Without enough oil, the car's engine would seize up and stop functioning. Driving with low oil in the system can ruin the vehicle's engine, completely breaking the motor.

- Winter Haven, FL, USA

problem #59

Aug 072021

Cooper

  • miles
my passenger airbag lights have been on for months.. cannot remove also my car has been burning oil since i got

- North Babylon , NY, USA

problem #58

Jul 082021

Cooper

  • 104,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Glendora, CA, USA

problem #57

Nov 172020

Cooper

  • miles
I have made several attempts to reach out to dealer. The check engine light came on the same day I purchased car. I brought the car back, the dealer said they would replace it, but couldn't do the work that day. They provided me with a false inspection report. They never followed up with me after several months had gone by and several phone calls had been made with them refusing to return my call. The car turns off on its on while driving. The brakes are also not good on the car. I had to get an oil change, wiping blades after a month of having the car. The AC fan is also not functioning. I would like to escalate this issue, because I am unable to pass my state inspection as well as feeling unsafe to drive a car that can turn off anytime on the road while driving. I waited to take to inspection because I was waiting on the dealer to communicate when they will replace the part. after several months of refusing to respond to my phone calls and emails. I have decided to report their intentional negligence. I also purchased a warranty. through this company EPOVO auto group. I have not received a follow document certifying my warranty purchase through them. Uncertain of legitimacy of this warranty as well. I have filed a complaint with BBB and Federal Trade Commission. I have not received a response. The following failed inspection codes: P0014, P0015, MIL Command.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #56

Nov 042020

Cooper

  • 100,000 miles
The car completely quits running while you are driving it. Check engine light comes on but car has already died. Have to coast to a stop with no power steering since the engine has died. Car will not always restart. Sometimes it will crank but not turn over. Sometimes it will restart. Today it died while I was going 65mph on the interstate a D I had to Dodge across 3 lanes of traffic to get to the shoulder. Have had this exact issue before. 3 yrs ago I replaced the high pressure fuel pump for this exact same problem. This was a $1500 repair cost. MINIcooper said that 2010 MINIcoopers were not covered. Only minis up to tne year 2009 were covered in that safety recall so I paid out of pocket. However, MINIcooper used the same part that had been recalled on my 2010. It failed in 2017 and the replacement part has now failed again. MINIcooper called it a "known" issue, but would not cover the replacement cost in 2017. Repair order number with MINIcooper dealer: 262724 and part number 13-51-7-588-879

- Columbia, SC, USA

problem #55

Feb 182020

Cooper

  • 64,000 miles
Mi vehculo MINICooper S 2010, estando estacionado en el garage por ms de 12 horas Y sin prender el motor en ningn momento comenz a incendiarse sin ningn motivo. Por fortuna haba personas que alertaran de lo ocurrido Y pude apagar el fuego en el vehculo, aunque ya haba consumido partes elctrica, de motor Y cofre, etc. Cabe mencionar que esto sucedi en la ciudad de mxico, no en eua, pero ustedes tienen mejor informacin al respecto. Saludos.

- Santa Fe, CA, USA

problem #54

Dec 142019

Cooper

  • 30,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

High pressure fuel pump needs replaced @ 30,000 miles

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #53

Apr 302019

Cooper

  • 83,000 miles
MINICooper timing chain tensoner defect. I have a R56 hardtop 2010 MINICooper. My car started having issues like turning off while driving. A rattling noise under the hood, especially on the passenger side of the car. While I was driving I heard a loud snap noise and my car shut off. The engine would not turn over after that and when I looked under the hook there was a broken valve cover. The timing chain broke and caused massive amount of damage to my car. The MINIdealership in las vegas is not honoring the lawsuit. Not really sure how to proceed. They want $3,500. In repairs. My car is only at 83,000miles and just paid off. Not sure how to proceed.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #52

Oct 012018

Cooper

  • 52,000 miles
Vehicle jerks/hestiates at low speed around 10mph. Jerks during stop and go in traffic. Be to a handful of auto shops and no solution.

- Little Neck, NY, USA

problem #51

Sep 282018

Cooper

  • 81,000 miles
2010 MINICooper 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 MINICoopers, 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.

- Wellington, FL, USA

problem #50

Sep 132018

Cooper

  • 35,000 miles
Engine lost power on highway. Timing chain loosened, caused severe engine damage.

- Bethesda, MD, USA

problem #49

Jul 182018

Cooper

  • 75,806 miles
'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 parts$534.89 tax$52.15 total$1922.04 paid$1922.04

- San Lorenzo, CA, USA

problem #48

Jun 042018

Cooper

  • 97,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 MINICooper. 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.

- Kingsport, TN, USA

problem #47

May 292018

Cooper

  • 106,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 MINICooper S. the contact stated that the engine seized and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to tom bush MINI9881 atlantic blvd, jacksonville, fl 32225, (904) 371-4360) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000. The VIN was not available.

- Orange Park, FL, USA

problem #46

Apr 012018

Cooper

  • 800,000 miles
The timing chain is failing at 80,000. Dealer and miniusa have agreed should last 4 life of the engine at least 120,000.. caused oil to burn off, which caused wearing and damage to exhaust camshaft, seal, and vanos. Time chain failure has been documented on other models and class action suit has determined MINIis responsible for failure and knew about failure in the 2010 as well as far back as 2008. MINIhas reduced repair costs from 4200$ to 1400$ but are refusing to take responsibility this far for full reimbursement. Time chain should have been a recall. Vehicle was operating when time chain began to rattle

- Sherman Oaks, CA, USA

problem #45

Aug 022017

Cooper

  • 81,000 miles
During my morning commute on August 2nd in boston Massachusetts, the timing chain on my 2010 MINIcooper failed causing massive engine damage and ultimate failure. This occurred while in motion, approximately 60 mph on 93 North, a four lane highway leading into boston. The car became disabled and would not not start again. The car was then towed to herb chambers, the nearest MINIdealer.

- Plymouth, MA, USA

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