I was driving about 25mph when I saw smoke coming from under the hood. I pulled over and popped the hood and found flames in the engine bay. I didn't have an extinguisher in the car and there wasn't a hose in sight, so it burned for a few mins before a bystander stopped and gave me an extinguisher. The fire department came shortly after and doused the still smoldering engine compartment with water. There were no warning lights on in the dashboard before, during or after this fire. My countryman, built in April 2011 and purchased in may, has about 5700 miles on it and has otherwise had no problems. My research online indicates that other MINImodels (cooper S, clubman) have had similar problems, and that the NHTSA is investigating some of these. Please consider adding the countryman to your investigation of MINIspontaneous engine fires.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

My car is the MINIcountryman all 4 year 2011. As I was driving on tonnele ave heading towards rt 3 w, the car was on 3rd gear and I shifted to 4th. I felt that the car would not accelerate, and lose power. I had to move to the shoulder, while the car was still "rolling". when I got to the shoulder the car just completely died. The yellow indicator light was on, I looked up from the user's manual, it says, " full engine power is no longer available, you can continue your journey, but moderate your speed and exercise due caution. Have engine checked asap." I then tried to restart the car, it cranked but wouldn't start. I called roadside assistance and tow truck came to tow the car after hour and a half. The next day, service department called and explained to me that there is a sensor malfunction caused the car to lose power. I immediately searched online to see if there is any recalls and or any similar complaints, I found a few other complaints with the same indicator light went off. All these owners have their cars for as little as a month to a couple of months.

- Jersey City, NJ, USA