Owners have filed 64 complaints
about the 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman with NHTSA between 2010 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Mini Cooper S Clubman. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 24
4.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 44
26% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2009 compares with every other Mini Cooper S Clubman
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
23.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
35.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2644.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1627.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
712.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
46.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2010peak 5Mar 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE11036Opened 11 Oct 2011Closed 11 Jun 2012ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine compartment fire
In a January 10, 2012 letter to NHTSA, BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the electric auxiliary water pump in approximately 88,911 model year (MY) 2007-2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011 (Recall 12V-008).According to BMW, the auxiliary water pump on vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder turbocharged engines may overheat.Electro-migration can cause the pump electronic circuit board to overheat resulting in smoldering of the water pump. If smoldering occurs, it may lead to an engine...
Recalls on the 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
18V248000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
12V008000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2011 MINI COOPER S, 2008-2011 MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 COOPER JCW CONVERTIBLE, AND 2011 COOPER S COUNTRYMAN PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 14, 2006, THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2011. THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP THAT COOLS THE TURBOCHARGER HAS AN ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CAN MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT.
Risk: THE CIRCUIT BOARD MAY SMOLDER WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20120086,557 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the auxiliary water pump (which cools the turbocharger after the engine is turned OFF) can overheat and fail. This could result in a vehicle fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump. Note: Owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors until the remedy is applied.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 38,500 milesMansfield, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER DRIVING TO WORK FOR 30 MINUTES, I PARKED MY CAR. I THOUGHT I SMELLED SOMETHING AS I WALKED AWAY, SO I STOPPED AN LOOKED, BUT I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING. FIVE MINUTES AFTER WALKING INTO MY BUILDING, SOMEONE TOLD ME MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRST WITNESS TO SEE SOMETHING (A CO-WORKER) SAID HE SAW SOMETHING ON FIRE DROP FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR. WHEN I RAN OUTSIDE, THE CAR WAS PUTTING OFF A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SMOKE. WE TRIED TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, TO NO END, AND WITHIN MINUTES WE WERE SEEING FLAMES. FIVE MINUTES LATER, THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FIRE. IT WAS FAST AND HOT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT, BUT IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAVE PHOTO DOCUMENTATION OF THE EVENT.
NHTSA complaint #10430619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,500 milesMansfield, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
AFTER DRIVING TO WORK FOR 30 MINUTES, I PARKED MY CAR. I THOUGHT I SMELLED SOMETHING AS I WALKED AWAY, SO I STOPPED AN LOOKED, BUT I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING. FIVE MINUTES AFTER WALKING INTO MY BUILDING, SOMEONE TOLD ME MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRST WITNESS TO SEE SOMETHING (A CO-WORKER) SAID HE SAW SOMETHING ON FIRE DROP FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR. WHEN I RAN OUTSIDE, THE CAR WAS PUTTING OFF A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SMOKE. WE TRIED TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, TO NO END, AND WITHIN MINUTES WE WERE SEEING FLAMES. FIVE MINUTES LATER, THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FIRE. IT WAS FAST AND HOT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT, BUT IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAVE PHOTO DOCUMENTATION OF THE EVENT.
NHTSA complaint #10430619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,000 milesChimacum, WAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I PARKED MY 2009 MINI CLUBMAN AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 10 MILES TO THE GROCERY STORE ROUND TRIP AND UNLOADED GROCERIES, WENT BACK OUT TO THE CAR AND IT WAS SMOKING WHITE SMOKE. FLAMES STARTED SHOOTING UP FROM THE ENGINE OVER THE WINDSHIELD AND IT PROGRESSED FROM THERE. THE SMOKE TURNED BLACK ALL WINDOWS WERE BLOWN OUT, FRONT TIRES MELTED AND BLOWN AND THE CAR WAS DECLARED AN OBVIOUS TOTAL LOSS. IT CAUGHT OUR HOME ON FIRE AND HAS CAUSED MORE THAN $50,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE. PLEASE CORRECT THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10346542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Las Vegas, NV
ENGINE
I am writing to formally request reimbursement for a timing chain replacement performed on my vehicle, which was the subject of a specific safety recall issued by BMW. The timing chain defect in this vehicle represents a severe safety hazard, as a failure can cause an immediate and total engine stall while the vehicle is in motion. This loss of power in traffic creates an 100% avoidable risk of collision. Despite BMW recognizing this defect through a prior reimbursement program, they are refusing to compensate for a safety-critical repair on a low-mileage vehicle (58,XXX miles) simply based on the car's age. At the time of repair, the vehicle had approximately 58,XXX miles. Although the vehicle is older, it was in storage for several years because the previous owner was unaware of the recall and lacked the financial means to address it. Despite the period of storage, the car remained in excellent condition, with the timing chain being the only mechanical requirement at the time. The repair was completed by a local independent shop and paid for out-of-pocket. While BMW has recently honored a different recall for an electronics panel on this same VIN, my request for timing chain reimbursement was denied based on the vehicle's age. I believe this denial is inconsistent, as the safety defect identified in the recall existed regardless of the car's age or storage history. I am seeking compensation for the parts and labor costs associated with this safety-critical repair
NHTSA complaint #11726242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesAtlanta, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contacted became aware of a failure with the electrical system. The contact stated that the instrument panel failed to display as needed, and the turn signals failed to function properly. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to turn off, causing the battery to become drained. 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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11591118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Medford, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman. 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 and local dealer were not contacted. The contact stated that the footwell area was very warm to the touch. The failure mileage was not available. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11565988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLyndonville, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11555393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesNew Paltz, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the contact stated that there was a leak on the passenger’s side which caused a short circuit of the fuse box located in the passenger side foot well. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who determined that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer should cover the cost for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11538906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weston, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Copper S Clubman. 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the footwell control module needed to be replaced. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11534344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hurt, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The contact later 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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11531684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesAthens, GA
AIR BAGS
PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR IS MALFUNCTIONING. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR FAILURE RESULTS IN THE AIRBAG FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE BEING DISABLED WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION/DRIVING REGARDLESS OF WHETHER A PERSON IS SITTING IN THE SEAT (AN ADULT WILL BE SITTING IN THE SEAT AND THE AIRBAG WILL CONTINUE TO BE DISABLED AS THE CAR IS DRIVEN AROUND). THE LACK OF AIRBAG FOR THE PASSENGER OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FAULTY SENSOR IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISK THAT WILL LIKELY RESULT IN THE DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. THIS APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM MINI HAD ON OTHER MODELS OF ITS CARS WHICH RESULTED IN A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11343770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesNEW Fairfield, CT
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT'S SON HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO BMW OF HUDSON VALLEY (2068 SOUTH RD, POUGHKEEPSIE, NY 12601) WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO PAY 50% TOWARDS THE PART. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11325973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesSalem, OR
ENGINE
DRIVING CAR TO WORK AND DIED AS I WAS GOING THROUGH AN 4 WAY INTERSECTION, CAR WAS IN MOTION WITH MULTIPLE VEHICLES AROUND ME. I HAD TO GET OUT AND PUSH THE CAR OUT OF THE INTERSECTION AND OFF THE ROAD. TRIED TO START WITH NO SUCCESS. CAR WAS LOW ON FUEL SO SUSPECTED IT TO BE EMPTY. CALLED INSURANCE TO SEND SOMEONE WITH GAS BUT STILL WOULDN'T START. GOT THE CAR TOWED HOME AND INVESTIGATED FAULT. FOUND THE CHAIN TENSIONER TO HAVE FAILED CAUSING TIMING OF ENGINE TO CHANGE AND CAUSE PISTON TO HIT VALVES AND BREAK THE ROCKER ARMS.
NHTSA complaint #11308722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesWillis, TX
ENGINE
2009 CLUBMAN MINI COOP FUEL PUMP KEEPS TRYING TO DIE WHEN DRIVING.THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. IT DIE ON ME TRYING TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON L45. THEN WHEN I GET THERE THEY TELL ME IT'S OLDER THEN 10 YEARS.ITS STILL 10 YEARS OLD. NOW IT WON'T EVEN IDOL RIGHT WHEN I START IT UNLESS I MESS WITH GAS PEDAL AND GIVE IT MORE GAS. I HAVE A EXTENDED WARRANTY LETTER THAT SAY 10 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON WITH MINI COOP FOR WEEKS. I'VE TALK TO ABOUT 7 DIFFERENT PEOPLE THAT TELL ME SOMETHING DIFFERENT EVERY TIME I CALL THEM. THEY JUST WON'T HONOR THEIR EXTENDED WARRANTY. THEY JUST DON'T CARE.
NHTSA complaint #11291653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesCamp Hill, PA
AIR BAGS
THE PASSENGERS SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTOR IN MY 2009 MINI COOPER CLUBMAN S IS NOT FUNCTIONING AND IT WON'T ALLOW ANY AIRBAG TO ACTIVATE. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON AND IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND I WILL NOT DRIVE THE CAR WITH NO WORKING AIRBAGS. IT STARTED WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE ON 8/14 AND REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE ON BACKORDER.
NHTSA complaint #11018736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesHomosassa, FL
SEAT BELTS
PASSENGER AIRBAG/SEATBELT WARNING LIGHTS AND TONES ARE CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THIS IS NOT ONLY AN ANNOYING PROBLEM IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS THE PASSENGER SAFETY EQUIPMENT IS NON-FUNCTIONAL. THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT FOR THIS MODEL/YEAR AND RESOLUTION IS A COSTLY DEALER FIX WITH PARTS PRESENTLY BACKORDERED.
NHTSA complaint #10930020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesHomosassa, FL
AIR BAGS
PASSENGER AIRBAG/SEATBELT WARNING LIGHTS AND TONES ARE CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THIS IS NOT ONLY AN ANNOYING PROBLEM IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS THE PASSENGER SAFETY EQUIPMENT IS NON-FUNCTIONAL. THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT FOR THIS MODEL/YEAR AND RESOLUTION IS A COSTLY DEALER FIX WITH PARTS PRESENTLY BACKORDERED.
NHTSA complaint #10930020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
ENGINE
I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF A MINI COOPER CLUBMAN S 2009. IT HAD ABOUT 50K MILES WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THIS CAR. NEW TO THIS MAKE OF VEHICLE, I DID NOT PUT MUCH ATTENTION TO THE NOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I CAME ACROSS A COMMENT AT THE MINI FORUMS WHERE SOMEONE STATED THAT THIS CARS HAD A COMMON DIESEL SOUND. IN THE TWO YEARS THAT I HAVE HAD THIS CAR, I HAVE DONE A FEW REPAIRS AND PEOPLE THAT HAVE HEARD THE SOUND HAVE TOLD ME THE SAME THING. "THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG IN THE ENGINE." " THAT SOUND IS NOT NORMAL." YOU GOT TO TAKE YOUR CAR TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A SPECIALIST CHECK WHAT'S WRONG IN THERE." I DID NOT TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT FAMILIAR WITH THESE CARS. I WOULD TELL THEM THAT IT WAS A NORMAL DIESEL SOUND. SOMETIME IN FEBRUARY I RECEIVED A LETTER REGARDING THIS ISSUE. IT IS NOT A RECALL LETTER BUT INSTEAD IS A "TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT CLAIM FORM." I HAVE NOT HAD ANY REPAIRS DONE TO THE CAR. IF I SPEND OVER $1K TO GET IT FIXED, I MAY GET REFUNDED. CHANCES ARE THAT I WON'T. I HAVE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY LOCAL DEALER AND THEY WILL CHECKING THE CAR FOR THIS ISSUE. THEY DID NOT TELL ME THAT THEY WILL MAKE THE REPAIRS AT NO CHARGE. SINCE IT ISN'T A RECALL YET, I DOUBT THE DEALER PEOPLE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL COST. LET'S SEE WHAT HAPPENS BUT I AM REALLY UNHAPPY ABOUT ALL THIS. FIRST, VALVE COVER. THEN, FUEL FEED LINE, AFTER THAT, VACUUM PUMP, THEN THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING. RIGHT NOW, TENSIONER CHAIN ALONG WITH VANOS SOLENOID. I WISH I HAD NOT SOLD MY TOYOTA MINI TRUCK I HAD BACK IN THE 80'S. NOT MUCH TECHNOLOGY. WHICH WAS OK. JUST ADD GAS, DO REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND GOOD TO GO WITH NO WORRIES OF SENSOR, CODES HERE AND CODES THERE. NO RECALLS EITHER. MAKE THIS MINI CHAIN TENSIONER A RECALL AND HAVE BMV RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING THEIR BAD ENGINEERING. WHY SHOULD THE CONSUMER HAVE TO PAY?
NHTSA complaint #10861372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesAustin, TX
ENGINE
IN ONLY 8 MONTHS OF OWNING MY MINI: RATTLING AT A COLD START AND DURING SLOW DRIVING, THEN BEGAN MAKING A HESITATING, JERK TYPE MOVEMENT WHEN I ACCELERATED, THEN BEGAN MAKING A LOUDER NOISE. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS EVER CAME ON AND THERE WAS NEVER ANY INDICATION OF ANY TYPE OF LEAK (NO LIGHTS, NO FLUID ON THE GROUND, ALL FLUID CHECKS INDICATED PROPER LEVELS). NO MAINTENANCE WAS DUE. 41,817 MILES ON IT WHEN I PURCHASED IT, I PUT UNDER 4,000 MILES ON IT SINCE, ONLY DRIVE 20 MINUTES DAILY TO WORK AND BACK. TIMING BELT TENSIONER FAILURE AND GUIDES, PARTS FELL INTO OIL PAN AND OIL LEAKING. COST ME OUT OF POCKET $3,000 IN REPAIRS SINCE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I BOUGHT FROM 'WARRANTY SOLUTIONS' REFUSED TO PAY, CLAIMING IT WAS NEGLIGENCE ON MY PART. 'WARRANTY SOLUTIONS' IS A SCAM TOO, BUT THAT IS A WHOLE OTHER COMPLAINT BY ITSELF. THE TURBO HEAT SHEILD WAS ALSO MISSING ON MY CAR. MINI DEALERSHIP IS HORRIBLE, SO BACKED UP, WAITED A WEEK JUST TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND THEN WOULD HAVE HAD TO WAIT ANOTHER WEEK FOR REPAIRS. HAD REPAIRS DONE IN 2 DAYS AT AN INDEPENDENT SHOP. A CALL TO MINI FINDS THEY DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY DEFECTIVE TIMING BELT SYSTEM EVEN THOUGH THIS HAS HAPPENED TO NUMEROUS OTHER MINI OWNERS. MINI IS WELL AWARE OF THIS DEFECT, YET THEY ARE NOT ISSUING A RECALL. THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST THEM FOR THIS. WE ALL NEED TO BE REIMBURSED.
NHTSA complaint #10837005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,500 milesSpokane, WA
POWER TRAIN
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE APPROXIMATELY 70MPH, SUDDENLY VEHICLE BEGAN RUMBLING. IMMEDIATELY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE MOTOR KEPT RUNNING BUT WITH A CONTINUOUS RUMBLING AND ACCELERATOR WAS COMPLETELY INACTIVE. CAR WILL START BUT NO POWER OUTPUT, PRESSING ON THE GAS IS FUTILE.
NHTSA complaint #10724854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,500 milesSpokane, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE APPROXIMATELY 70MPH, SUDDENLY VEHICLE BEGAN RUMBLING. IMMEDIATELY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE MOTOR KEPT RUNNING BUT WITH A CONTINUOUS RUMBLING AND ACCELERATOR WAS COMPLETELY INACTIVE. CAR WILL START BUT NO POWER OUTPUT, PRESSING ON THE GAS IS FUTILE.
NHTSA complaint #10724854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesAttleboro, MA
ENGINE
CAR HAD A RATTLLE WHEN COLD. HAD AN APPT. TO HAVE IT CHECKED ON 5/19. DROVE APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE. STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND CAR JUST DIED. I WAS IN THE LEFT HAND LANE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. DANGEROUS SITUATION. TIMING BELT BROKE. TOLD I NEED A NEW ENGINE AT A COST OF $6,000. HAVE SINCE READ OF MANY IDENTICAL PROBLEMS DESPITE A GOOD MAINTENANCE RECORD. SO FAR, MINI HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED KNOWING THE TIMING BELT WAS DEFECTIVE DESPITE THE FACT IT HAS OCCURRED IN CARS ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASED NEW.
NHTSA complaint #10722814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,504 milesAustin, TX
POWER TRAIN
TOOK IN FOR OIL CHANGE, BURNING SMELL, AND RATTLING SOUND WHEN ENGINE COLD. I WAS GIVEN A LIST AFTER THEY HAD A FEW DAYS OF: MATERIAL FAILURE OF OIL PAN GASKET, OIL FILTER HOUSING LEAK, TURBO OIL FEED LINE LEAK, MATERIAL FAILURE OF THERMOSTAT HOUSING, MATERIAL FAILURE OF WATER PUMP, AND MATERIAL FAILURE OF TIMING CHAIN, TIMING CHAIN GUIDES, TENSIONER. I ENDED WITH A TOTAL REPAIR COST OF $4,666.30. TWO WEEKS LATER I AGAIN HAVE A BURNING SMELL AND THE TRIM COVERING THE TURBO CHARGER CRACKS. I AM TOLD THIS IS NORMAL AND IT IS JUST OUT OF THE 5 YEAR WARRANTY ON THIS EVEN THOUGH I HAVE AN EXTENDED COSMETIC WARRANTY. IN DECEMBER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON BUT GOES OFF AFTER I CALL DEALER. I AM TOLD IF IT IS OFF, MAY JUST BE EMMISIONS ERROR. ON 2/20/2015, MY OIL PRESSURE LIGHT GOES ON, DEALER HAS NO OPENINGS UNTIL 2/23/15. I TAKE IN AND NOW IT HAS MORE ISSUES, STEMS AND VALVES, WHICH WILL BE ANOTHER $2K IN REPAIRS. IT IS STILL NOT DUE FOR OIL CHANGE BUT I HAD REQUESTED ONE SINCE I WAS THERE. IT IS LOW ON OIL DUE TO VALVE AND THE ENGINE ISSUE. ALL OF THESE ISSUES ARE IDENTICAL TO A THOSE VEHICLES WITH THE TENSIONER,WATER PUMP, TURBO FEED LINE RECALL.....BUT YET I AM TOLD MINE DOES NOT HAVE THE RECALL ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10690437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,504 milesAustin, TX
ENGINE
TOOK IN FOR OIL CHANGE, BURNING SMELL, AND RATTLING SOUND WHEN ENGINE COLD. I WAS GIVEN A LIST AFTER THEY HAD A FEW DAYS OF: MATERIAL FAILURE OF OIL PAN GASKET, OIL FILTER HOUSING LEAK, TURBO OIL FEED LINE LEAK, MATERIAL FAILURE OF THERMOSTAT HOUSING, MATERIAL FAILURE OF WATER PUMP, AND MATERIAL FAILURE OF TIMING CHAIN, TIMING CHAIN GUIDES, TENSIONER. I ENDED WITH A TOTAL REPAIR COST OF $4,666.30. TWO WEEKS LATER I AGAIN HAVE A BURNING SMELL AND THE TRIM COVERING THE TURBO CHARGER CRACKS. I AM TOLD THIS IS NORMAL AND IT IS JUST OUT OF THE 5 YEAR WARRANTY ON THIS EVEN THOUGH I HAVE AN EXTENDED COSMETIC WARRANTY. IN DECEMBER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON BUT GOES OFF AFTER I CALL DEALER. I AM TOLD IF IT IS OFF, MAY JUST BE EMMISIONS ERROR. ON 2/20/2015, MY OIL PRESSURE LIGHT GOES ON, DEALER HAS NO OPENINGS UNTIL 2/23/15. I TAKE IN AND NOW IT HAS MORE ISSUES, STEMS AND VALVES, WHICH WILL BE ANOTHER $2K IN REPAIRS. IT IS STILL NOT DUE FOR OIL CHANGE BUT I HAD REQUESTED ONE SINCE I WAS THERE. IT IS LOW ON OIL DUE TO VALVE AND THE ENGINE ISSUE. ALL OF THESE ISSUES ARE IDENTICAL TO A THOSE VEHICLES WITH THE TENSIONER,WATER PUMP, TURBO FEED LINE RECALL.....BUT YET I AM TOLD MINE DOES NOT HAVE THE RECALL ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10690437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,017 milesManassas, VA
ENGINE
SMOKE BEGAN COMING FROM HOOD VENTS, INSPECTED AND FOUND OIL LEAKING ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE TURBO HEAT SHIELD FROM THE OIL TUBE FEEDING THE TURBO WHERE IT WAS CRIMPED TOGETHER. I WAS CLOSE TO HOME AND CONTINUED, WHEN THE ENGINE COOLED I FOUND THAT I COULD REMOVE THE OIL LINE FROM THE FITTING JUST BY TOUCHING IT. I AM SURPRISED THIS THING DIDN'T GO UP IN FLAMES! WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE MINI DEALER THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE OIL TUBING LEAK UNLESS I ALSO COMMITTED TO A NEW HEAD COVER AT 2K. MINI DENIES ANY ISSUES WITH THE DESIGN OR FITTINGS.
NHTSA complaint #10655254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesVirginia Beach, VA
ENGINE
TURBO OIL LINE LEAK, DEALER WANTS $3300 TO REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10640490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesNEW York, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THIS HAPPENED TWICE, THE FIRST TIME IT WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTEE. I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT AND HIT A POTHOLE. I NOTICED THAT MY LEFT FRONT HEADLIGHT WAS POINTED AT THE ROAD. WHEN I GOT HOME I NOTICED THAT THE HOLE ASSEMBLY INSIDE HAD BEEN DISENGAGED AND IS POINTED DOWN. THERE IS NO WAY TO ADJUST IT AND SINCE I WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTEE I DECIDED TO OPEN THE UNIT. I FOUND THAT THE SMALL PLASTIC PART THAT HOLDS THE INNER LIGHT ASSEMBLY FROM FALLING PULLED APART. I WOULD THINK THAT THIS MUST BE TESTED AND THEREFORE I MUST HAVE A DEFECTIVE UNIT. I CONTACTED MINI WHO SENT ME TO THE DEALER AND SAID THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO IT. IT HAS BEEN A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND I HAVE NO RESOLUTION. IF THIS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE I THINK THERE MUST BE OTHER UNITS THAT HAVE FAILED THIS WAY. IS THIS CAUSE FOR A RECALL?
NHTSA complaint #10606570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,566 milesLansdowne, VA
ENGINE
TURBO OIL FEED LINE LEAKING ONTO ENGINE/MANIFOLD. POSSIBLY COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10566790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.