Owners have filed 197 complaints
about the 2008 Mini Cooper S with NHTSA between 2008 and 2024.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 15 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 — 69
Against the median year of the Mini Cooper S. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 42
8.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 48
28% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
31.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
74.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
158.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5631.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
5732.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2111.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1810.2%
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.
Sep 2008peak 6Mar 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2008 Mini Cooper S
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...
EA08020Opened 29 Aug 2008Closed 2 Jan 2009ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
EXHAUST PIPE BURNS
BMW WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (08V-657) ON 28,450 MINI COOPER S VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 18, 2006 THROUGH JULY 8, 2008.DEALERS WILL INSTALL MODIFIED EXHAUST PIPE TIPS THAT DO NOT EXTEND BEYOND THE REAR BUMPER.THE TWO EXHAUST PIPE TIPS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES EXIT THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AT THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE AND EXTEND BEYOND THE REAR BUMPER.THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED BEING BURNED ON THEIR LEGS WHEN THEY INADVERTENTLY TOUCHED THE EXPOSED HOT EXHAUST PIPE TIPS WHILE REMOVING ITEMS OF CARGO FROM THE REAR OF THEIR VEHICLE VIA THE HATCH BACK DOOR.SOME COMPLAINANTS REPORTED...
Recalls on the 2008 Mini Cooper S
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.
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.
Recall 20090282,192 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the centrally-located tailpipe extension protrudes slightly beyond the rear bumper. As a consequence, it is possible for inadvertent contact with a person's leg. It the tailpipe is hot during contact, a burn could occur. Correction: Dealers will replace the tailpipe extension with a new, shortened version.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 144,000 milesSanta Cruz, CAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO WARNING. NO CEL OR ERRORS ON THE DASH DISPLAY. CAR WAS RUNNING NORMALLY. I NOTICED SOME SMOKE. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FLAMES STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING NORMALLY. I SHUT OFF THE MOTOR AND GOT OUT. BYSTANDERS EMPTIED AN EXTINGUISHER THROUGH THE FRONT GRILLE BUT WITHIN MINUTES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED. CAR WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DESTROYED. FIRE BURNED THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND CONSUMED THE INTERIOR.
NHTSA complaint #11298643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesSanta Cruz, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO WARNING. NO CEL OR ERRORS ON THE DASH DISPLAY. CAR WAS RUNNING NORMALLY. I NOTICED SOME SMOKE. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FLAMES STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING NORMALLY. I SHUT OFF THE MOTOR AND GOT OUT. BYSTANDERS EMPTIED AN EXTINGUISHER THROUGH THE FRONT GRILLE BUT WITHIN MINUTES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED. CAR WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DESTROYED. FIRE BURNED THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND CONSUMED THE INTERIOR.
NHTSA complaint #11298643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesSanta Cruz, CAFire
ENGINE
MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO WARNING. NO CEL OR ERRORS ON THE DASH DISPLAY. CAR WAS RUNNING NORMALLY. I NOTICED SOME SMOKE. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FLAMES STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING NORMALLY. I SHUT OFF THE MOTOR AND GOT OUT. BYSTANDERS EMPTIED AN EXTINGUISHER THROUGH THE FRONT GRILLE BUT WITHIN MINUTES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED. CAR WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DESTROYED. FIRE BURNED THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND CONSUMED THE INTERIOR.
NHTSA complaint #11298643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBoynton Beach, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS IN A BAD CAR ACCIDENT IN WHICH MY CAR WAS REAR ENDED. I WAS IN THE VERY MOST RIGHT HAND LANE ON THE HIGHWAY, AT A STOP IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME DID NOT STOP, HITTING ME AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH. AS A RESULT, MY CAR SPUN OUT TO THE RIGHT AND HIT THE GUARD RAIL ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY HEAD ON. THE CAR THEN BOUNCED OFF OF THE GUARD RAIL, AND SPUN ABOUT 180 DEGREES TO THE LEFT, WHERE THE REAR END OF THE CAR THEN HIT THE SAME GUARD RAIL AND FINALLY STOPPED. WHEN THE CAR CRASHED INTO THE GUARD RAIL HEAD ON, THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND I HIT MY HEAD AND MY CHEST AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL. I SUSTAINED A FRACTURE IN MY T2 VERTEBRAE AND BAD CHEST BRUISING.
NHTSA complaint #10981563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesMarble Falls, TXFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V657000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT THE REPAIR WAS NOT COMPLETED BEFORE THE CONTACT OWNED THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE CONCERNING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V008000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHO PROVIDED AN OIL CHANGE AND CLEARED A DTC. THE CONTACT LATER EXPERIENCED EXTREME SMOKE EMITTING ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP LEAKED, THE ENGINE OVER HEATED, THE CYLINDER HEAD WAS WARPED, AND THE OIL FILTER HOUSING GASKET WAS LEAKY. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
NHTSA complaint #10957776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,777 milesWall, NJFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THICK, GREY SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V008000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,777.
NHTSA complaint #10852542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 111,000 milesKnightstown, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the windows would roll down independently and the sunroof would fail to close completely. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the braking system; however, the contact stated that new brake hardware had been installed on the vehicle. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11575724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Topeka, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. 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 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11555606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,253 milesHenderson, KY
AIR BAGS
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT SENSOR HAS FAILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IS NOT ACTIVATE IN A CRASH WHEN THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED. RECALLS ACTIVE FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE FOR THE SAME MAKE IN OTHER YEARS AND MODELS ARE CURRENTLY RECALLED HOWEVER OTHERS ARE EXCLUDED.
NHTSA complaint #11366861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesGraham, WA
AIR BAGS
TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS OFF LINE. THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS DO NOT TURN ON WHEN A PASSENGER IS SEATED. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWS THAT IT IS NOT TURNING ON WITH OR WITHOUT A PASSENGER. ALSO THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE TACHOMETER WHEN I START THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM BEGAN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND STATIONARY.
NHTSA complaint #11361883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSpring, TX
ENGINE
TIMING CHAIN JUMPED OUT OF TIMING AND CAUSED BENT VALVES.
NHTSA complaint #11355604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eddy, TX
SEATS
WARNING MESSAGE FOR SEAT BELT TENSION/AIR BAG MALFUNCTION AND BOTH LIGHTS ARE ON. THE VEHICLE HAS 40+ THOUSAND MILES ON IT, I AM A SECOND OWNER. THIS PROBLEM JUST STARTED ON MAY 29, 2020. NO ACCIDENTS FOR THIS VEHICLE. COST FOR REPAIR IS OVER $2000 AND SO FAR THERE'S ONLY RECALLS FOR 2008 CONVERTIBLE WHICH I TOTALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND. THIS LOOKS TO BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE MINI AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED DUE TO THE AIR BAGS BEING AFFECTED. I CURRENTLY HAVE NO PHOTOS BUT CAN READILY SUPPLY PHOTOS UPON REQUEST. THE SEAT BELT LIGHT/AIR BAG EMBLEM SHOWS ON THE DASH SCREEN WHEN ENTERING THE KEY WHILE STATIONARY, NO ONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND DOES NOT GO AWAY WHEN OCCUPIED.
NHTSA complaint #11327289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eddy, TX
SEAT BELTS
WARNING MESSAGE FOR SEAT BELT TENSION/AIR BAG MALFUNCTION AND BOTH LIGHTS ARE ON. THE VEHICLE HAS 40+ THOUSAND MILES ON IT, I AM A SECOND OWNER. THIS PROBLEM JUST STARTED ON MAY 29, 2020. NO ACCIDENTS FOR THIS VEHICLE. COST FOR REPAIR IS OVER $2000 AND SO FAR THERE'S ONLY RECALLS FOR 2008 CONVERTIBLE WHICH I TOTALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND. THIS LOOKS TO BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE MINI AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED DUE TO THE AIR BAGS BEING AFFECTED. I CURRENTLY HAVE NO PHOTOS BUT CAN READILY SUPPLY PHOTOS UPON REQUEST. THE SEAT BELT LIGHT/AIR BAG EMBLEM SHOWS ON THE DASH SCREEN WHEN ENTERING THE KEY WHILE STATIONARY, NO ONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND DOES NOT GO AWAY WHEN OCCUPIED.
NHTSA complaint #11327289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eddy, TX
AIR BAGS
WARNING MESSAGE FOR SEAT BELT TENSION/AIR BAG MALFUNCTION AND BOTH LIGHTS ARE ON. THE VEHICLE HAS 40+ THOUSAND MILES ON IT, I AM A SECOND OWNER. THIS PROBLEM JUST STARTED ON MAY 29, 2020. NO ACCIDENTS FOR THIS VEHICLE. COST FOR REPAIR IS OVER $2000 AND SO FAR THERE'S ONLY RECALLS FOR 2008 CONVERTIBLE WHICH I TOTALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND. THIS LOOKS TO BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE MINI AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED DUE TO THE AIR BAGS BEING AFFECTED. I CURRENTLY HAVE NO PHOTOS BUT CAN READILY SUPPLY PHOTOS UPON REQUEST. THE SEAT BELT LIGHT/AIR BAG EMBLEM SHOWS ON THE DASH SCREEN WHEN ENTERING THE KEY WHILE STATIONARY, NO ONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND DOES NOT GO AWAY WHEN OCCUPIED.
NHTSA complaint #11327289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesSanta Cruz, CAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO WARNING. NO CEL OR ERRORS ON THE DASH DISPLAY. CAR WAS RUNNING NORMALLY. I NOTICED SOME SMOKE. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FLAMES STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING NORMALLY. I SHUT OFF THE MOTOR AND GOT OUT. BYSTANDERS EMPTIED AN EXTINGUISHER THROUGH THE FRONT GRILLE BUT WITHIN MINUTES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED. CAR WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DESTROYED. FIRE BURNED THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND CONSUMED THE INTERIOR.
NHTSA complaint #11298643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesSanta Cruz, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO WARNING. NO CEL OR ERRORS ON THE DASH DISPLAY. CAR WAS RUNNING NORMALLY. I NOTICED SOME SMOKE. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FLAMES STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING NORMALLY. I SHUT OFF THE MOTOR AND GOT OUT. BYSTANDERS EMPTIED AN EXTINGUISHER THROUGH THE FRONT GRILLE BUT WITHIN MINUTES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED. CAR WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DESTROYED. FIRE BURNED THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND CONSUMED THE INTERIOR.
NHTSA complaint #11298643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesSanta Cruz, CAFire
ENGINE
MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO WARNING. NO CEL OR ERRORS ON THE DASH DISPLAY. CAR WAS RUNNING NORMALLY. I NOTICED SOME SMOKE. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FLAMES STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING NORMALLY. I SHUT OFF THE MOTOR AND GOT OUT. BYSTANDERS EMPTIED AN EXTINGUISHER THROUGH THE FRONT GRILLE BUT WITHIN MINUTES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED. CAR WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DESTROYED. FIRE BURNED THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND CONSUMED THE INTERIOR.
NHTSA complaint #11298643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesFort Worth, TX
AIR BAGS
PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SEAT MAT IS DEFECTIVE. JUST STOPPED WORKING. COST TO REPLACE IS OVER $2000. SO, THE WARNING LIGHT FOR DEFECTIVE AIRBAG SENSOR REMAINS ON.
NHTSA complaint #11286523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesFort Worth, TX
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SEAT MAT IS DEFECTIVE. JUST STOPPED WORKING. COST TO REPLACE IS OVER $2000. SO, THE WARNING LIGHT FOR DEFECTIVE AIRBAG SENSOR REMAINS ON.
NHTSA complaint #11286523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,094 milesHomosassa, FL
ENGINE
AT 32000 MILES AN OIL LEAK WAS NOTED ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE FOREIGN CAR REPAIR SHOP TROUBLESHOT THE LEAK. FINAL OUTCOME: REPLACE SUPERCHARGER ASSEMBLY, VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP AND INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. TOTAL COST $3,014.78 FOR A VEHICLE THAT HAS A TRADE-IN VALUE OF LESS THAN $5,000. THE FOREIGN CAR EXPERT WAS AMAZED THAT THE TURBO HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11193140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,674 milesColumbus, OH
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE TIMING CHAIN FRACTURED, CAUSING A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. ALL THE VALVES AND CYLINDER HEADS WERE BENT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER EVEN AFTER THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (MIDWESTERN AUTO GROUP, 6335 PERIMETER LOOP RD, DUBLIN, OH 43017, (614) 889-2571 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $8,000. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS PROVIDED A CLAIM NUMBER. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST WITH THE WARRANTY OR RECALL,S BUT OFFERED TO PAY $2,000 TOWARDS THE REPAIR COST. THE OFFER WAS GOOD FOR SIX MONTHS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,674.
NHTSA complaint #11192254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,674 milesColumbus, OH
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON I-71 N & N. BROADWAY EXIT IN COLUMBUS, OHIO ON MARCH 1, 2019 THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND CAUSED COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE AND BENT ALL VALVES AND CYLINDER HEAD AND VALVES RESULTING IN $8821.97 IN DAMAGE TO MY ENGINE. THE CAUSE OF THE TIMING CHAIN FAILURE IS DUE TO THE PRINCE/PSA ENGINE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING DEFECT ADMITTED TO IN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT KNOW AS JOSHUA SKEEN AND LAURIE FREEMAN V. BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, L.LC. UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY CIV. NO. 2:13-CV-1531-WHW-CLW. BMW DECLINED TO REPLACE MY ENGINE UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AGREED TO IN THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT OF THE ABOVE CITED ACTION. ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND MY ENGINE FAILURE COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED LOSS OF LIFE. MY VEHICLE IS ONE OF THE CLASS VEHICLES, R56 N14 ENGINE PRODUCED BETWEEN 2006 THRU 2010. THIS IS A PRODUCT LIABILITY SAFETY CLAIM THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO ANY STATUTORY/WARRANTY TIME LIMITATION. ALL CLASS VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THE LOSS OF LIFE AND SAFETY RISKS. DO NOT WAIT FOR LOSS OF LIFE TO ENFORCE THE LIABILITY OF BMW FOR THEIR FAILURE TO SELF REPORT THE DESIGN DEFECT AND FAILURE TO VOLUNTARILY RECALL ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #11192292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesLolo, MT
ENGINE
MY MINI COOPER HAS A TIMING CHAIN PROBLEM IT RATTLES UPON STARTING AND I HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT .....I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11122106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesChapel Hill, NC
ENGINE
THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND A MINI DEALERSHIP HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN IS THE PROBLEM ALONG WITH THE VALVES (POSSIBLY CAUSED BY THE TIMING BEING OFF). MULTIPLE CONVERSATIONS WITH MINI CUSTOMER RELATIONS HAVE GOTTEN NO WHERE AND THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE KNOWN ISSUES WITH THE TIMING CHAIN IN THIS VEHICLE. DESPITE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SPECIFICALLY ABOUT THE TIMING CHAIN, NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED AND THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ASSIST CUSTOMERS WITH NECESSARY REPAIRS TO THIS DEFECTIVE PART (AND OTHER DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE DEFECT). THESE TIMING CHAIN ISSUES ARE NOT ONLY AN UNDUE BURDEN ON THE CONSUMER, THEY CAN BE POTENTIALLY FATAL IF A TIMING CHAIN FAILS AT AN UNFORTUNATE MOMENT. MINI NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11113824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesBonifay, FL
ENGINE
WHILE TRAVELING ON I-10 IN TALLAHASSEE, FL AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 70 MPH THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER. BEING I THE CENTER LANE OF EIGHT (FOUR EACH DIRECTION) IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC. SEVERAL VEHICLES MADE ABRUPT MANEUVERS TO AVOID A CRASH. ALSO AS I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE WAS NEARLY STRUCK BY OTHER CARS. I LATER FOUND OUT THIS WAS DUE TO A FAILED TIMING CHAIN WITH NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND NO RECALL. THERE WAS ALSO A CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT AND STILL NO RECALL. THIS COULD HAVE WELL BEEN A FATAL INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11067188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesRichmond, VA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
AS SOON AS CAR BEGINS TO MOVE THE DSC ERROR APPEARS AND THE DSC NO LONGER WORKS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE SZL MODULE THAT CONTROLS THIS HAS FAILED AND APPARENTLY DOES THIS WITH OTHER MINI'S AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #11061450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesBonifay, FL
ENGINE
CAR TAKES A WHILE TO "WARM UP" HOWEVER AFTER A VERY SHORT DRIVE THE HOOD IS HOT TO THE TOUCH. IT ALSO SMELLS HOT. I LOOKED ON LINE AND SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS AND THERE IS ACTUALLY AN AFTER MARKET 'DEFLECTOR' TO CHANNEL HEAT FROM THE HOOD. I HAVE NOTICED THE PLASTIC HOOD SCOOP IS DEFORMED FROM HEAT. I FEEL IT IS A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A FIRE OR OTHER REACTION, E.G., HEAT CAUSES ANOTHER PART TO FAIL AND CAR WONT STOP, ACCELERATE OR OTHER CAUSING A CRASH. I ALSO NOTICED THE HEADLIGHT WIRING TO BE FRAYED AS IF IT HAS BEEN HOT.
NHTSA complaint #11057397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesMcdonough, GA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, SPECIFICALLY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED AND CAUSED STEERING CONTROL TO BECOME DIFFICULT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WOULD OVERHEAT, WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO PARK THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT COOLED IN ORDER FOR THE POWER STEERING TO FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THE CONTACT CALLED MINI OF KENNESAW (2275 BARRETT LAKES BLVD, KENNESAW, GA 30144; 678-496-9565) WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY OR A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11034139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,500 milesSpring City, PA
SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHEN STARTING CAR. CALLED LOCAL MINI DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS AN "EXTENDED WARRANTY" FOR SEAT MAT SENSOR.
NHTSA complaint #11023761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,500 milesSpring City, PA
AIR BAGS
SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHEN STARTING CAR. CALLED LOCAL MINI DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS AN "EXTENDED WARRANTY" FOR SEAT MAT SENSOR.
NHTSA complaint #11023761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesRedding, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY CAR HAS 114,000 MILE ON IT. THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED PER RECALL. THE ENGINE HAS FAILED WITH BAD INJECTORS, CYLINDERS AND RINGS. MECHANIC SAID THIS FAILURE IS PERVASIVE IN 2002 TO 2008 MODELS DO TO POOR DESIGN. THE COST TO REPAIR IS TOO HIGH.
NHTSA complaint #11006136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.