Owners have filed 155 complaints
about the 2008 Mini Cooper with NHTSA between 2008 and 2024.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 19 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 — 52
Against the median year of the Mini Cooper. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 90
17.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 33
19% 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
21.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
54.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
108.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2924.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3125.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2420.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1613.3%
150,000+ miles
32.5%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2008 MINI Cooper Convertible w/SAB
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2008 MINI Cooper w/SAB
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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.
May 2008peak 6Jul 2024
Recalls on the 2008 Mini Cooper
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
23V337000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.
Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202328121,319 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, the footwell module (FRM) may become contaminated by a mixture of salt and moisture inside the vehicle. Over time, this can lead to corrosion that could cause a short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective actions: BMW will notify owners by mail. The corrective actions for this recall are under development. BMW advises that you should park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.
Recall 201854418,468 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the footwell module (FRM3) may become contaminated by a mixture of salt and moisture which could lead to corrosion over time. This could cause a short circuit, resulting in overheating of the module that could lead to a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the footwell module, and replace if necessary. A protective film will be also installed over the module. Note: Owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors until the recall repairs have been completed.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 129,000 milesEureka, MO1 injured
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER INADVERTENTLY BUMPED INTO THE EXHAUST PIPE LOCATED ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, SHE SUSTAINED A SECOND DEGREE BURN TO THE RIGHT LEG WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED REGARDING THE INCIDENT AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V008000 (ENGINE, ENGINE COOLING). THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #11234368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesHerndon, VACrash
SEATS
MY 2008 MINI COOPER WAS IN ACCIDENT IN JAN 2016. THE (PASSENGER) LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKE TO AUTOBODY SHOP. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WAS EVALUATED AND ADDED TO REPAIRS. THE SEAT MAP SENSOR IS THE CHIEF PROBLEM. THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE. THE DEALERSHIP IN STERLING INDICATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE 15-30 DAY TO RECEIVED THE PART. THE PART WAS DELAYED UNTIL MARCH 24,2016. THREE DAYS PRIOR TO DELIVERY IT WAS UPDATED TO JUL 13, 2016. AT THIS POINT MY RENTAL CAR FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY RAN OUT. I CONTACTED CUSTOMER CARE BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO RECEIVE A DATE NOR ASSISTANCE ABOUT MY PART AND LOST OF VEHICLE. AFTER CONVERSATION WITH LIBERTY MUTUAL, AUTO SHOP AND DEALERSHIP, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MADE, MANY INDIVIDUALS ( CONSUMER, INSURANCE COMPANY AND AUTO SHOP) INVOLVED IN THE SITUATION STATED IT WAS NOT SAFE NOR COULD LOSS BE GUARANTEED. AS OF THE 4/18/2016, THE PART HAS BEEN PUT ON INDEFINITE BACK ORDER. CURRENTLY THERE IS NO KNOWN TIME FRAME RETURN OF VEHICLE. I AM WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION AND I WILL NEED TO PURCHASE ANOTHER CAR. ADDITIONALLY I HAVE HEARD FROM OTHER REPAIR FACILITIES, MINI'S PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR AFFECTS FAR MORE MODEL YEARS THAN THOSE FOR WHICH BMW HAS ALREADY ANNOUNCED RECALLS. I AM ALSO AWARE THAT MORE THAN 60 MINI OWNERS ARE WAITING ON THIS PART AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #10861529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesHerndon, VACrash
AIR BAGS
MY 2008 MINI COOPER WAS IN ACCIDENT IN JAN 2016. THE (PASSENGER) LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKE TO AUTOBODY SHOP. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WAS EVALUATED AND ADDED TO REPAIRS. THE SEAT MAP SENSOR IS THE CHIEF PROBLEM. THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE. THE DEALERSHIP IN STERLING INDICATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE 15-30 DAY TO RECEIVED THE PART. THE PART WAS DELAYED UNTIL MARCH 24,2016. THREE DAYS PRIOR TO DELIVERY IT WAS UPDATED TO JUL 13, 2016. AT THIS POINT MY RENTAL CAR FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY RAN OUT. I CONTACTED CUSTOMER CARE BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO RECEIVE A DATE NOR ASSISTANCE ABOUT MY PART AND LOST OF VEHICLE. AFTER CONVERSATION WITH LIBERTY MUTUAL, AUTO SHOP AND DEALERSHIP, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MADE, MANY INDIVIDUALS ( CONSUMER, INSURANCE COMPANY AND AUTO SHOP) INVOLVED IN THE SITUATION STATED IT WAS NOT SAFE NOR COULD LOSS BE GUARANTEED. AS OF THE 4/18/2016, THE PART HAS BEEN PUT ON INDEFINITE BACK ORDER. CURRENTLY THERE IS NO KNOWN TIME FRAME RETURN OF VEHICLE. I AM WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION AND I WILL NEED TO PURCHASE ANOTHER CAR. ADDITIONALLY I HAVE HEARD FROM OTHER REPAIR FACILITIES, MINI'S PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR AFFECTS FAR MORE MODEL YEARS THAN THOSE FOR WHICH BMW HAS ALREADY ANNOUNCED RECALLS. I AM ALSO AWARE THAT MORE THAN 60 MINI OWNERS ARE WAITING ON THIS PART AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #10861529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesRenton, WACrash
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MINI COOPER. WHEN SHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR, THE VEHICLE EASILY SWITCHED INTO THE REVERSE POSITION. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
NHTSA complaint #10808843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesRenton, WACrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MINI COOPER. WHEN SHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR, THE VEHICLE EASILY SWITCHED INTO THE REVERSE POSITION. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
NHTSA complaint #10808843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesRenton, WACrash
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MINI COOPER. WHEN SHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR, THE VEHICLE EASILY SWITCHED INTO THE REVERSE POSITION. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
NHTSA complaint #10808843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Carthage, MO
AIR BAGS
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V205000 , this recall was not for my vehicle. according to the numbers and years but, it was manufactured at the same time in 2007 . SAME AS CONVERTABLE BY THE SAME COMPANY... plus they have not fixed FRM.i boutght this car possibly 3rd hand but i regisdtered with Mini. so my codes are up and the wanring lights are there and i was wanting the information as to what the part number or serial number is for the recalled part, would that not be a way to confirm if it is part of a problem?
NHTSA complaint #11601311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingsville, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the rear headlight remained illuminated after turning off the vehicle. The contact was forced to put the key in and out of the ignition or disconnect the battery to resolve the issue. The contact then 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 failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11582570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Owatonna, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2008 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 local dealer was contacted. 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11558355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper Hardtop. 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 and determined that the parts were unavailable. 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 and confirmed that the parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure the contacts headlight went out. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11549195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2008 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 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 #11548022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the electrical system became inoperable. The contact stated that the windows, headlights, radio, and other safety features were inoperable. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was caused by a rusted footwell control module. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #11547134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norwalk, CT
AIR BAGS
Occupant side airbag sensor is defective my mechanic put a code reader to verify it’s a 2008 hatchback and I see they have recalled all the convertibles but not the sedans I would think the same airbag sensor is in my car are there any updates to my car because the replacement is very very expensive and the airbag failure light is a pain to have displaying That contact added that the vehicle only had about 36,000 miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11528729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Doylestown, PA
POWER TRAIN
While driving the car at aproximately 25mph, the engine and the car stopped running. All dashboard warning lamps were off prior to the engine failure The car rolled to the side of the road to get out of the way of other traffic. The service engine warning lamp was on after the engine shut off and stopped running. The car was towed to a service station, and they too could not get the car to start. The mechanic's troubleshooting ultimately found the engine's internal timing chain had broken, causing multiple of other internal engine components to become damaged. The engine required detailed repair to replace the damaged engine parts to get it to start operating again. The costs for the repairs were over $5000.00.
NHTSA complaint #11527586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Doylestown, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While driving the car at aproximately 25mph, the engine and the car stopped running. All dashboard warning lamps were off prior to the engine failure The car rolled to the side of the road to get out of the way of other traffic. The service engine warning lamp was on after the engine shut off and stopped running. The car was towed to a service station, and they too could not get the car to start. The mechanic's troubleshooting ultimately found the engine's internal timing chain had broken, causing multiple of other internal engine components to become damaged. The engine required detailed repair to replace the damaged engine parts to get it to start operating again. The costs for the repairs were over $5000.00.
NHTSA complaint #11527586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Doylestown, PA
ENGINE
While driving the car at aproximately 25mph, the engine and the car stopped running. All dashboard warning lamps were off prior to the engine failure The car rolled to the side of the road to get out of the way of other traffic. The service engine warning lamp was on after the engine shut off and stopped running. The car was towed to a service station, and they too could not get the car to start. The mechanic's troubleshooting ultimately found the engine's internal timing chain had broken, causing multiple of other internal engine components to become damaged. The engine required detailed repair to replace the damaged engine parts to get it to start operating again. The costs for the repairs were over $5000.00.
NHTSA complaint #11527586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
ENGINE
Timing Chain and tensioner rattle. Known recall issue but not showing recall
NHTSA complaint #11520811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Haven, MN
AIR BAGS
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Airbag Warning Light has come on indicating a malfunction with this safety system and consequently that the airbag safety system may not deploy in the event of an accident. This problem is not unique to my specific vehicle and appears to be a very common issue amongst BMW Mini vehicles as evidenced by much discussion on forums across the internet.
NHTSA complaint #11496394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VA
AIR BAGS
This vehicle just went over 66,000 miles and the airbag warning light started appearing. An independent mechanic and dealership both diagnosed and said it's a defective front passenger seat occupant detection mat and I'd need to replace the entire system/seat. Several other vehicles with the same part have recalls however my specific 2008 model is not included in this recall. I believe it should be included in the recall as this is clearly a known issue and an obvious safety system/design flaw. No sort of crash or collision occurred and now the vehicle will not pass safety inspection and is unusable because of this until I spent roughly $2000 on the repair.
NHTSA complaint #11486102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This vehicle just went over 66,000 miles and the airbag warning light started appearing. An independent mechanic and dealership both diagnosed and said it's a defective front passenger seat occupant detection mat and I'd need to replace the entire system/seat. Several other vehicles with the same part have recalls however my specific 2008 model is not included in this recall. I believe it should be included in the recall as this is clearly a known issue and an obvious safety system/design flaw. No sort of crash or collision occurred and now the vehicle will not pass safety inspection and is unusable because of this until I spent roughly $2000 on the repair.
NHTSA complaint #11486102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Dorado Hills, CA
AIR BAGS
Hello, An airbag sensor recall was issued in 2015 and Mini Cooper refuses to fix this safety issue. They are saying this recall is expired, but it has not been 10 years and the car only has 54,000 miles. This is a known defect. Car is currently broken. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15355121/bmw-recalls-91800-mini-coopers-for-airbag-sensors/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/bmw-recalls-91-000-mini-coopers-over-air-bag-sensor-n344226 https://www.aboutlawsuits.com/minicooper-recall-81033/ https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2005-08-mini-cooper-recalled-for-airbag-problem.html This should be covered by the manufacturer. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11471794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesLos Angeles, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the headlights and taillights failed to illuminate as needed. The contact was able to drive safely to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with footwell (FRM) module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
NHTSA complaint #11454068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesLos Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the headlights and taillights failed to illuminate as needed. The contact was able to drive safely to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with footwell (FRM) module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
NHTSA complaint #11454068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vashon, WA
SEATS
MY AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. THE MACHANIC SAID I NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE PASSENGER SEAT TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG SENSOR. A NEW SEAT WILL COST $1500 AND LABOR WILL COST $500. I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11404715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vashon, WA
AIR BAGS
MY AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. THE MACHANIC SAID I NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE PASSENGER SEAT TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG SENSOR. A NEW SEAT WILL COST $1500 AND LABOR WILL COST $500. I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11404715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Queen Creek, AZ
AIR BAGS
PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG OCCUPANT SENSOR/MAT FAILED CAUSING AIRBAG LIGHT TO BE ON AND FOR AIRBAGS NOT TO DEPLOY INCASE OF A ACCIDENT . MINI DID NOT RECALL THIS ISSUES BUT PUT A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR 10YEARS FOR THIS DEFECT THEY ARE AWARE ABOUT. THIS HAS EXPIRED FOR MANY VEHICLES INCLUDING MINE . THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE THAT'S A POTENTIAL RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH INCASE OF A ACCIDENT AND THE FACT THAT MINI COOPER DOES NOT RECALL THIS MATTER IS INHUMAN . PLEASE HELP WITH THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #11398828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesHouston, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN PRESSING THE BREAK, THE ENGINE REVS. I TURNED ON THE CAR AND PRESSED THE BREAK. THE ENGINE REVVED. WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE AGAIN IT REVVED UP TO 7000 RPM. I TURNED OFF THE CAR. I DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND IT CONTINUED TO HAPPEN. I WAS AFRAID TO PUT THE CAR IN GEAR. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD A MONTH AGO THE MINI ENGINE RPM RAISED AND THE CAR WENT FASTER EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT PRESSING THE GAS. I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT.
NHTSA complaint #11396075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesHouston, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN PRESSING THE BREAK, THE ENGINE REVS. I TURNED ON THE CAR AND PRESSED THE BREAK. THE ENGINE REVVED. WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE AGAIN IT REVVED UP TO 7000 RPM. I TURNED OFF THE CAR. I DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND IT CONTINUED TO HAPPEN. I WAS AFRAID TO PUT THE CAR IN GEAR. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD A MONTH AGO THE MINI ENGINE RPM RAISED AND THE CAR WENT FASTER EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT PRESSING THE GAS. I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT.
NHTSA complaint #11396075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesHouston, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN PRESSING THE BREAK, THE ENGINE REVS. I TURNED ON THE CAR AND PRESSED THE BREAK. THE ENGINE REVVED. WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE AGAIN IT REVVED UP TO 7000 RPM. I TURNED OFF THE CAR. I DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND IT CONTINUED TO HAPPEN. I WAS AFRAID TO PUT THE CAR IN GEAR. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD A MONTH AGO THE MINI ENGINE RPM RAISED AND THE CAR WENT FASTER EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT PRESSING THE GAS. I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT.
NHTSA complaint #11396075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesBoise, ID
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG SENSOR FAILS TO PASS THE VEHICLE'S INTERNAL SAFETY CHECK AND A WARNING LIGHT IS DISPLAYED. THIS LIGHT INDICATES THAT THERE IS A FAULT WITH THE AIRBAG, AND IT WILL NOT DEPLOY IF INVOLVED IN A WRECK WHILE THIS LIGHT IS ON. FOR THE PAST 9 MONTHS, THIS SENSOR HAS BEEN COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY AT FIRST, AND NOW IT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION. A SAFETY RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR OTHER MODELS/YEARS OF THE MINI COOPER, BUT WHEN I LOOK UP MY VIN IT SHOWS NO RECALL. IN ONLINE SEARCHES, I SEE MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS SAME MAKE/MODEL OF MINI COOPER WHO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, ONE THAT SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER, NOT AN EXPENSE I SHOULD HAVE TO INCUR.
NHTSA complaint #11389937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMillbrook, AL
SEAT BELTS
RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 2008 MINI COOPER. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR WARNING LIGHT IS ON AND ALWAYS STAYS ON. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT THAT MINI HAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY/RECALL. I TOOK VEHICLE TO BMW/MINI DEALER IN BIRMINGHAM, AL AND WAS INFORMED THAT THIS PARTICULAR RECALL EXPIRED IN 2018, OR WITH VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 120,000 MILES. MINE HAS 123,000 MI. ALSO CALLED MINI CUSTOMER SERVICE AND RECEIVED THE SAME INFORMATION. MANY VIDEOS EXIST ON INTERNET/YOUTUBE ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR DEFECT AND HOW TO BYPASS PROBLEM BY INSTALLING A PART THAT BYPASSES THE SENSOR OR BY USING A SCAN TOOL TO ERASE THE CODE TO REMOVE THE WARNING LIGHT. NEITHER OF THESE SOLUTIONS SEEM SAFE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE CAR'S PASSENGER AIRBAG WOULD FAIL TO DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. HERE IS A VIDEO THAT EXPLAINS THE PROBLEM AND A POSSIBLE UNSAFE FIX: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=GDLMTYGUIPM&T=615S
NHTSA complaint #11341850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
