Mini problems
Mini (stylised as MINI) is a British automotive brand founded in Oxford in 1969, owned by German Multinational automotive company BMW since 2000, and used by them for a range of small cars assembled in the United Kingdom, Austria, Netherlands and Germany. The word Mini has been used in car model names since 1959, and in 1969 it became a brand in its own right when the name "Mini" replaced the separate "Austin Mini" and "Morris Mini" car model names. BMW acquired the brand in 1994 when it bought Rover Group (formerly British Leyland), which owned Mini, among other brands.
The original Mini was a line of British small cars manufactured by the British Motor Corporation (BMC), which in 1966 became part of British Motor Holdings. This merged with Leyland Motors in 1968 to form British Leyland. In the 1980s, British Leyland was broken-up and in 1988 Rover Group, including Mini, was acquired by British Aerospace. Mini models included the Morris Mini-Minor and the Austin Seven, the Countryman, Moke, 1275GT and Clubman. Performance versions of these models used the name Cooper, due to a partnership with racing legend John Cooper. The original Mini continued in production until 2000.
In 1994, Rover Group was acquired by BMW, being broken up in 2000 with BMW retaining the Mini brand. Development of a modern successor to the Mini began in 1995 and an entirely new Mini model was launched in 2001 by BMW. The current Mini range includes the Hardtop/Hatch/Convertible (three-door hatchback) and Countryman (five-door crossover).
The Mini Clubman, Coupe and Roadster are assembled at BMW's Plant Oxford in Cowley, England. The Mini Convertible and the second generation of the Countryman are assembled at VDL Nedcar in Born (Netherlands). The Mini 3-door Hatch/Hardtop is assembled at both plants, with the 5-door being exclusively assembled at Oxford. The Paceman was until 2016 assembled by Magna Steyr in Austria. A total of 301,526 Mini vehicles were sold worldwide in 2012.
The third generation of the Mini Countryman is produced in Germany at BMW's Leipzig plant.
Mini vehicles have been active in rallying and the Mini Cooper S won the Monte Carlo Rally on three occasions, in 1964, 1965 and 1967. Mini has participated in the World Rally Championship since 2011 through the Prodrive WRC Team.
Social links
Mini models
Common Mini problems
Common Problems with Mini Cars
Mini cars, produced by BMW since 2001, have gained popularity for their compact size, customization options, and energetic driving dynamics.
- Engine Overheating in Mini Cooper S (2007-2010)
The turbocharged engines in the 2nd generation (R56) Mini Cooper S, built from 2007 to 2010 with the 1.6 litre turbo engine, are susceptible to overheating issues.
Symptoms of engine overheating include the temperature gauge creeping up higher than normal, the low coolant light coming on, steam/vapor coming from under the hood, sweet smelling exhaust fumes, and reduced heater performance.
- Clutch Failure in 2001-2006 Cooper Models
Clutch failure is a common problem in 2001-2006 Mini Cooper models, especially for those who frequently drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
- Power Steering Failure in 2005-2008 Convertibles
Power steering failure is a common problem in 2005-2008 Mini Cooper Convertibles, caused by fluid leaks, pump whining, and increased steering effort.
- Timing Chain Noise in 2007-2014 Clubmans
Timing chain noise is a common problem in 2007-2014 Mini Cooper Clubmans, causing a rattling/knocking noise at cold startup.
- Water Pump Leaks in 2010-2016 Countryman Models
Water pump leaks are a common problem in 2010-2016 Mini Cooper Countryman models, causing coolant puddles under the car and the low coolant warning light to come on.
- Transmission Issues in 2013-2016 Pacemans
Transmission issues are a common problem in 2013-2016 Mini Cooper Pacemans, causing delayed/harsh shifting, warning lights, and gear slippage.
- Brake Disc Corrosion in 2015+ JCW Models
Brake disc corrosion is a common problem in 2015 and later Mini Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) models, causing brake pedal pulsation, vibration, and squeaking.
To prevent these issues, it is recommended to follow the factory service schedule, replace wear items early, use quality parts and fluids, address leaks, noises, warning lights immediately, allow proper warmup before driving hard, drive gently when cold, install an oil catch can if modifying/tracking, upgrade problematic parts preventatively, install gauges/scanners, and keep the undercarriage clean.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mini models
We have analysed all the complaints filed against Mini cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mini models:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mini brand.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mini models
We have also compiled a table for you with the number of complaints about specific models of Mini cars:
Distribution of Mini car problems by type
Based on an anlyse of all Mini related complaints and concluded that the most common problems with Mini cars are the following:
- Steering problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
Below is a graph with statistics on all Mini vehicle components and the number of complaints about them.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Mini models
A total of 124 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Mini models
There were a total of 256 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Mini models
There were a total of 120 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Mini models
There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
The NHTSA has received 4941 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mini Mini. Below are 15 recent complaints about various Mini models. In order to research complaints about a particular brand you need to select it from the list of available models above.
List of the last 15 complaints about Mini models
Mini Cooper 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMWXP3C04L2
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Originally problem started with a about five warning messages, a brake system one, a chassis stabilization one, Collision warning one, pedestrian warning one, and a drive train message. They were would appear while drive at any speed but, would go away after the car was shut off and restarted. A couple of months later the car started to shut off and put itself in park while driving, this problem has occurred multiple times and at speeds around 30mph. I started trying to get this fixed by a dealership in December of 2023. It went in and out a couple of times before they were able to replicate the problem. First they replaced the EME module and that worked for about 2000 miles before it started acting up again. Took it back to the same dealership in April when it started acting up. They updated the EME software and replaced a high voltage connector that was corroded. This repair took them until July 2nd. I went to pick up the car and made it about 3 blocks from the dealership it shut itself off on me. Took it back right away. They have had the car since then. Lastly I informed them about the most recent recall back on august 29th and it still shows as incomplete.
Mini Cooper coupe 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMWSU3C56DT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: Passenger occupancy sensor malfunctions all the time and there are hundreds of claims regarding this issue but was never addressed by the manufacturer The same issue prompted a recall in older models but has not been corrected in newer ones
Mini Cooper countryman 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMWSU3C56DT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: Passenger occupancy sensor malfunctions all the time and there are hundreds of claims regarding this issue but was never addressed by the manufacturer The same issue prompted a recall in older models but has not been corrected in newer ones
Mini Cooper roadster 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMWSU3C56DT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: Passenger occupancy sensor malfunctions all the time and there are hundreds of claims regarding this issue but was never addressed by the manufacturer The same issue prompted a recall in older models but has not been corrected in newer ones
Mini Clubman 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMWLU1C58H2
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Today I started my 2017 Mini Clubman and received a message about a transmission problem. The message showed a car icon and arrows at either end of the car pointed out. The message advised me to secure the car to prevent rolling. I confirmed that the parking brake was not inadvertently triggered and also confirmed that the parking brake is still functioning properly. The same message has appeared the next five times I started the car on a level surface.
Mini Cooper countryman 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMWZB3C59CW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: No warning lights have come on and the car is braking on its own. I try to push the gas and it doesn't want to go. The car has around 42k miles on it. I took it to tom bush mini last week, the said the front axle was leaking some fluid, they ordererd the axle, changed all brake pads, changed the brake fluid and said it was good to go, cost about $2300. Got the car back, doing the same thing. Now they said all calipers need to be replaced and the hydro unit dsc needs to be replaced which will cost around $6400 and they can't get the hyro unit dsc or 2 months. If this was the problem why didn't they know last week? It doesn't seem like the car has enough miles to have such a big issues and no part for 2 months. I don't know what to do.
Mini Cooper 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMWMF3C56AT
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Airbag light is deployed when passenger is sitting in seat. Module under seat is not recognizing the passenger and airbags are turned off. This is a safety concern in likeliness of an accident the passenger could be injured.
Mini Cooper clubman 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMWZF3C57BT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: My car has a problem with the FRM or foot control module the turn signal don’t work right, when putting the car in reverse the bulb will not work but it’s a brand new bulb, I know there is a recall for them 23V-337 but since my car has always been in Texas the recall doesn’t apply to it
Mini Cooper roadster 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-28
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMWSU3C53DT
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: As per NHTSA there was a recall the replace OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT but I never received recall notice and just passed 10 years with 40K millage and started getting air bag light, dealer is not replacing it under warranty, if they was a recall they should have replaced my seat earlier so that I would not have this issue today. is there a way to extend warranty to longer time or recall all the cars and replace them so that we do not have to spend 2k to replace it? "01 11 16_OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES"
Mini Cooper countryman 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-28
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMWSU3C53DT
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: As per NHTSA there was a recall the replace OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT but I never received recall notice and just passed 10 years with 40K millage and started getting air bag light, dealer is not replacing it under warranty, if they was a recall they should have replaced my seat earlier so that I would not have this issue today. is there a way to extend warranty to longer time or recall all the cars and replace them so that we do not have to spend 2k to replace it? "01 11 16_OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES"
Mini Cooper coupe 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-28
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMWSU3C53DT
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: As per NHTSA there was a recall the replace OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT but I never received recall notice and just passed 10 years with 40K millage and started getting air bag light, dealer is not replacing it under warranty, if they was a recall they should have replaced my seat earlier so that I would not have this issue today. is there a way to extend warranty to longer time or recall all the cars and replace them so that we do not have to spend 2k to replace it? "01 11 16_OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES"
Mini Cooper countryman 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMWZB3C54BW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Mini Copper Countryman. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the vehicle became flooded. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.
Mini Cooper s 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-18
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMWXP7C30H3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: While driving in the rain, the ABS engages, slowing the front right tire dramatically causing the car to skid and lurch to the right. After some internet research, it appears that this is not an isolated incident. Mini Cooper owners also discovered that when driving in dry conditions and the windshield wiper is turned on, the front right tire slows, causing the car to skid and lurch to the right. European Automotive verified that this was the case on my vehicle. This started without any warning and was terrifying. I told both the local mechanic and the dealer that I would not drive the car until it was repaired. There were no warning lights. The local mechanic and the dealer were unable to find any fault codes. The dealer is 3 hours away. Before we knew what the problem was, I towed the car to the dealership and they were unable to replicate the problem. All test drives were done in dry conditions. They replaced the cruise control sensor and the steering wheel and then delivered the car to me saying it was repaired. While driving the car back from out of town, it began to rain, when the windshield wipers came on, the front tire slowed dramatically, lurching the car to the right. This is a terrifying experience, especially in the rain. It seems this is not an isolated incident and may have already caused serious accidents. The car is less than 50,000 miles old and has been used for work only. I have not driven the car out of fear of an accident and have parked it in my driveway waiting for some type of resolution with the dealer.
Mini Cooper clubman 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-16
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMWZG3C52DT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Car is not starting when sitting over night or parked at a lot. Windows will not roll down. Blinkers will not work. Difficulty when transporting my special needs child places as it is difficulty when car will not function as it should. Near accidents have almost occurred due to blinkers not working. I have been told by two different mechanics after diagnostic that the Foot Wheel Module is the problem identified.
Mini Cooper 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-10
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WMWRF33526T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Power steering pump grinding. This was a recall on the 2002-2005 model but not the 2006. The same issue is happening with this car that happened with the recall vehicles and I would expect bmw to fix this problem. Thanks
Latest 5 Mini recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 166 recalls involving various Mini models.You can learn more about the model you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mini Cooper s 2013
- Report Received Date: 2023-05-11
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
- Model: Mini Cooper clubman 2010
- Report Received Date: 2023-05-11
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
- Model: Mini Cooper 2009
- Report Received Date: 2023-05-11
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
- Model: Mini Cooper clubman 2008
- Report Received Date: 2023-05-11
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
- Model: Mini Cooper 2007
- Report Received Date: 2023-05-11
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Are you having problems with your Mini?