Mini Cooper problems
Mini Cooper may refer to:
- Performance Cars of the original Mini series with uprated drive train and brakes, called the "Mini Cooper", made by the British Motor Corporation and its successors 1961–1971, and 1990–2000
- Cars of the Mini (marque), including a number of different models produced by BMW since 2000 with the "Mini Cooper" title: MINI Hatch, introduced in early 2000, second generation from 2006, third from 2014
See also
- Cooper Car Company
Social links
Mini Cooper model years
Common Mini Cooper problems
Common Problems with Mini Cooper Cars
Mini Cooper cars are known for their unique design and speed, but they also have some common problems that owners have reported. These issues can affect the reliability and cost of owning a Mini Cooper.
- Front Radiator Support and Coolant Hose
Mini Coopers sit lower to the ground, making them more prone to hitting curbs. The radiator supports at the front of the car are made of plastic, which can sustain severe damage from regular impacts. Bigger bumps can also damage the coolant hose, which can be expensive to replace.
- Transmission Failure
The first-generation Mini Coopers were notorious for transmission systems that tend to fail. A lawsuit was filed against BMW, the parent company of the Mini Cooper brand, forcing them to provide a warranty specifically for the transmission. The manufacturer suggested that the owners not change the transmission fluid unless it’s time for the transmission oil change.
- Water Pump and Thermostat Housing Leaks
The first two Mini Cooper generations suffered from water pump and thermostat housing leaking. The thermostat housing is made of plastic and will eventually succumb to wear and tear over time. If your Mini Cooper has racked up about 50,000 miles or so, it’s highly recommended that qualified technicians replace the pump and thermostat housing.
- Loss of Power Steering
Several reports from CarComplaints.com suggest that Mini Cooper’s electric power steering is prone to failure. The issue was attributed to a low-power steering fluid and a failing electric cooling fan at 80k miles. The bulk of complaints about Mini Cooper’s loss of power steering came from 2006 Mini Cooper owners. With the severity of the issue, BMW had to issue a recall to resolve the problem.
- Timing Chain Issues
Mini Cooper vehicles seem prone to movement and loosening of the timing chain. Over time, the timing chain and assembly will wear down and can cause slack in the mechanism. This can lead to strange noises, engine vibrations, or power loss. It’s crucial that drivers get this issue repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the vehicle and the engine.
- Airbags
A recall issued in 2015 saw Mini Cooper fall prey to the widespread Takata airbag problem that affected a number of different manufacturers and models. The recall issued by Mini in 2015 saw 6,063 Mini Cooper models between 2013-2016 recalled for a Takata issue that may see the airbags not deploy properly. However, there are other reported issues with airbags in Mini vehicles. Owners report that their airbag warning light comes on and often intermittently. This was likely due to a failed from passenger seat sensor, requiring replacement.
- Power Steering
In April 2020, BMW faced a lawsuit for power steering problems in several of their Mini Cooper models. The issue saw an unexpected and often unpredictable loss of power steering while on the road which could lead to damage, injury or, in some cases, vehicle fires. The lawsuit involved a recall of the 2002-2005 Mini Cooper, the Mini Cooper S models, and the 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible or Mini Cooper S Convertible.
These common problems with Mini Cooper cars can affect their reliability and cost of ownership. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address these issues before they become more severe and expensive to repair.
What is the most common problem and mini coopers?
Common Mini Problems and Their Symptoms
- Issue #1: Engine Overheating in Mini Cooper S (2007-2010) ...
- Issue #2: Clutch Failure in Mini Cooper (2001-2006) ...
- Issue #3: Power Steering Pump Failures in Mini Convertible (2005-2008) ...
- Issue #4: Timing Chain Noise in Mini Clubman (2007-2014)
Are Mini Coopers a reliable car?
Over the years, MINI Cooper has earned favorable scores from J.D. Power's Consumer Ratings, which use a 100-Point Score system. Recent MINI Cooper model years have consistently earned overall scores between 82 to 85, with verified MINI owners rating the Quality and & Reliability as “Great.”
What Mini Cooper to avoid?
The Mini Cooper Years To Avoid are 2001–2006, 2002–2008, 2007–2011, 2008–2010, and 2011–2016. Each troubled year had specific recurring issues such as power steering pump failures, transmission problems, timing chain tensioner failure, engine mount problems, and turbocharged engine issues.
Does the Mini Cooper have engine problems?
Customers often ask us, “Do MINIs have engine problems?” Just like any vehicle, a Mini Cooper can have some issues. Some models, including those produced between 2006 and 2012 tend to have lower predicted reliability scores. In particular, we often hear about 2010 Mini Cooper S engine problems.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mini Cooper years
We have researched Mini problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mini Cooper cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mini Cooper model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mini Cooper model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mini Cooper years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mini Cooper car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mini Cooper , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Steering problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mini Cooper vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Cooper model years
A total of 90 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Cooper model years
There were a total of 182 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Cooper model years
There were a total of 100 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Cooper model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 3583 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mini Cooper . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mini Cooper vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Mini Cooper 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- 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 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- 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 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-10
- 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
Mini Cooper 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-08
- VIN: WMW13DJ08P2
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The problem/issue is with THE GLASS ON MY CAR ROOF/THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF. No insulation to protect me/others from heat or cold. The temp of roof gets 2-3 times the temp of the day. 200-300F. This can lead to discomfort/use of EXTRA energy/pollution etc. A child left in such car wd be in deadly danger. The car maker does not want to know or do anything about it. My Mini is not the only car. Almost all have the same design flaw, Tesla is the worst case with full glass roof no insulation at all, KEY PROBLEM/ISSIE Car makers hv remover insulation from car roofs and replaced it with glass but did not replace the insulation. Some as Tesla have nothing others just a simple net-like material with no insulation properties. Detailed analysis with proof attached. This is HUGE problem/issue/flaw that has serious consequences. I titled my analysis THE DARK SIDE OF GLASS ON OUR CARS,. Millions of these cars (Tesla esp over 2 M) are wasting 100s of Ms worth of energy both electric and fossil. Also contribute to additional environmental impact, for the wasted energy has to be made and then wasted by car engines to compensate for lack of insulation in car roofs. No house/homes wd be allowed to be built without insulation in attic/roof etc. So why are car makers allowed to do it with cars. Maybe the govt is not even aware of this. It is possible removing insulation from car roofs is illegal and/or against industry standards. The car makers did it and no one watched them. Many car owners think this is normal. It is not and should be stopped. Please look into this important issue. More details and proof in my analysis. Thank you. ps; I found solution for my car as shown on picture. I could not attach my analysis It is most important I send it to you. Pls send me an email where I can send it. The pictures show the roofs with no insulation and MINI with my solution for heat prevention.
Mini Cooper 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-14
- VIN: WMWRE33473T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 68k miles on a 2003 mini cooper s and the power steering pump is whining. I feel as if this may be really early for it to be needing to be replaced.
Mini Cooper 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-12
- VIN: WMWMF33537T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2007 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated the key fob failed to lock and unlock the vehicle, causing the contact to manually lock and unlock the vehicle. The contact also stated that the radio would change stations or power off independently. The vehicle had been taken to an electrician who referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Mini Cooper 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-11
- VIN: WMWMF33547T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The open recall for this vehicle has been open for 15 months now. Meanwhile my wife's car remains broken down with a bad footwell module due to the exact reason the recall is being issued. I contacted mini and they said I'd have to pay for repairs out of pocket and apply for reimbursement after they come up with a remedy. I have issues with this for a few reasons. First, the repair is costly. Second, it's already been over a year since the recall has been issued, and still no remedy so who knows when they'll actually have one. Third, they said that even if I pay for repairs out of pocket there's no guarantee I'd get reimbursed for them. In my opinion, for something as serious as this recall, the manufacturer should be on the clock to determine the remedy and repair customers cars. It would be nice if BMW/Mini would get some pressure to get this resolved so the my wife and the thousands of other people affected by this can enjoy the vehicles they spent their hard earned money on without worry that it might spontaneously burst into flames.
Mini Cooper 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-06
- VIN: WMWXS5C54FT
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: While driving the rear view mirror suddenly tilted downward (drooped). What happened, was that the tension ring popped off. As it turns out, this is a known issue per internet Mini Cooper pages. On hot days the ring loosens and, since the design does not include anything to prevent the ring from sliding off, it does slide off, resulting in the rear view mirror drooping. I reinstalled the ring. This occurred again the next day. I ended up uninstalling the rear view mirror, reinstalling the ring and gluing it in place. Thus far this has held.
Mini Cooper 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-16
- VIN: WMWMF33559T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 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 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mini Cooper 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-11
- VIN: WMW13DJ02N2
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The flap that protects the charging port would not open. I could not charge the car for 2 days. My husband was able to open it but now it won't close. The first time this happened was Nov 2023. Dealership told me it was the cold weather. But now it's July albeit very hot temperatures and this is happening again. Since bringing it to the dealership in Nov 2023 to fix this, the charging flap open warning light remained on even though the charging flap was clearly closed
Mini Cooper 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-11
- VIN: WMWMF73518T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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?
Mini Cooper 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-09
- VIN: WMWMF33559T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: My car started acting up when it rains and all the electrical goes crazy, all the lights turning on and off and all the locks opening and closing and it seems to have short-circuit and drained my battery, car left me stranded twice in the middle of the street. No electrical wire seems to be exposed and was informed it might be a footwell module issue, I see there is a recall happening yet my vehicle doesn't seem to be included eventhough it fits the specs and the has the same issues.
Mini Cooper 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-02
- VIN: WMWRC33423T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering); 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was firm, and the vehicle was difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but failed to confirm if the parts were available for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to call the service center directly. The failure mileage was unavailable. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mini Cooper 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-28
- VIN: WMW13DJ09P2
- Components: TIRES,HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that since owning the vehicle, all four tires had been replaced several times due to each tire running flat. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a mechanic informed the contact that the tire failure could be linked to the weight of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to reach the full battery charge. The contact stated that the battery took one to two days to fully charge, and once fully charged the battery failed to provide more than 100 miles of driving. In addition, an error message was displayed while attempting to recharge the battery at a fast-charging station. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 500.
Mini Cooper 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-27
- VIN: WMWMF7C50AT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The car showed a check vehicle light. Looks like a car being lifted up (red light). The windows do not move up or down, light switches do not work and the blinkers do not work. I was told by my mechanic it was the footwell module. I read there was a recall for this but my VIN wasn't on the list. Is it possible to check to see if it should have been on the list for the recall?
Latest 5 recalls Mini Cooper
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 52 recalls for different components of the Mini Cooper.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- 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 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 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 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 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.
Latest negative Mini Cooper car reviews
Latest positive Mini Cooper car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2013
Three and a half years into owning this car, I have never been disappointed. The performance is kickass, the service levels are equivalent to BMW, and the handling is like a go-kart. I'm definitely holding on to this one!
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Vehicle year: 2006
Your 2006 Mini Cooper S sounds like an amazing car! It must be so much fun to drive and handle so well. It's great to hear that you have more head room than in your previous SUV, despite being 6' tall. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a sporty, fun, and reasonably priced vehicle. The Cooper S seems to have a lot more power than the Cooper, and the Harmon-Kardon stereo sounds fantastic too!
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Vehicle year: 2003
I bought my 2003 car over a year ago with 73,000 miles and it has been a reliable companion. Recently, I had to replace the rear brakes/calipers/rotors/pads and the front rotors/pads. I also had to replace the front left hub/bearing which cost me $300 just for parts. However, I have been experiencing some issues with my windows and doors. The windows have started opening by themselves and the doors have started unlocking themselves which is a bit unnerving. I am not sure what's causing this issue. I contacted the dealer to inquire about oil/filter replacement, radiator hoses, and thermostat which they quoted at $365. Does anyone have any information on this mysterious issue with the windows and locks working by themselves?
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Vehicle year: 2016
I absolutely adore my Mini Cooper! It's amazing how such a small car can pack such a punch with its 3 cylinder Turbo engine. As someone who commutes 94 miles a day round trip from Virginia (DC area) to Baltimore, I'm thrilled with the impressive 38-41 MPG it gets. The Mini Cooper is a solid, powerful, and road-hugging little car that never fails to impress me. I knew I had to have it after my test drive, but the price was a bit of a concern. Thankfully, after keeping in touch with my salesman for 6 months, I was able to snag a brand new red Mini for $20K - a steal! It even came with a full warranty and no destination charge. The only minor issues I've encountered are some difficulty with Bluetooth and finding a comfortable driver's seat adjustment. Overall, I'm over the moon with my purchase and couldn't be happier!
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Vehicle year: 2003
The title sums it up! Your '03 MINI is a great car. It has plenty of space for you (6'5
Are you having problems with your Mini Cooper?
Jaleel Predovic 2025-06-20
Vehicle year: 2014
As a writer, I have been searching for the right words to describe this car, but unfortunately, I cannot seem to find them. Instead, I am overwhelmed by feelings of frustration, confusion, and disappointment that this vehicle has caused me. I would advise you to consider other options and avoid purchasing this car. In the past 15 months, I have had to take my car in for service twelve times, and while MINI has addressed most of the issues, there were a couple of problems that they were unable to fix. Despite this, I still believe that there are better options out there for you.
Foster Murazik 2025-06-17
Vehicle year: 2013
I recently purchased a 2012 Base Model Mini with manual transmission, which I thought was a major upgrade from my previous 2002 Mini. Unfortunately, I experienced some issues with the car shortly after purchasing it. While driving to my favorite eatery, the shifter knob came off in my hand while shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Additionally, I noticed a clattering noise coming from the engine at first start up in the morning, which progressively got worse over the next few weeks. I took it to the local Mini dealer and they initially diagnosed it as a clutch failure, but as a mechanic with over 40 years of experience, I knew that wasn't the case. After insisting on a cold start test, it was determined that the timing chain was at fault. The dealer replaced the timing chain, tensioners, and gears, but still insisted that my clutch was failing and needed to be replaced for $2400.00. They did offer me an extended warranty that would cover the clutch for $1895.00, which I declined. A few weeks later, the engine began to misfire badly and I had to have the coil packs, spark plugs, and wires replaced. Currently, the engine is beginning to clatter again from the same location, but thankfully it's still under warranty until 50,000 miles. I plan to take it in for another timing chain replacement before the warranty expires and then trade it in for a different car. It's unfortunate that Seattle Mini tried to sell me an unnecessary clutch replacement twice, but I'm glad that I was able to get the real issue resolved. By the way, the clutch still works perfectly. However, the manual transmission has always been clunky when shifting. The transition from 1st to 2nd requires a firm pull and it also has no reverse lockout. On 2 separate occasions, I have been at a light and forgot to downshift into first. While quickly doing so as to not block traffic, it went into reverse. Luckily, I caught it before I hit someone behind me. I've been driving manual for years.
Darrick Price 2025-06-16
Vehicle year: 2003
I was given this car in 2004 as a gift from my parents and it brought me so much joy. However, after eight years of use, it has unfortunately had a lot of issues. Despite my father's best efforts to repair it, it has had problems with the air conditioning, power steering, windows, door locks, and has even overheated multiple times. I am grateful for my father's help, but it has been a frustrating experience.
Hilario Bartoletti 2025-06-15
Vehicle year: 2016
Love first: Driving this car is awesome! It's quick, fun, and has a real sports car feel. It's also very easy to see out of, with no blind spots at all! I absolutely love the sound system, Harmon Kardon. However, I do have some trouble with the gauges - the small letters and numbers are hard to see without reading glasses, especially at night with the poor contrast of dark red on black. During daylight hours, it's white on black, which is much easier to read. I've also noticed a clunk noise in the suspension that's been driving me nuts. The dealer hasn't been able to replicate it, but I'm hopeful we can find a solution soon. Despite these issues, I still think this car is great value for the money. I was disappointed to find a gasket coming out of the side window and pitting on the windshield after only 10k miles, but I understand that these things can happen. The radio can be a bit complex to navigate, but that could just be my age showing! Overall, I had a positive experience with this car and the dealership. In fact, I was so happy with the service I received that I decided to trade in my Mini in July 2017. Although I took a bit of a beating on the trade-in value, I have no regrets and feel that it was the best decision for me.
Gabriel Rosenbaum 2025-06-15
Vehicle year: 2007
We purchased the mini new in 2007 and unfortunately have had to have it towed three times. Despite having only 27,000 miles, we have had to replace the fuel pump, timing chain, exhaust manifold, throttle cable, and tail pipe. The car does not perform well in cold weather, which is particularly problematic as we live in Michigan. We believe that the car is a lemon and have requested that the dealership either buy it back from us or extend the warranty due to its lack of dependability. It is a shame, as we really enjoy driving the car when it is running smoothly.