2010 Mini Cooper clubman problems

The Mini Clubman is a subcompact executive car engineered and manufactured by German automaker BMW and sold under the Mini marque. The first-generation Clubman was introduced in 2007, as a variant of the Mini Hatch (Hardtop in the US). A commercial version called Clubvan was added to the range in 2012. The current second-generation model has been in production since 2015 and available with front- and all-wheel drive.
History
The use of the name "Clubman" is a departure from Mini tradition. "Clubman" was originally the name given to the 1970s facelift of the classic Mini, which mostly resulted in a squared-off front end, whereas the classic Mini estates had traditionally been named "Traveller" or "Countryman". However, BMW did not initially purchase the rights to use those names, and so decided to call its larger-variant "Clubman", a name which it did own rights to.
Sketches of a new estate version of the Mini were shown at the 2000 Paris Motor Show, and a rendering of the estate concept (internally named EXT), wore the Clubman name on the licence plate. The Clubman started out in development based on the first generation Mini Hatch (R50) before changing to the second gen Hatch (R56).
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Common 2010 Mini Cooper clubman problems
The 2010 Mini Cooper Clubman is part of the R55 generation, which was produced from 2008 to 2014.
One of the most common problems with the 2010 Mini Cooper Clubman is the timing chain, which can suffer from stretching, tensioner backing out, and plastic guides breaking.
Another issue that has been reported by owners of the 2010 Mini Cooper Clubman is thermostat leaks.
The oil filter housing gasket can also leak in the 2010 Mini Cooper Clubman, causing oil to leak out and potentially damaging other engine components.
The turbo oil line can also leak in the 2010 Mini Cooper Clubman, which can lead to engine damage and reduced performance.
In addition to these engine issues, the 2010 Mini Cooper Clubman can also suffer from dashboard rattles and creaks, which can be difficult to fix and may require the replacement of the entire dashboard.
The air conditioning system in the 2010 Mini Cooper Clubman has also been reported to have problems, with numerous reports of issues with the system.
Overall, the 2010 Mini Cooper Clubman has some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of, particularly with the N14 engine. It is recommended to have the car inspected by a shop that specializes in MINIs or a MINI dealership before purchasing to identify any potential issues and to ensure that the car is in good condition.
What is the problem with the MINI Clubman?
The 1.5-litre petrol engine has been subject to a recall to deal with excessive crankshaft bearing wear; this problem is serious and could lead to considerable engine damage if not remedied. It's therefore worth checking with your local dealership whether the car you've got your eye on is affected.
Is 2010 a good year for Mini Coopers?
Other Years:
The 2010 Mini Cooper has retro styling and some of the best performance in the class, but a small interior makes other cars in the class more practical choices.
How reliable are Mini Cooper Clubman?
The recent 2022 and 2023 MINI Cooper Clubmans are well-reviewed and highly reliable, so these are great to get in new condition. If you're ready to start shopping for a used car and reliability is a priority for you, take a look at our list of the top 10 most reliable used sedans on the market today.
Are 2010 Mini Coopers expensive to fix?
The average annual repair cost is $846 which means it has higher than average ownership costs. While the frequency of repairs is higher than normal, the severity of those issues is average, so your Cooper may have a few more shop visits when compared to other models.
2010 Mini Cooper clubman complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2010 Mini Cooper clubman.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2010 Mini Cooper clubman recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2010 Mini Cooper clubman.
- 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.
Negative 2010 Mini Cooper clubman car reviews
Positive 2010 Mini Cooper clubman car reviews
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I'm really enjoying my first Mini, especially the Clubman version which offers just the right amount of extra space for me. As an avid bowler, I can easily fit two two-ball bags in the back without lowering the seats. The extra space in the rear seating area is perfect for my grandkids and even the occasional adult. Although there are a few quirks with the interior, it's generally comfortable. However, I do find the placement of the power window controls right behind the cup holders a bit inconvenient. Overall, it's a great little car with good pep and super economy, averaging 28+ mpg in city driving.
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This vehicle is so much fun to drive! I'm averaging 26 mpg, mostly in the city with not much traffic (which is really impressive for a small vehicle). If you prefer manual transmission, stick with it for this car, as the base model (NOT S TURBO) doesn't have the perk to get you moving. The car is a real head-turner on the road. If I decide to get another Mini, it will definitely be the Turbo (S) model. Cornering is a thrill like no other car on the road.
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The non-turbo and manual 6-speed make this car a blast to drive on twisty roads, with enough power to handle uphill curves. Although we primarily used it for grocery shopping, the car was perfect for the 15-mile drive up and down country roads. If you plan on driving in the city, we recommend getting an automatic and turbo, as the non-turbo with an automatic transmission is underpowered. If you're young and agile, this car is great for road trips. However, if you're a bit older, we suggest opting for a larger vehicle that is easier to get in and out of.
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It sounds like you have a really fun and exciting car! From your description, it seems like it's sporty, handsome, and even a bit sexy. The ride is speedy and go-kart like, which must make it a blast to drive. It's great to hear that it has more acceleration than you would expect from a 4cyl engine, and it's impressive that you're still getting 25 mpg even with lots of stops on your short drive to work. The split rear seats, awesome sound, quirky designs, Bluetooth, sunroof/moonroof, and barn door back doors all sound like fantastic features. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your used Cooper Clubman - it's clear that you really enjoy it!
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Hi there! Thank you for sharing your experience with the 2010 Clubman. It sounds like you had a lot of fun driving it! Although there were a couple of coolant leaks after the warranty expired, it's great to hear that you were back on the road after a couple of days and that you were able to take several road trips without any complaints. With the manual transmission, you were even able to get as high as 39 miles to the gallon! The upgraded stereo sounds like a great addition too. Overall, it seems like the Clubman is a very fun and cute car. If you're considering purchasing one, I would recommend getting the extended maintenance plan to save money in the long run. While a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla may be more reliable, the styling just doesn't compare. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2010 Mini Cooper clubman problems:

R55 17 (possibly) buying a 2010 Mini clubman s - North American ...
Jun 28, 2017 ... Some common issues include timing chain (stretching, tensioner backing out, plastic guides breaking), thermostat leaks, oil filter housing ...

Known issues in 2009 to 2011 cooper S JCWs : r/MINI
Jun 19, 2023 ... Looking to buy a used convertible 2009 to 2011 mini cooper S john cooper works for the wifey. Any known issues to inspect for during the ...

R55 Worth buying 2010 Mini Cooper Clubman S? - North American ...
Dec 18, 2018 ... Do some reading first and then hit them up with some questions before hiring them. See if they really know what the issues are. Ask yourself why ...

2010 Mini Cooper s as first car? : r/MINI
Jan 4, 2021 ... There are some pretty common known issues with the N14: timing chains, valves, and water pump being the three I saw the most when I worked at a ...
R56 Advice: 2010 Mini Cooper S purchase - North American Motoring
Feb 18, 2016 ... 1)Replaced thermostat housing. $145 The housing is plastic and prone to cracking and leaking coolant onto the top of the transmission. 2) ...
Kennith Ritchie 2025-03-26
It sounds like you had quite the adventure with your 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman! While it may not have been the most reliable car in the long run, it's great to hear that you enjoyed driving it. The extra length of the Clubman model definitely comes in handy when it comes to backseat space, and it's always a plus when a car handles well. I can definitely understand how the placement of the window buttons could be frustrating, but overall it sounds like you made the most of your time with the car. Thanks for sharing your experience!Also, if you hit the switch to lower the other window while one is already going down, it will reverse the direction of the first window. Although not a major issue, it can be quite annoying. The leather interior looks great and holds up well with daily use. With the manual transmission, the gas mileage is fantastic. However, I would not recommend this as a good option for a used car, as it can become a money pit at higher mileage.
Bobby Hartmann 2025-02-13
I confidently drove my Clubman S, but unfortunately, it quickly became a financial burden due to various issues such as oil gaskets, plugs, and ultimately, a timing chain failure that resulted in engine damage. Regrettably, there was no warning from the check engine light to indicate the impending failure.
Cyrus Tremblay 2025-02-13
In 2008, I custom ordered my Chili red 2009 Mini Clubman with all the upgrades, including 18
Julius Blick 2025-01-21
I recently purchased a new Mini with an automatic transmission. However, I have noticed that there is some hesitation when accelerating from a stop. Additionally, the tire pressure sensor has given me some false alarms, and the dealership has suggested filling the tires with nitrogen for a fee. It is important to be cautious when placing items on the backseat floor as the runners that slide the seats are sharp and exposed. I had an incident where a 2L soda bottle was punctured and got under the carpet. The dealership quoted me $900 to dry it out, but I was able to get it done by my auto body guy for $300. Overall, I would recommend exploring other options before making a purchase.
Stefan Daniel 2024-06-25
The car is great to drive and provides a lot of interior space. The sales process was easy, but the dealership could have done a better job reviewing the complicated alert system for maintenance. Unfortunately, there is no 5000 mile oil change schedule, and the system can be a bit confusing. While the engines probably love the feature, it can be difficult for owners to navigate. For example, a yellow light comes on for one second at start, and the owner has to go through a complicated push-button process to access the maintenance schedule. Additionally, while the car provides a yellow light warning for the temperature, there is no similar warning for important things like low oil levels.