MINI Cooper Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 102 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the MINI Cooper across 14 model years. The 2003 model year has the most (22). The words owners use most often: “timing chain” (11% of reports).
- 102engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 14mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 38%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Timing chain: mentioned in 11 of 102 complaints (11%)
- Fire department: mentioned in 7 of 102 complaints (7%)
- Tail pipe: mentioned in 6 of 102 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 79 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 102 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 12 a fire, 14 an injury.
MINI Cooper engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Cooper | 1 | 2% | 78,000 |
| 2014 Cooper | 2 | 6% | 44,650 |
| 2012 Cooper | 1 | 2% | 22 |
| 2011 Cooper | 5 | 6% | 2,907 |
| 2010 Cooper | 8 | 9% | 12,500 |
| 2009 Cooper | 4 | 3% | 46,000 |
| 2008 Cooper | 13 | 11% | 29,335 |
| 2007 Cooper | 11 | 9% | 66,845 |
| 2006 Cooper | 9 | 5% | 47,000 |
| 2005 Cooper | 8 | 2% | 48,737 |
| 2004 Cooper | 6 | 2% | 55,498 |
| 2003 Cooper | 22 | 7% | 10,000 |
| 2002 Cooper | 11 | 6% | 16,601 |
| 2001 Cooper | 1 | 17% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2019
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2015 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for a routine oil change, the mechanic also determined that the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced and an unknown engine software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
The contact owns a 2014 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, there was smoke detected from the vehicle. The vehicle caught fire without warning. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or crash. The fire department distinguished the fire. A police…
LETTER FROM SENATOR FLAKE ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2011 MINI COOPER. (PLEASE RESPOND BY FAX OR ELECTRONIC MAIL: [redacted]). *SMD THE CONSUMER RECEIVED EXTREMELY, PAINFUL , SCARING BURNS FROM THE HOT EXHAUST PIPE WHILE LEANING OVER TO RETRIEVE ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK. THE CONSUMER STATED IF ONE IS…
In september of 2014, the check engine light of my 2009 mini cooper came on. I took the car in for service at the mini cooper dealership in fife, washington and was told the timing chain needed to be replaced. When i purchased the vehicle new i was told the timing chain would remain…
Leg burn from hot exhaust pipe while unloading items from trunk. Leaned against rear bumper with bare leg. *tr
Frequently asked questions
Do all MINI Coopers have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 102 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the MINI Cooper. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the MINI Cooper engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the MINI Cooper?
The most frequent phrase is “timing chain”, in 11 of 102 complaints, followed by “fire department” (7).
Other MINI Cooper problems
- Steering problems (817)
- Air Bags problems (417)
- Electrical System problems (313)
- Power Train problems (280)
- Engine problems (255)
See all MINI Cooper problems.