MINI Complaints

Issue 1 - Engine had a rough idle - dealer investigation found that the "upper engine mount had collapsed completely allowing the engine to rest on the housing". This problem occurred at 52 months from new vehicle purchase at 24,165 miles (warranty is 4 years, 50,000 miles). The vehicle was never in an accident, nor drive rough. No warning lamps or other indicators occurred. An internet search has identified this to be a common problem. I believe that the engine provides front end stability for a frontal crash, and any issue with the retention of the engine in such a situation would constitute a safety issue. I believe that Mini has a poor design, where all the stresses and loads that the engine sees are not included in the motor mount design - a fundamental safety issue - that should be part of a recall, or at a minimum a factory covered repair item for longer than the standard warranty. Issue 2 - At the same time I brought the car to the dealer for Issue 1 above, I identified an issue with the steering - steering had a dead spot where it was unclear if steering wheel movement resulted in actual vehicle steering. The dealer investigated and found "fault is internal to the steering rack, need to replace the steering rack and lower steering shaft as the is a high failure rate item". An issue with steering, especially an issue that is classified by Mini as a HIGH FAILURE RATE ITEM, should be considered a safety issue as loss of steering/power steering can result in the inability to avoid an accident. There were no warning lights or other indicator faults. This appears to be another design, manufacturing or assembly issue. Steering should last well beyond 52 months and 24,165 miles.

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH in the rain with the windows rolled down, the driver's side and passenger's side windows failed to roll up. No warning light illuminated. Additionally, the headlights, windows, and daytime running lights became inoperable. The contact was unsure if the taillights were affected. The contact stated that the vehicle had been garage-kept. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the footwell control module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired because there was no extended warranty coverage. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.

The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH, the steering wheel was significantly loose and turned excessively. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel felt like it would detach from the column. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

My vehicle has active VANOS failure codes (131401 and 130304). These codes are preventing my car from passing the New York State safety and emissions inspection, rendering it legally unable to be used on the road. BMW/MINI Corporate is refusing to honor their national extended component warranty bulletin because they are conditioning the repair on a valid registration - which is a legal impossibility while the defect remains unaddressed.

My panoramic sunroof exploded while driving. Sounded like we were shot at. The vehicle is currently at MINI of Des Moines. It can be inspected. USAA is sending an appraiser to the shop to assess damages. This is a known issue. However, after a 7 year federal investigation they were unable to pinpoint an exact reason why this happens and unable to put a recall on this vehicle. The dealership gave me a loaner and told me it’s not covered under warranty but offered to pay my 1k deductible which I gladly accepted. No warnings. Just a spontaneous explosion.

ELECTRIC SHORT CIRCUIT. The electronic module in the driver side footwell area may short circuit. when I unlock the car or try to start, I hear loud electrical SHORT CIRCUIT noises coming out of the seating area. I am afraid to even unlock the car, and fear car might catch fire.

The authorized dealer performed a non-compliant remedy for Safety Recall 23V-337. The initial repair resulted in melted wires and a charred connector due to high resistance. The dealer's subsequent re-repair utilized an un-staggered cluster of approximately 8 inline crimp connectors in a single tight bundle.This directly violates BMW Factory Repair Standard ISTA/AIR 61 13, which explicitly mandates: 'Arrange individual interfaces in an offset manner when repairing multiple cables. The wiring harness thus does not become too thick at the repaired point.' By failing to offset the splices, the dealership created a thick, bunched thermal mass that traps heat and strains the circuits, leaving an active passenger cabin fire hazard intact. Delivery has been officially refused

The contact owns a 2024 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that a brake pad failure message was illuminated on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the brake fluid service issue. The brake fluid flush was completed, and a complimentary oil change was provided. Two days after doing so, approximately two days later, the Oil Light illuminated, advising to add a quart of oil. The vehicle was returned and inspected. It was assumed the cap was not on tight enough. The air conditioner failed shortly after. The vehicle was returned, and it was diagnosed that the AC motor had failed. The motor was replaced, and 2 days later, the Oil Light advising for 1 quart of oil illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed an oil leak but had not identified where. They added 2 quarts of oil and advised returning to the dealer. The dealer confirmed an oil leak and provided the contact with a loaner. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the issues. The failure mileage was 12,625.

Starter started smoking at start up! And clutch failure at traffic light!!!! No accident occurred because of experienced driver!

Car was parked and the ABS braking unit caught fire. Fire Marshal watched CCTV from restaurant from across the street. He watched it from when the car was parked until the fire department arrived. No one went near the car or threw anything at the car. Fire Marshal saw when the smoke began, then an electrical arc and flames. The 2024 Mini Clubman was totaled by our insurance company. Luckily our daughter was not driving it when it caught fire. We have contacted BMW customer care and the dealership where it was purchased. She had the vehicle for a total of 3 months. It was supposed to have been a certified used mini. However, the vehicle had a warning light for brake fluid and we made appointment and took it in for service on 4/8/26. The Customer Care, Eddie, stated that the brake service was over due; however, it was just purchased as a certified mini 3 months prior and all services should have been done prior to us purchasing the vehicle. Vehicle was serviced and their 21 point inspection stated everything was fine. At this time, we are out $8,500, $5K cash down payment, $1600 trade, $1900 in car payments. That is a steep price for driving a vehicle for 3 months. Dealership said they could not help us and to call Customer Care, we called Customer Care, and they are supposedly looking into it.