MINI Complaints

View complaints related to MINI. The complaints found here are submitted by actual consumers with first hand experience. You can submit your own complaint to the NHTSA or call the Hotline, Monday-Friday 8am to 8pm at (888) 327-4236, TTY: (800) 424-9153.

  • 2006 MINI COOPER
    - Jacksonville, FL

    The contact owns a 2006 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2016 MINI COUNTRYMAN
    - San Antonio, TX

    Seat Belt retractors on both drivers and passenger side failed. At the time of failure, seat belt would become loose then the locking mechanism of the retractor would engage and not disengage again. Even once the seat belt was retracted all the way to its storage position, the locking mechanism will not release. The driver side retractor failed and was replaced under certified preowned warranty on or around 06/03/2021 at Mini of Monrovia. No reason was given at this time as to why the failure had occurred. The passenger side retractor failed in the exact same manner on 11/17/2023 and the drivers side failed again on 12/05/2023. The vehicle was taken to Principal BMW Mini of San Antonio on 12/13/2023 for repair, after the technician confirmed that the identical issue had occurred on the passenger side, the drivers side was not able to be duplicated due to the lock releasing by the time the technician inspected it. Additionally, since the repair of the initial repair of the drivers side seat belt retractor, the buckle housing has fallen apart exposing the interior components to dirt, dust and debris. All repairs were were not completed due to the mileage of the vehicle being beyond the vehicle's warranty as stated by both the dealer, the regional service advisor and Mini USA Customer Service. No component of the seat belt system is subject to mileage based wear and tear and thus should not be wearing out in less that 8 years from the date of manufacture. Both instances of the seat belt retractor failing have resulted in unsafe riding conditions for my children who are too small to ride in the front seat. Since the retractor is a critical component of the restraint system, anything but 100% operation as designed is an unsafe condition for anyone riding in that seat. There is no telling what could occur in the event of a crash with the faults. Any failure of the seat belt retractor system on such a young vehicle, much less multiple identical failures, is unacceptable.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2011 MINI COOPER
    - Flushing, NY

    The contact owns a 2011 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 vehicle was shuddering while starting. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering and turning off intermittently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to pull to the side of the road each time the failure occurred. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered. The contact was able to drive to a nearby independent mechanic. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was overheating while starting, and that the vehicle was still running even after being turned off. The vehicle was being diagnosed but was not yet repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2018 MINI COOPER
    - Taylors Falls, MN

    Tire size 205/45 r17 pirelli ginturato We were driving from an appt and the low tire air light came on. We got to car x and found the side wall and tread belt on the inside of the tire had came off. Car x didn't have a replacement tire and they switched the bad tire to the back so we would have xontrol of the steering in a blow out they said to go across the street to Goodyear but be careful. Goodyear had to good get a tire because the car was considered unsafe and a road hazard to drive on the road or highway. We were over an hour from home. The other 3 tires are doing the same thing.we don't have the tire but we do have pictures. Our car could have cause a big accident if we hadn't thought quick enough and the mechanic hadn't found the problem I'm not sure if others have had this issue but the other 3 of our tires are doing the same thing. The car is inoperable until we can afford 3 more new tires. The vehicle was inspected by 3 mechanic... car x, Goodyear, and my husband.they appeared the same day. There was no symptoms except at the last minute the low tire air light coming on.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2009 MINI COOPER S
    - Washington, PA

    The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S. 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 while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the interior lights and exterior lights were turning bright and dim intermittently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2013 MINI COOPER
    - Odessa, FL

    BMW/MINI have known about a faulty airbag sensor in the seats, yet never did a recall. The passenger side airbag does not operate when someone sits in the seat due to a faulty sensor on the seat cushion. BMW was around $1600 to replace this. Big safety concern if a crash happens and air bag does not go off. Should be a factory recall.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2016 MINI COOPER
    - Simpsonville, SC

    There is a design issue resulting in failure of the connector for the rear tail light assembly. The connector corrodes and the plastic plug housing melts. This damages the ground connection for the tail light rendering the turn signal and brake light inoperable on the effected side. This has happened on the right rear of our Mini Cooper JCW hardtop. Searching on the web shows this to be a common problem for the F55, F56 & F57 MINIs. As this failure makes the car brake light system non-compliant with FMVSS lighting requirements, there should be a recall to address this issue.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2003 MINI COOPER
    - Bellingham, WA

    No air or blower or heat to defog windshield. Water in driver-side foot well. Power steering intermittent fault. Engine continues running and panel gauge lights remain on with ignition off and key removed.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2013 MINI COOPER
    - austin, TX

    The footwell module that controls the lights, brake lights windows and dashboard is faulty on all mini cooper of this module. Every time I change my battery or disconnect it the module brakes and the dealership knows this problem and still want to charge 1300 dollars to fix it it is a safety and hazard issue.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2016 MINI COOPER
    - BROOKLINE, MA

    Error signal "Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped" Mini dealer says "common problem" with Mini transmissions and always due to fluid leaking thru shifter onto gear shift mechanism. Lots of forums stating this is common. Unclear why Mini not taking responsibility for this due to poor design. How many cars ever get a failure such as this? None that I can find except MIni and BMW with similar transmissions.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE