MINI Complaints

While driving, the car shifted into park on its own coming to a sudden stop from about 30mph. The car reported “drivetrain error”. After turning off then back on, the error code disappeared and the car drove normally.

I have had 2 problems with the springs breaking on my car which seems like a very odd thing, especially for a 2014 model that is not abused. This seems like a manufacturing defect and can easily cause an accident due to tire blowout and/or unpredictable handling. 1) The most recent problem occurred on February 8, 2023 with the front springs. The spring on the driver side broke and shifted outward rubbing the inner sidewall of the tire causing it to blowout. Fortunately I was on surface streets driving around 20-30MPH when this started (noticed smoke from the wheel well and a burning smell. I was only a block or two from a friends house when this started and was lucky the tire did not blow out until I was less than 200 yards from his house. As of now I put one of the winter wheel/tire on the car but it is still not drivable due to the spring hitting the tire. This repair and a new tire (old set only had around 20,000 miles) are to be replaced tomorrow, February 10, 2023 for an estimated $1100 for new front shock/spring assemblies , labor and alignment (I am also replacing the tires for $1300 so all are the same make/model/mileage). I can share bill after the repairs are complete. 2) The oldest problem was with the rear springs in March 2020. The springs rusted and broke causing the car to squat in the rear and not handle safely on the road above 50MPH. It would bounce unpredictably and sway side to side in the rear. I was fortunate that I did not have to make any quick maneuvers that could have caused the car to go out of control. The springs were replaced at a local shop for a total of $1010.88. I can locate the file and share this bill if necessary

There have been at least 7 write-ups about air bag failure on this model reported to you. When a passenger sits in the seat of my car, with the seat belt on, 01 the airbag light and seat belt light come on. If I have an accident the airbag on the passenger side will not deploy, leading to death or injury to the passenger. This has been reported to a MINI dealership. They will inspect it at my cost to see if it rates as a safety item. It is available for inspection as I can't drive it with a passenger and I can't leave my disabled wife alone at home. The car has 92323 miles on it. [XXX]--- [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2023 MINI COOPER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO COMPLETE MALFUNCTION OF VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER RECEIVING INSTRUCTIONAL TRAINING AND TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND EXPERIENCING A COMPLETE MULTIFUNCTION RESULTING IN A CRASH.

On 2014 a Class Action Lawsuit was filed against BMW OF NORTH AMERICA for claims regarding MINI COOPER models. Answering your questions as follows: -The failing component was the timing chain tensioner -Yes, engine stalled at any speed -No, dealer did not acknowledge the real problem -No, dealer did not told me about the Class Action Lawsuit, did not advice me of any preventive repair or to install a new timing chain tensioner, when the component failed dealer told me that the problem was a jumping timing chain ; the same excuse as in the lawsuit. -There was only an engine light, not any other warning light There were two repairs, the first for $ 2,629.10 on 6/18/2016 the second for $ 3,354.93 on 1/13/2017 dealer had a two years parts and labor warranty that didn't honor and in 2016 the lawsuit was active and not of my knowledge. My question is: if the production numbers engraved on the timing chain tensioner cylinder face match or are part of the production batch from the factory for which the class action lawsuit took place ? Numbers top line: 7565868 80-02 Lower line: IV/ IS GERMANY 3 1 0 This is looks like half cero All components (parts) and the vehicle are available for inspection. Once engine is out of timing pistons will hit the valves (interference engine), in my engine broke at least one valve seat, pieces fell into combustion chamber getting stuck between pistons and cylinder walls scratching these, result lost of compression, engine die. Engine was beyond any repair, and still was charged for. Lawsuit for vehicles manufactured goes to April 2007 mine was February 2007 Neither the MINI COOPER dealer or BMW North America corporate offices paid any attention to my complaint.

I am writing regarding the failure of the steering column on my 2019 Mini Cooper Hardtop. The incident occurred on December 31, 2022. I drove my car to a residential location in Seattle, parked and locked the vehicle. When I returned to my car and started it up to move it, I realized I had no control of the car because the steering wheel was spinning uncontrollably. When the car was towed to Seattle Mini, the AAA tow truck driver and the dealership service department personnel receiving the car said they had seen nothing like this before. Seattle Mini takes the position that the steering column was forcibly broken due to an accident which is not the case. I’m very concerned about the safety of this vehicle and not comfortable with Seattle Mini’s theory as to the cause of the failure since no accident or “great force” event occurred as described in the service department video. If this had occurred while I was on-route to the location where the car was parked, the outcome could have been catastrophic. We would like to confer with you this coming week on the best course of action to address this situation. Thank You.

UNKNOWN Driver side tail light socket. All lights stopped working. Took out the socket and the wiring harness connector burned up

Fuel sensor failed and due to tank pressure that would not release properly, according to repair shop. Among other safety issues, this caused me to not be able to open the gas tank to refill the gas tank. This has been ongoing. At first the gas flap was repaired (2x) and ultimately the fuel sensor was entirely replaced at my cost. All repairs were done at New Country Mini in Hartford, CT. The repair shop should provide history of repairs over the several years as Mini is denying the seriousness of the defect. I’ve notified mini.

At 15,000 miles, front brake pads and rotors were badly worn and rear brake pads. Replaced brake pads front and rear.

Warning comes on stating secure vehicle from rolling. Dealership told us a "sensor" would need to be replaced to correct the problem. It would cost 1800.00 for the part. Advised to put parking brake on when parked. This seems to be a manufacturer problem. We had this issue around 36000 miles.