Equipment Problems of Mini Cooper - part 1

The dealer refused to perform the required frm recall inspection and denied the recall without providing any of the federally required documentation. I was forced to pay out?of?pocket for the frm module replacement even though my VIN is listed under the safety recall. Mini of murray stated my frm “failed,” but admitted they never opened the module, which is required to determine internal moisture intrusion. • the service manager stated they based their denial on “carpet and headliner moisture,” which is not part of the frm recall inspection procedure. • I requested the frm inspection report, photos, and the Mini corporate denial code. I received none of these. • Mini corporate recall team confirmed they had no documentation from the dealer and incorrectly stated that the module does not need to be opened. • without a completed inspection uploaded to Mini corporate, a denial code cannot be generated. • I was charged for the frm replacement part, even though the recall should cover the repair if the module is affected. • the dealer only offered to waive a $149 programming fee. Safety concern: the dealer failed to follow required recall procedures, failed to document the inspection, and denied federally mandated recall coverage without evidence. This violates recall protocol and leaves the safety defect unresolved. The module was replaced at my expense.

See all problems of the 2010 Mini Cooper 🔎.

My 2018 Mini convertible has 47,000 miles on it. Recently the convertible top stopped retracting and now doesn't fit snuggly when closed. I brought my car into the dealer and they said that a cable broke and gave me a repair quote of $4600-. I sent a msg to Mini USA and they called me and said they would cover the repair if it breakage wasn't due to something I did improperly. About a week later they called back and stated that they would not cover the repair because the warranty had expired. They definitely mislead me on the initial call. My car no longer operates as a convertible, and I have excessive wind noise in the car. I feel like a car with 47,000 miles on it should not be experiencing such expensive repairs. I shared my experience on social media and apparently many others are having similar experiences. I am considering trading my car in for a different model as Mini Cooper does not stand behind their products.

See all problems of the 2018 Mini Cooper 🔎.

The rear brake lights and rear signal indicator lights keep going in and out arbitrarily. It's dangerous because it will work fine and then just randomly stop working and then work again. People can't tell if I'm stopping or turning when this randomly occurs. This is currently not a recall on my Mini, however, I saw that it is a recall on other Minis and it seems mine is having the same issue so it's possible they all have similar or the same faulty wiring/electrical for the brake lights and signal indicator lights.

See all problems of the 2016 Mini Cooper 🔎.

The instrument cluster completely went blank and stopped working while driving, causing loss of critical information such as speed, warning lights, fuel level, and other vital indicators. This failure significantly impaired the safe operation of the vehicle and posed a serious safety risk. The vehicle is no longer under warranty, and I had to pay out-of-pocket for repairs. I understand there is a technical service bulletin (TSB) related to this instrument cluster issue (“instrument cluster version mid black screen”), which indicates this is a known defect. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter to ensure other owners of this vehicle model are aware and protected. Thank you for your attention.

See all problems of the 2022 Mini Cooper 🔎.

Thermostat sensor malfunction. Mini Coopers all around world had issues with the first generation thermostats and sensors, they created an entirely new system for all new Minis with a new thermostat house and different sensor type. Yet they did not recall all the other Minis when they don’t even sell the old thermostat anymore. So the new house and sensor won’t fit on the first gen models. This is a worldwide issue with first gen models.

See all problems of the 2013 Mini Cooper 🔎.

There is a leak which affected the control unit fuel pump. The leak is ongoing throughout many of these cars yet there has not been a recall to fix it. More than $3k in damages. It's something a modern car should not be facing.

See all problems of the 2017 Mini Cooper 🔎.

Error code is 93c3 passenger seat occupancy detector. This seems to be a known problem on almost every Mini Cooper and should be recalled and replaced. Car barely has 63k miles on it.

I’ve been experiencing headaches, dizziness, and sudden tearing episodes while driving and the tearing only happens while driving my Mini. A few of these episodes have occurred on the highway, the painful eye irritation and crazy tearing made it very difficult to keep my eyes open, which has been super dangerous. I forced myself to keep at least one eye open to pull over, and fortunately I'm still alive. I recently found that these symptoms are probably linked to the premature failure (at 10k miles) of the ac system and exposure to the refrigerant leaked from the vent. I noticed ac hissing noise a few days after my warranty expired at only 10k miles, the dealer found super low refrigerant but could not find any leak. They recharged it and said my car was good, but noise came back after 3 months. They were still not able to find the leak, and asked me to replace one part at a time until it's fixed. I called Mini, Mini helped the dealer to find leak from compressor and replaced it. I mentioned a weird odor every time I start my car but they didn't investigate further. The noise came back again after 5 months (at 12k miles). I brought it to another dealer (since I moved) and two independent mechanics (as the previous dealer has been very incompetent), all diagnosed leak from evaporator because of the odor and that the cabin air filter has refrigerant dye all over it upon checking. The previous dealer didn't check the filter at all according to my dash camera, and because of the same odor, the timeline of the repeated failures, I believe the evaporator leak also happened at 10k miles. And one of the independent mechanics who specializes in BMW and Mini mentioned he had seen quite a few such cases in 2018 and 2019 Minis. I think failure of two major ac components at such low mileage isn't normal, and the unexpected headache, dizziness, and strong eye irritation while driving are super dangerous. The repair cost for the defects should not be customers' responsibility.

See all problems of the 2019 Mini Cooper 🔎.

The problem/issue is with the glass on my car roof/the panoramic sunroof. No insulation to protect me/others from heat or cold. The temp of roof gets 2-3 times the temp of the day. 200-300f. This can lead to discomfort/use of extra energy/pollution etc. A child left in such car wd be in deadly danger. The car maker does not want to know or do anything about it. My Mini is not the only car. Almost all have the same design flaw, Tesla is the worst case with full glass roof no insulation at all, key problem/issie car makers hv remover insulation from car roofs and replaced it with glass but did not replace the insulation. Some as Tesla have nothing others just a simple net-like material with no insulation properties. Detailed analysis with proof attached. This is huge problem/issue/flaw that has serious consequences. I titled my analysis the dark side of glass on our cars,. Millions of these cars (Tesla esp over 2 m) are wasting 100s of ms worth of energy both electric and fossil. Also contribute to additional environmental impact, for the wasted energy has to be made and then wasted by car engines to compensate for lack of insulation in car roofs. No house/homes wd be allowed to be built without insulation in attic/roof etc. So why are car makers allowed to do it with cars. Maybe the govt is not even aware of this. It is possible removing insulation from car roofs is illegal and/or against industry standards. The car makers did it and no one watched them. Many car owners think this is normal. It is not and should be stopped. Please look into this important issue. More details and proof in my analysis. Thank you. Ps; I found solution for my car as shown on picture. I could not attach my analysis it is most important I send it to you. Pls send me an email where I can send it. The pictures show the roofs with no insulation and Mini with my solution for heat prevention.

See all problems of the 2023 Mini Cooper 🔎.

On Dec 17, 2019, mileage was 47,744 I took Mini for service, and told them that the front right headlight didn't work, they replaced the light bulb and they found out that the headlight was still inoperable, and internally shorted. They didn't want to include it in the extended warranty. The Mini has electrical issues (frm). The headlight wires are damaged inside the light housing and are bare-striped even if you change the light bulb when you hit a bump the wires touch the bulb short out. So my car was under the extended warranty when I took it to braman mitors miami for service but they failed to correct the problem. BMW of north America extended the warranty for 10 years /156,000 miles whichever occurs first, as determined by your vehicle's service date (original service date is 3/16/2010) extending the limited warranty for the footwell module (frm) this problem is a known problem by BMW / Mini they currently have open recalls on the model, series, production date, and year. But since hardly anyone files complaints to NHTSA in fla, this problem is ongoing. May 11, 2023, under violation of federal law (the safety act) dealers can't sell, lease, or deliver any vehicle until recall repairs have been performed. But they overlook the problem at the dealership when the car is in the shop for service. I was given a multi-point inspection it passed 28 of them lol, but the first one (operation of all light and signals, (passed). . . Lol so how can this test pass? when I picked up the Mini nothing was working turn signals, the front right headlight, windows, hazard lights, fog lights. However, the dealer overlooks the safety recall and wants to charge the client an additional charge to diagnose the frm. They gave me an estimate for $1,985. 38 if I had approved the work that they said the Mini needed, but nothing to do with the recall (frm) is this how BMW handles this safety recall? they don't care to solve the problem at any level dealer or manufacturer.

This has a major recall and won’t pass inspection. Engine light is on . I’ve called dealership and was told parts are on back order . Last year I was told the same thing before I received a letter in the mail.

See all problems of the 2009 Mini Cooper 🔎.

Condensate drain hose is not properly draining the condensate from the vehicle. *breathing in mold and didn't know it the problem was confirmed by the dealer dealer inspected warnings, no recalls.

My car is affected by this recall and I have no turn signals, dash lights, high beams, working windows, security system, or backup sensors. There are also codes thrown which prevents me from renewing my registration due to deq test failure. The dealership can’t do anything and BMW north America has done nothing to remedy things.

See all problems of the 2012 Mini Cooper 🔎.

In July 2023, a recall letter I received from Mini states a defective footwell control module “could potentially result in a short circuit, resulting in a potential thermal event which could increase the risk of a fire or injury. ” it also states “a remedy is currently being developed. ” I called the local Mini dealer service department, and that department had never heard of the defect or the recall, sending me in to Mini customer relations. The gentlemen I spoke with said he thought the car was safe to drive (nowhere mentioned in the letter), and he could not offer anything in writing to back-up his claim. When I said what if there is a fire in the car, he suggested I “evacuate the vehicle. ” I asked for a loaner since I was and still am concerned the car is not in fact safe to drive without an official written confirmation from Mini explaining why and how Mini knows my affected car is safe to drive in light of “increased risk of a fire or injury” identified in the recall letter. He could not answer and sent me on to Mini’s “executive office. ” I received a call from alyssa in that office who confirmed that no loaner or alternative transportation would be provided and who offered no other solution beyond another assurance the car was safe to drive despite the specific reference to increased “risk of fire or injury” in the recall letter. Again, no supporting information was provided for that claim, so I remain uncertain as to the safety of my vehicle and will not drive it without a remedy. I offered to have Mini buy back the car if they are so sure it is safe since I will not try to sell the car to anyone else under the circumstances. Since then, nothing whatsoever has happened and my car just sits idle. Surely there is some remedy available for this sort of callous disregard of customer safety and lack of any remedy about a safety issue that Mini itself has acknowledged. I am hoping your office can help me get this resolved quickly.

Copy of complaint sent to Mini USA today 9/2/24. (removed my personal data -name, address, email, phone number): I have been waiting since July 2023 for notice of a fix for this dangerous issue of failed footwell modules that can catch on fire! how is this either legal or humane? when I call, and I call regularly, to ask about any progress made in correcting the potentially fatal to the driver, problem, I'm asked to be patient. . . That a fix is being studied but none has become available. And, OH yes, always the "footwell fires are very very rare". . . So I suppose if I have one and I die my heirs should take comfort in knowing that it was very very rare? here's the bottom line. I spoke with a service manager at Mini of loveland and I will not divulge his name because he doesn't deserve to be reprimanded or hassled. I asked him if they were replacing any footwell modules because of the recall. I was given the same bs about "working on creating a part that will fix it". Yeah, right. But here's the jewel in this conversation: when I asked what they'd do if my footwell module failed for mechanical reasons he told me and I believe it's a fix that should be offered to all affected owners: "he told me that when fwmodules in my make/model/year Mini, fail (not catch fire but fail as they normally do - I. E. Windows won't go up or down, or turn signals and or/headlights won't work, etc. The fix for that also address the recall issue: replace the footwell with the same part with these modifications to address the corrosion/fire recall: they remove the old broken module. They clean out the entire footwell removing any signs of corrosion from the leaked in water. They pack the module with material that will prevent moisture from seeping in. And then they close it back up! at no charge to the owner> I want this fix! I deserve this fix as do other Mini owners who are affected by this recall to prevent death or severe burns or both from failed footwell modules. Thanks.

Letter of important safety recall recall campaign no. 23v-337: footwell control module (frm) was received July 2023. Ten months later there still is no remedy. Mini USA should have a resolution by now. I am concerned with the long delay creating unsafe conditions while driving my car.

See all problems of the 2011 Mini Cooper 🔎.

I am writing about the air recirculation system in the Mini Cooper se (and possibly other Minis). From Mini (by email) they state that "to prevent window condensation, recirculated-air mode for your Mini switches off automatically after a certain amount of time, depending on the outside temperature. There is no setting to keep recirculated-air mode on indefinitely. " I found this to be a mild inconvenience when bad smells occur (following a garbage truck) or when the pollen count was high. However, given the recent instance of the wild fires in canada causing unsafe breathing conditions outside - this "feature," as they state it, is actually a major safety hazard. Without the ability to stop outside air from coming into the compartment, it becomes hard to breathe and is unsafe to drive in events where the air quality is compromised. I would like to file a formal complaint about the safety issue this creates: without the ability of the driver to keep the air recirculation button engaged, it can be unsafe in certain situations. And the alternative, which they claim to be correcting for (trying to prevent condensation on the window) can easily be handled by the driver. Thank you for your time reviewing this issue. Kurt.

Can't use turn signals and can't lower windows to use hand signals, almost got rear ended.

Received recall from Mini USA may 2023 “safety recall footwell control module 23v-337. Update may 2024 “remedy being developed”. I’m unable to have a Mini dealership confirm safety of my veh as there are no dealerships in state of maine, closest in peabody MA 1. 5 hrs away. It’s going on 1 yr & no remedy on the horizon? I called Mini USA hotline and they can’t help. This is unacceptable. Are they required to resolve in a timely manner? should they be required to buy my veh back as it wouldn’t pass inspection & unable to drive?? please provide next steps. Thank you.

This vehicle just went over 66,000 miles and the airbag warning light started appearing. An independent mechanic and dealership both diagnosed and said it's a defective front passenger seat occupant detection mat and I'd need to replace the entire system/seat. Several other vehicles with the same part have recalls however my specific 2008 model is not included in this recall. I believe it should be included in the recall as this is clearly a known issue and an obvious safety system/design flaw. No sort of crash or collision occurred and now the vehicle will not pass safety inspection and is unusable because of this until I spent roughly $2000 on the repair.

See all problems of the 2008 Mini Cooper 🔎.

On July 12 early morning hours I left maryland drove to augusta GA and continued on to decatur GA totaling 704 miles. Within an hour of me arriving to atlanta, I attempted to leave the house again and the car would not crank. I had it towed to global Mini there in chamblee, GA. The key stopped communicating with the car, and I was asked to give them my spare key-I did not travel with my spare key and the key fob design does not have a replaceable battery per the dealership the fob is designed to charge while driving. I had to pay for someone to overnight my second key-which did crank the car. I had to purchase another key and I had to rent a car until they ordered another key to have sent to the dealer because the dealer does not make keys. This is a safety issue because I made several stops for gas and restroom breaks and what if this happened in the middle of nowhere? it was a scary situation and I feel that we should have been notified as owners that this could be a possible event. I purchased this vehicle brand new in 2015.

See all problems of the 2015 Mini Cooper 🔎.

Footwell module is not working due to rear left blinker is not signaling only the front light does work when turning left.

The lighting and small system computer or frm module. This module controls any features including safety features on the car. Also known as the footwell module. After having aaa install a new battery within days the widows would not go down my turn signals, hazard lights, dash lights, courtesy lights, tail lights, horn, high beam headlights and possibly airbags don’t work. Mini will fix the problem if the car is ten years old or less, but any car that is older doesn’t qualify. Mini goes by manufacturing date of the car. My but it was not sold into service until 2011. They refuse to fix it and the repair cost was $1828. 24. I have had other problems as well. Mini needs to acknowledge this problem issue a recall and refund those of us that have been victimized by not making this a recall issue. Mini must be confronted by NHTSA put on notice, considering these are major safety issues that could result in injury or death. Part number= fp 61-35-6-827-072.

The car easily shifts to neutral while driving. It is an automatic car. If the shifter is bumped every so slightly it shifts into neutral. It happens while traveling slowly or very fast. It has happened to me on a highway as well as when traveling very slowly. It is dangerous and certainly a safety. Issue, especially if traveling on a highway. I will include one date on this form, but it has happened many times.

My Mini Cooper needs recall work done. I am in billings, mt and 392 miles from the closest certified place to get it repaired. I can't travel that far in a 2002 vehicle with high miles during a pandemic. I am a senior citizen and have issues that do not allow me to travel that far. I am stuck with a vehicle that may have a potential steering issue with no way to resolve it. I now can't sell this vehicle either because it would be morally wrong to pass this problem on to a new owner. I can't afford this kind of safety and financial problem. I need help to get this work done and Mini Cooper called me after my inquiry and said I am basically out of luck. They have no resolution for me or any other Mini Cooper owners that live in rural states and are not near a certified dealership. I need this repaired and am hoping you can help me and all the other Mini Cooper owners in this dangerous situation. The number the Mini representative called me from was 800-831-1117.

See all problems of the 2002 Mini Cooper 🔎.

When driving vehicle transmission slips causing a jerk reaction in the vehicle and then it will renegade causing another jerk reaction in the vehicle and makes going and or stopping unpredictable. Turning left is dangerous as the car may not move forward at a speed that it should or may jerk in the middle causing the vehicle to stop in front of oncoming traffic. I have had a machanic change the transmission and it still does the same thing. I have contacted the manufacturers who informed me that there were no recalls and nothing they would do.

See all problems of the 2005 Mini Cooper 🔎.

While driving on road driver's side roll over bar just popped up. I'm concerned that if car would have rolled over passenger would have been crashed. Already notified min icooper waiting for a response. Car will be service this week.

Foul odor coming from vents when starting up ac, and after turning off for 10 - 15 minutes.

Check engine light ac not working water pump.

After receiving roadside assistance for a battery issue I was driving home at highway speeds at night when the interior lighting of my dashboard went out and my instrument cluster, turn signals, fog lights, high beams, and windows ceased to function. When I made it home I scanned my vehicle via obd2 and a plethora of codes had appeared almost all related to safety features such as lighting, airbags,dynamic stability control, suspension, abs, and speed sensing devices. After several hours of research and diagnostic work I determined the problem to be the driver side footwell module which has long been known to be a defective item to Mini/BMW so much so that it's been given a warranty extension of 10 years/ 156,000 miles that remains active, but only to eligible vehicle warranty holders. After my experience of losing practically all vehicle lighting which included both turn and hazard signaling ability while driving at night and at highway speeds I implore the NHTSA to issue a safety recall on these faulty footwell modules given the ease and suddenness at which they cease to function for reasons that range from moisture intolerance, routine maintenance practices, and emergency roadside assistance as was my particular case. The problem has already been acknowledged by the manufacturer and I feel it is now time that the government address this known safety issue in order to protect America's roads and highways as well as the citizenry at large.

My wife was driving our 2004 Mini Cooper home traveling uphill on a steep paved mountain roadway traveling a maximum of 15 mph when for some unknown reason the vehicle left the roadway; struck a tree with its left front and burst into an exploding fire killing my wife who was not able to escape the burning vehicle. The nc state police are investigating the cause of the fire and death. They do not know yet whether the vehicle caught fire prior to striking the tree but, feel the fire could not have been caused by the vehicle striking the tree at a low impact and speed. Nc mv accident report# 190906046ga.

See all problems of the 2004 Mini Cooper 🔎.

Car accident cause problems , having problems with clutch / flywheel was repaired one time drive slow won't move fast. Not steering , has leakage , damage dents on right side front end paint damages, not right color. Back bumper damage scratches , hatchback lock needs be replaced. Wheels damage lt rt . Abs symptom light on, airbag light on, front rear hood light on problems not closing. In motion street .

See all problems of the 2006 Mini Cooper 🔎.

February 21, 2019 I was pulling into a parking space and the brakes temporarily failed. When I pumped them a second time they came to a stop, however by then the car and I had gone over a hedge and side swiped a tree. BMW north America could not find any warning on March 11, 2019 when they reviewed the systems, no warnings at all, no air bags deployed. I was turning in to a familiar parking lot at a slow speed.

While driving for about 30 minutes on the highway, my Mini Cooper shut off completely, I was able to pull onto the shoulder and that is when smoke started coming from the engine, within 6 minutes my whole engine was engulfed in flames, car totaled. Insurence inspectors couldn't figure out a cause. One of the fire fighters said it looks like it started near the water pump. There are recalls on other models for this problem, but not mine. My Mini hasn't been worked on since last year when I got new tires, I also keep up with every oil change.

Vehicle was in motion on a highway and after going over several pot holes the engine temperature warning light came on. The engine power was reduced and an engine failure light also appeared. This is when I pulled over into the off ramp and the vehicle came to a sputtering stop. I placed the car in neutral and pushed it to the dirt side lane of the off ramp. I opened the hood, smelled something burning, and saw smoke coming from the engine. I could see burnt circuits, burnt plastic, and coolant leaking all over the engine and exposed wiring. Had it not been for immediately exiting onto the off-ramp, the vehicle would have stopped in the middle of the highway without warning.