Mini Cooper owners have reported 44 problems related to transmission failure (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Mini Cooper based on all problems reported for the Cooper.
Problem 1: clutch/transmission failed at 50,000 just after warranty. Unable to shift on highway, had to stay in low gear. Transmission was replaced. It failed a second time, was replaced at about 80,000. I believe it is failing again as the clutch is slipping in 1st and 2nd gears; Mini Cooper says they note no problem. Problem 2: timing chain. Parked, my car would not start easily; started on 3rd try. My car stalled, stopped on the highway as I was slowing down due to traffic. Restarted and continued. No engine light. Driving to Mini service, car stalled coming in; had to coast in. Found to be timing chain, valvetronic eccentric shaft, perhaps parts falling into oil pan. $2800 in repairs. When I asked about law suits or recalls over the last 3 years because I've had major performance issues, Mini Cooper stated no known suits even though there were. I find that there have been suits, and I "missed the window" for the timing chain.
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all problems of the 2007 Mini Cooper
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Tl- the contact owns a 2002 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the transmission failed on the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for service and was told that the transmission was failing. The vehicle was not repaired at that time and while driving home the transmission locked up. The vehicle was then towed back to the dealer and it was determined that the drive shift cable had failed. The contact was informed of recall campaign:02v201 (power train) but the manufacturer stated the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 136000. Rl.
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all problems of the 2002 Mini Cooper
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While driving my Mini Cooper on a major road in heavy traffic my Mini Cooper experienced a complete loss of power to the wheels (sudden transmission failure). My only option to avoid being rear-ended was to steer the car off the road ( with the remaining forward momentum into a fast food parking lot in order to avoid being involved in an accident. Description of failed component/affected part: Mini Cooper's cvt transmission have a known history of sudden failure at 80k-120k. BMW the manufacturer of the Mini has known about the defective transmission in their vehicle for years, and has never informed owners of their vehicles of the transmission problem or the potential risk for accidents, injury, or death that could result from the sudden failure of the Mini's transmission and resulting total loss of power. BMW has never issued a recall or offer to replace the defective transmission under the vehicle warranty. Additionally, BMW has issued service advisories to their service managers about the problems associated with their Mini Cooper's cvt transmission, but as mentioned has not communicated this problem to Mini owners.
I have a 2004 Mini Cooper it has recently reached 87000 miles and the cvt transmission is failing. Normally you change your transmission fuel every 25,000 to 50,000 miles. My model Mini Cooper hatchback does not come with a reservoir to change such a fuel it was a guarantee by the manufacturer that these models would not need such a service and that the transmission would be fine throughout the lifetime of the car. What worries me is that I have not been able to drive my Mini over 50mph due to the increase of rpm's. Without the speed increase it is not safe for me to drive on the highways as I normally would. A cvt transmission replacement could cost thousands. But more importantly I'm worried about my safety its possible that my transmission could fail while mobile. Thats my main concern. I recently read that there has been a lawsuit addressing these issues. It is BMW's due diligence to address this matter seeing how thousands of citizens are operating this machinery on a daily basis.
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all problems of the 2004 Mini Cooper
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Auto transmission cvt failure. I'm the orignal owner of this 2003 Mini Cooper with only 58,000 miles and this car is just sitting in my garage. The Mini dealer wants $9,000 to r&r the trans. I can't afford to fix. I feel BMW / Mini should be be ashamed of them selfs. Last year the Mini dealer charge me over $2,100 to r&r the steering pump when the car had under 50,000 miles on it. BMW / Mini should have to pay up or replace theese cvt trans. T/y.
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all problems of the 2003 Mini Cooper
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2006 Mini-cooper. Consumer writes in regards to transmission failure. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure, but they did state the transmission was in the process of failing. The consumer stated when he attempted to get on the freeway, the vehicle would not shift into 2nd gear. The manufacturer offered to pay 1/2 of the cost on the bill, which totaled $8,000.
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all problems of the 2006 Mini Cooper
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Mini Cooper transmission fail. The car does not go between 20 to 50 mph. It has no power and that can be dangers when I am getting into the highway and cars are going at a high speed. On top of it my car stalled in the middle of rush hour. Lucky I got it started and was able to make it home. Seems like everyone is having this problem the car need to be recall and get it faxed because someone can die.
I have a 2004 Mini Cooper with 87,000 miles on it. There were no events leading up to the total cvt transmission failure that took place last Friday 07/29/11. I was entering into a large intersection when the car started bucking and rattling. I just made it into a hess station parking lot (thank goodness there was one there) when it wouldn't go any further. I had it towed to a local transmission shop and they said that the trans was dead and I was going to need a new one. They informed me that there aren't any rebuilt options and the new trans is going to cost me $5000 + $1200 for labor. I have done a bunch of research on these cvt transmissions and apparently they have been a huge problem and BMW/Mini haven't done anything about it. I think it is a disgrace that this continues to happen and cost people thousands of dollars. Something needs to be done ASAP!!!!.
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. While driving approximately 30 mph, the transmission failed to respond. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact shifted the gear selector into park however, the gear would not remain secure and the emergency brake was engaged to prevent the vehicle from rolling. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for repairs. In addition, the oil pump gasket and map thermostat were replaced prior to the transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 2,504. Updated 10/12/lj updated 3/30/12.
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all problems of the 2011 Mini Cooper
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The contact owns a 2004 Mini copper. The contact was driving 55 mph in order to pass another vehicle when the transmission failed and made it difficult to increase speed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer several times prior to the transmission failing and was told to only use premium gasoline. The contact made the change and within a few months, the transmission failed. The failure and current mileages were 58,000.
2003 Mini Cooper automatic cvt transmission failed abruptly and unexpectedly.
My 2003 Mini Cooper has had total transmission failure (cvt transmission) at only 46,129 miles. Failure was total and sudden and vehicle is undriveable without new transmission. The dealer quoted me a cost of $10,055. 44 (parts $6,943. 28, labor $2,700 + tax). This cost is more that the vehicles' current value. I have been told that only a new cvt transmission can replace the faulty one, and even then that transmission may again fail as they are such terrible transmissions. The car will not take any other transmission option. The dealer basically laughed and said, "I don't suppose you have an extra $10,000 laying around," when he told me the cost of the repair. The dealer has offered no assistance in lowering the cost, but basically said "tough luck" and taken no responsibility. The car is useless and unfixable at this cost. A recall should be done as consumers have been sold a failed transmission, and the safety of this car's transmission is totally faulty.
Transmission failure and power steering failure on 2003 Mini Cooper (automatic) at 43,000 miles. Original owner, no psp problems until a month ago when suddenly locked up while driving. Once restarted the problem stopped. Just tried to sell the car back to the dealer who then opted out of the sale after inspection as they said it needed a new transmission ($7,000+). Both of these issues seem common when I searched on the net; both should be recall issues.
2003 Mini Cooper with failing cvt transmission. This transmission was discontinued by Mini and subsequently is failing at less than 100k miles. The transmission failure is abrupt and can possibly leave the passenger/s stranded in oncoming traffic. Consulted with Mini of greenville , SC this week and they stated that they are not responsible for the failing transmissions and cost to replace is approximately $8000. When asked if they would accept the vehicle for a trade they stated they would only give $1000 for the vehicle on a trade. I have read multiple posts from irate owners who are having to deal with the premature failed transmissions. With the increased focus on vehicle safety Mini should be held accountable for these premature failures.
Transmission failure made car stop in traffic.
Transmission cvt failure.
Transmission failed on 2003 Mini Cooper while driving on highway.
2005 Mini Cooper automatic cvt transmission failed at only 47,000 miles. When taking my foot off of the gas, the rpm's would rev up as the car slowed down. Then my check engine light and ep (transmission) warning light came on and the car would no longer shift above second gear, making the car practically undrivable. This vehicle has always been serviced promptly and well maintained through Mini Cooper dealerships. My factory warranty expired 6 months ago. The interior belt or chain on the transmission has "completely come apart" and the entire transmission needs to be replaced. Mini Cooper estimates $7600 to replace this transmission!.
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all problems of the 2005 Mini Cooper
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2004 Mini Cooper non s , transmission failure due to a midland transmission.
The contact owns a 2002 Mini Cooper. The vehicle shut off while driving approximately 25 mph. There were no warnings prior to the transmission failure. The contact feels that this is a serious safety issue because a crash could have occurred. The failure mileage was 63,000.
Transmission failed with no warning or symptoms.
The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper. While driving 25 mph, the vehicle jerked and made rattling and popping sounds. The vehicle shut off and the contact pushed it to the side of the road. The key could not be removed from the ignition and the vehicle had to be towed to the dealer. She was informed that the transmission failed and would cost $7,000 to repair. The contact will call the manufacturer for assistance. The failure mileage was 62,000.
2003 Mini Cooper transmission failure. Replacement cost approx 7500. 00 this is a known defect and there is a multitude of problems associated with this. I bought mine used. No disclosure of it during the sale. It should be at least be flagged for the consumers protection. Dealers, manufactures will not even discuss it. It is a horrible situation to be in.
Transmission bearings failure after 82,000 miles. No bearings kit replacement offered.
2003 Mini Cooper transmission failed while driving on highway. Car just stopped while going 60 mph. Manufacturer/dealer would not cover repairs (85,000 miles out of warranty). Estimate to replace: $9,000. Sold car as is at auction.
My 2004 Mini Coopers transmission failed at 80k miles with no warning. Luckily I was in a parking lot and not on the highway, where I could have been killed. The cost of replacing the tranny was $7,000. Mini USA was useless when I pleaded with them to help me. After reading about all of the other complaints with the cvt trans, I can't believe there was no recall. I will never buy a Mini again. I still owe $11,000 on the car and cannot afford another.
My cvt in my 2003 Mini Cooper failed at 85000 miles. . Suddenly and it seems a rarer large percent are failing. With an average replacement price of $7000. . For a car that cost $21,000. . Never had a transmission fail like this. !! car was towed to dealer. . Appro 1. 4 miles away and we were given a lift home. . . Approx 24 miles away. We are waiting to hear what the repair cost will be but research gave me the number already of $7000. To be honest. . I cant afford that !!!.
Cvt transmission failure.
For absolutely no reason the manual transmission failed and locked up causing me to loose control of the vehicle at 40mph. No injuries or damage to the vehicle as I was able to control the slide. However I have spoken to both dealer and manufacture and they both admit the transmissions in these vehicles both automatic and manual are weak and can cause failure at any speed which will result in lockup of the front tires. Numerous reports from other Mini Cooper owners show the same. The transmission was replaced in this vehicle 3 years ago for the same problem. Now it needs replaced again. The only repair is to put a rebuilt unit in place with the same weak gears. Mini no longer warranties the repairs as of 2008 because of the problems. I got lucky but I carry my 3yr old son with me most of the time and this does not feel like a safe vehicle considering out of nowhere with no warning this failure could occur again. Both Mini USA, BMW have been very unhelpful in the matter unless I'm willing to pay over $1000 to have it towed to a Mini Cooper dealer just to have it looked at.
Driving to work one morning and the engine response seemed sluggish. Called a mechanic friend, he said it's either the spark plugs or transmission problem. Book appointment for service. Several days later, complete transmission failure at 83,000km. Mini Cooper has said that I need a completely new transmission, being just off warranty by 3,000km I was quoted approximately $9,000 for repairs.
The warranty on my 2002 Mini Cooper ran out at 50k miles. At 53k miles the transmission failed and had to be replaced with a rebuilt transmission from Mini. The total cost of the repair was $4,200. I have been in contact with many other people who are suffering the same fate because Mini will not take responsibility for their faulty transmissions.
My 2003 Mini Cooper uses a cvt transmission system and the transmission has failed after only 75,000 miles. I was fortunate to get the vehicle to the dealer for repair before the transmission actually failed but I was told by the dealers service center that the car was unsafe to drive as the transmission could go out at any time. I never would have expected a transmission to give out with so few miles on it and only took it to the dealer because it was making a strange sound. Had I not taken it in I could have lost the transmission while driving. I have heard from other owners of vehicles like mine and it appears this is not an isolated incident. The transmission system used in these cars is unreliable (I believe the manufacturer stopped using it after 2004 or 2005). There could potentially be a large number of these cars on the road with transmissions that are about to fail at any time whose owners are unaware of the problem.
Total transmission failure at 57,000 miles. Warranty just ran out, quoted price to replace transmission, clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing $7,000 Minimum. Dealer refuses to accept any responsibility.
Cvt transmission failed after 32,000 miles, needing costly replacement.
My automatic transmission failed on my 2002 Mini Cooper rendering the car will not start. The dealership wants $6000+ to fix the transmission. I had a similar issue about 3 months ago and they just reset the code and it worked fine. They said if they tried resetting the code again, the car may just die on me while driving.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Power Train problems | |
| Automatic Transmission problems | |
| Transmission Failure problems | |
| Transmission Noise problems | |
| Manual Transmission problems | |
| Clutch problems | |
| Transmission Gear Slipping problems | |
| Transmission Slip Out Of Gear problems | |
| Transmission Not Go Into Gear problems | |
| Manual Transmission Floor Shifter problems |