Engine
1.6L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 115 of 115 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 85 of 115 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
56 complaint records4 fire reports1 crash report
"THERMOSTAT HOUSING DEVELOPED A LEAK RESULTING IN LOSS OF COOLANT, ENGINE OVERHEATED AND WARPED THE HEAD AND BENT VALVES. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Air bags
44 complaint records3 crash reports
"FULL-GROWN ADULT PASSENGERS (WEIGHING IN EXCESS OF 120 POUNDS) SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CAUSES THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, WHICH STATES, "PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG DISABLED". *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Power train
12 complaint records1 crash report
"CVT TRANSMISSION BELT BROKE WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR CAME TO A. STOP . I COULD HAVE BEEN CRUSHED BY A BIG TRUCK THAT WAS BEHIND LUCKILY HE WAS ABLE TO SWERVE AROUND ME..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23V337000 | Electrical System | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold,... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023281 2023-05-11 | Electrical | 21,319 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the footwell module (FRM) may become contaminated by a mixture of salt and moisture inside the vehicle. Over time, this can lead to corrosion that could cause a short circuit. |
| 2018544 2018-10-03 | Electrical | 18,468 | On certain vehicles, the footwell module (FRM3) may become contaminated by a mixture of salt and moisture which could lead to corrosion over time. |
| 2015147 2015-04-07 | Seats And Restraints | 7,865 | On certain vehicles, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat can fatigue over time. As a result, the passenger airbag could deactivate, illuminating the airbag warning lamp and the passenger airbag ON/OFF lamp. |
| 2012008 2012-01-11 | Electrical | 6,557 | On certain vehicles, the auxiliary water pump (which cools the turbocharger after the engine is turned OFF) can overheat and fail. This could result in a vehicle fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. |
| 2009028 2009-01-29 | Other | 2,192 | On certain vehicles, the centrally-located tailpipe extension protrudes slightly beyond the rear bumper. As a consequence, it is possible for inadvertent contact with a person's leg. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| M010616 Mar 2025 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date. |
| M010616 May 2026 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date. |
| M610226 Sep 2026 | Electrical System | While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, vehicle test, and/or programmingprocedure- the MINI Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. | |
| M610226 Apr 2026 | Electrical System | While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, vehicle test, and/or programming procedure- the MINI Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. | |
| M511616 Nov 2023 | Structure | Cavity protection applied to underside of the hood is leaking out onto the wheel arch trim and grille. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| M610607 Oct 2023 | Electrical System | MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. | |
| M360119 Dec 2021 | Wheels | New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models. The new wheel electronics are identified as Huf Generation 5. | |
| M011116 Aug 2020 | Seats | OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT - LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES: Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension For the above-referenced vehicles, MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC (MINI USA) is extending the limited warranty for the front... | |
| M010419 Jan 2020 | Electrical System | CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N14 HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HDP) SERVICE BENEFIT CLASS VEHICLES: The MINI vehicle may experience a sudden engine operational failure reduced or loss of power while driving and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may be illuminated along with... | |
| M510912 Jul 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Service Action: Checking or Replacing the Door Sill Trim Strips. The door sill trim strips are deformed and/or peeling up at the corners. CAUSE: Insufficient surface preparation of the door sill. | |
| M640108 Jul 2019 | Equipment | Air Conditioning System Leak Testing. The customer complains of poor or no air conditioning cooling. After further diagnosis, the system is found to be low or empty of a refrigerant charge, but when using an electronic leak detector, no leak can be found. | |
| M011116 Jan 2019 | Equipment | OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120. | |
| M230108 Nov 2018 | Power Train | "MANUAL TRANSMISSION - STIFF DIAGONAL GEARSHIFT LEVER MOVEMENT. The customer may complain of a ""stiff diagonal shift"" (e.g., N-R, R-N, 2-3/3-2 or 4-5/5-4). Also, in some cases, gears cannot be selected, or the selector gear does not go into the neutral position. CAUSE 1. | |
| M650610 Jun 2018 | Equipment | NAVIGATION SYSTEM HAS MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance: | |
| M650610 May 2018 | Equipment | NAVIGATION SYSTEM HAS MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance: | |
| M240118 Feb 2018 | Power Train | AISIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISISON: RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL REPLACEMENT | |
| M640114 Aug 2017 | Equipment | Automatic Deactivation of Recirculation Mode. The customer states the recirculation display goes out, even though the recirculation button was switched on. CAUSE The automatic recirculation air deactivation feature was introduced in July 2012. | |
| M011116 Jan 2017 | Equipment | ?OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 01 11 16 dated December 2016. | |
| BMWDEC0116 Dec 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | "Update MINI Water Pump Class Action Settlement: Herremans v. BMW of North America, LLC. MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC (""MINI USA"") has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the above referenced class action and the Court has granted... | |
| M011216 Dec 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | "ENGINE MECHANICAL WATER (COOLANT) PUMP: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 7 YEARS/84,000 MILES. INFORMATION As part of a Class Action Suit Settlement for the vehicles listed above (""Class Vehicles""), MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC, is extending the limited... | |
| M651016 Nov 2016 | Equipment | "USB DEVICE IS NOT DETECTED BY CHAMP2 HEAD UNIT. Media connected to the USB connector is not recognized by the audio system. Playback of files from the media is not possible. | |
| M630116 May 2016 | Exterior Lighting | Delay in Automatic Driving Light Switching on/off. When driving out of a tunnel or exiting underground parking, the automatic driving light remains switched on for two minutes. Shut-off period varies based on detected situation. This is normal operational behavior. | |
| M840114 May 2016 | Equipment | Bluetooth Connection Failures This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M84 01 14 dated February 2016.. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. | |
| M010511 Mar 2016 | Fuel System | "N12 Tank Leak Diagnostic Module (DMTL) Pump: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. INFORMATION This updated version of this bulletin now includes the addition of the model year 2009 R55, R56 and R57 MINI Cooper vehicles with the N12 engine. | |
| SIM010511 Mar 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | N12 Tank leak diagnostic module (DMTL) pump:limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles | |
| M840114 Feb 2016 | Electrical System | This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M84 01 14 dated November 2014. SUBJECT Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: z Apple iPhones z Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. | |
| M090115 Dec 2015 | Electrical System | New programming feature: Exclusion of Infotainment Control Units from Programming. | |
| M011014 Oct 2015 | Equipment | "MINI Motorer-Focused Satisfaction (MFS) Program. Based on Motorer feedback, MINI has determined that during the first three years of service, some vehicles may require specific additional service work to be performed. | |
| M640215 Oct 2015 | Visibility | The Blower Motor is Faulty. The blower motor does not operate at any fan speed. The blower motor may work intermittently with the blower fan speed operating only on FULL speed. CAUSE The blower motor is faulty and causes the blower resistor to fail. | |
| M640215 Sep 2015 | Equipment | This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M64 02 15 dated August 2015. SUBJECT The Blower Motor is Faulty. The blower motor does not operate at any fan speed. The blower motor may work intermittently with the blower fan speed operating only on FULL speed. | |
| M651015 Sep 2015 | Equipment | NAV Road Map Installation Using USB Stick. The Navigation road map can be installed onto the head unit in the vehicle using a USB stick connected to the USB connector in the center console in the vehicle. | |
| 11 06 15 Jul 2015 | Engine | MINI: DIFFERENT FAULTS ACTIVATES ENGINE MALFUNCTION AND OIL WARNING. *MA | |
| 12 06 15 Jul 2015 | Engine | MINI: BECAUSE OF THE DME SOFTWARE, AND A DAMAGED CLUTCH, THE DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION CHECK MESSAGE APPEAR. *MA | |
| 12 09 15 Jul 2015 | Electrical System | MINI: FAULTY SOFTWARE FOR THE TANK VENTILATION CONTROL DISPLAYS ENGINE THROTTLE REACTION WHEN TEMPERATURE IS HIGH OUTSIDE, AND MORE OBVIOUS IF THE TANK IS ONLY PARTLY FILLED. *MA | |
| 11 02 15 Jun 2015 | Engine | MINI: A MECHANICAL FAILURE AND DME SOFTWARE ERROR OF THE VANOS ACTUATORS CAUSE THE ENGINE TO RUN ROUGH WHICH ACTIVATES THE MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT. *MA | |
| 12 05 15 Jun 2015 | Engine | MINI: DUE TO FAULTY DME SOFTWARE, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHTS COMES ON, INCLUDING THE CHECK CONTROL MESSAGE FOR MOTOR FORCE DECREASE. *MA | |
| 12 07 15 Jun 2015 | Electrical System | MINI: FAULTY SOFTWARE CAUSES THE CHECK CONTROL AND ENGINE POWER REDUCED LIGHT TO APPEAR. *MA | |
| M360215 May 2015 | Tires | Valve Stem Replacement with Wheel Electronics. Tire pressure loss after replacement of the RDC/RDCi wheel electronics. Valve stems are not being replaced in conjunction of the RDC/RDCi wheel electronics replacement. | |
| M070115 Mar 2015 | Equipment | Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports indicates that there are many fault codes that are stored in the above vehicles, but they are not diagnosed to identify their root cause. | |
| M130115 Mar 2015 | Fuel System | N18:MINI Fuel Additive. INFORMATION Because carbon deposit buildup is related to fuel quality, it is not considered a defect in the vehicle's materials or workmanship. | |
| M610607 Mar 2015 | Electrical System | "Discharged Battery: Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed. MINI electrical systems and advancements in vehicle technology have resulted in an increased demand on the vehicle battery. This SI will help the dealer handle ""discharged battery"" complaints. | |
| M110112 Feb 2015 | Engine | SI M11 01 12February 2015 EngineTechnical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M11 01 12 dated March 2014. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT N16 and N18 Engine: Engine Oil Leak. | |
| M840115 Jan 2015 | Equipment | "SUBJECT iPhone and iOS 8.x Information. INFORMATION With the release of iOS 8.0, please be aware of the important functional change noted below: Scenario: z The customer leaves the vehicle and turns the phone off. z He or she turns the phone back on. | |
| SIM-11-10-14 Dec 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MINI: SOME VEHICLES HAVE TURBOCHARGER NOISE AND A LACK OR LOSS OF PERFORMANCE, DUE TO RESTRICTION OF TURBOCHARGER OIL SUPPLY, RESULTING IN OIL STARVATION AND SEIZING OF TURBOCHARGER ASSEMBLY. MODEL ALL. *PE | |
| M210114 Dec 2014 | Power Train | Dual Mass Flywheel: Diagnosis and Inspection. INFORMATION The following three criteria must to be checked, evaluated and the resulting findings documented on the repair order prior to replacing a dual-mass flywheel as defective: 1. | |
| M110414 Nov 2014 | Engine | N16 Engine: Oil Leak from Cylinder Head Sealing Plug. An oil leak can develop at a sealing plug located in the cylinder head, just below the vacuum pump. The sealing plug was not tightened sufficiently during production. | |
| M840114 Nov 2014 | Electrical System | iPhone: Connection Failures with iOS 7. There are various connectivity failures with the iPhone using iOS 7. Some examples are listed below: z Call disconnection z Contact List incomplete z General connection failures Apple software iOS 7 and its variants | |
| M640114 Sep 2014 | Visibility | Automatic Deactivation of Recirculation Mode. The customer states the recirculation display goes out, even though the recirculation button was switched on. CAUSE The automatic recirculation air deactivation feature was introduced in July 2012. | |
| M110414 Aug 2014 | Engine | N16 Engine: Oil Leak from Cylinder Head Sealing Plug. An oil leak can develop at a sealing plug located in the cylinder head, just below the vacuum pump. CAUSE The sealing plug was not tightened sufficiently during production. | |
| SIM-61-05-14 Jun 2014 | Visibility | MINI: THERE IS A DISCONNECTION OR KINK, IN WNIDSHIELD WASHER HOSE, WHICH IS TOO SHORT, CAUSING WINDSHIELD FRONT WASHER JET TO FAIL. MODEL F56 (COOPER, COOPER S). *PE | |
| M120114 May 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | N16: Fault 274D Mixture Adaptation Is Stored in the DME. Certain low speed, light-load driving conditions at lower outside temperatures could cause the Service Engine Soon lamp (MIL) to illuminate. | |
| M340113 May 2014 | Service Brakes | Erroneous "Service due" Message Although Brake Lining Thickness is Above Minimum Specification. The yellow "Service Due" warning message lights up in the instrument cluster, even though the brake pad thickness is more than 4.2mm (above the thickness at which the pad sensor... | |
| M640114 May 2014 | Equipment | Automatic Deactivation of Recirculation Mode. The customer states the recirculation display goes out, even though the recirculation button was switched on. CAUSE The automatic recirculation air deactivation feature was introduced in July 2012. | |
| M110112 Apr 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | N16 and N18 Engine Oil Leak. The customer states that a small engine oil leak can be seen from the underside of the engine. CAUSE The internal sealing of the oil pump volume control solenoid valve is compromised, allowing engine oil to leak from the oil pump volume control... | |
| SIM-11-01-12 Jan 2014 | Engine | MINI: ON CERTAIN MODEL VEHICLES, AN ENGINE OIL LEAK MAY OCCUR, DUE TO THE COMPROMISED OIL PUMP VOLUME CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE, FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF ENGINE. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED 4/19/2013. *KB UPDATED 3/11/14. *PE | |
| M110112 Jan 2014 | Electrical System | "N16 and N18 Engine Oil Leak. The customer states that a small engine oil leak can be seen from the underside of the engine. CAUSE The internal sealing of the oil pump volume control solenoid valve is compromised, allowing engine oil to leak from the oil pump volume control... | |
| M120114 Jan 2014 | Electrical System | N16: Fault 274D Mixture Adaptation Is Stored in the DME. Certain low speed, light-load driving conditions at lower outside temperatures could cause the Service Engine Soon lamp (MIL) to illuminate. | |
| M120113 Nov 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | N16 Engine: FC 2D9B Knock Sensor, Signal Is Stored in the DME. Certain areas of the US experience extremely cold climate conditions during the winter months, which can cause the Service Engine Soon lamp to illuminate while the engine temperature is increasing to full operating... | |
| M010511 Oct 2013 | Fuel System | DMTL Pump: Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. On affected vehicles, the Tank Leak Diagnostic Module (DMTL) pump can fail. | |
| M330112 Oct 2013 | Wheels | Adjusting Rear Camber. Rear camber cannot be adjusted properly. CAUSE Repair instructions not followed properly |
Showing 60 of 98 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 2 warranty extensions for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this MINI Cooper →