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 118 of 119 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 105 of 119 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
80 complaint records2 fire reports
"THE TIMING CHAIN HAS AN ISSUE AND RATTLES REALLY LAUD. THIS IS CAUSING ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLES IDLE AND SPEED DURING DRIVING. *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 engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Air bags
19 complaint records2 crash reports
"YELLOW PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUES TO INDICATE A WARNING SIGNAL AND ILLUMINATE, ALTHOUGH THERE IS NOT A PASSENGER AND THE SEAT IS COMPLETELY EMPTY. *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
16 complaint records
"MY TIMING CHAIN HAS NOW STARTED TO FAIL FOR THE 4TH TIME ON THIS CAR. THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS FAIL AND MINI DOES NOTHING TO CORRECT THE ISSUE PAST THE WARRANTY PERIOD. *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 power train parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE11036 opened Oct 2011 | closed Jun 2012 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine compartment fire - led to recall 12V166000 In a January 10, 2012 letter to NHTSA, BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the electric auxiliary water pump in approximately 88,911 model year (MY) 2007-2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured... |
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 |
| 18V248000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M,... | Normally free |
| 12V008000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2011 MINI COOPER S, 2008-2011 MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 COOPER JCW... | 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. |
| 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. |
| 2010382 2010-11-03 | Label | 7,135 | On certain vehicles, the "B" pillar National Safety Mark label is distorted as a result of a printing error. This situation does not pose a risk to highway safety. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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... | |
| M120210 Jul 2019 | Equipment | "Cooper S with N14: Diagnosis for Misfire Faults. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is illuminated and/or the customer complains that the engine runs rough (engine cold or warm) with any of the following misfire faults stored in the DME: * 2771, 2772, 2773, 2775, 2776, 2777,... |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| M510912 Jul 2019 | Structure | 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. | |
| M170115 Jul 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE CRANKS, NO START AND/OR ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE FAULTS: NOTE: The engine may also exhibit the same starting behavior as in Situation1. | |
| 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 | Electrical System | ?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. | |
| M120615 Oct 2016 | Power Train | "ENGINE POWER REDUCTION WITH "CLUTCH DAMAGED"" FAULTS STORED This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M12 06 15 dated July 2015. A drivetrain malfunction check control message is displayed, prompting the customer to contact the dealer for a service visit. | |
| M650916 Oct 2016 | Electrical System | No sound from the radio, telephone, gong signal and or PDC. Poor radio reception and failure of the telematics systems. Possible Check Control system message: Battery discharge when engine off, Caution, no acoustic warning signals. | |
| M010716 Aug 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | "N14 ENGINE TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 7 YEARS/100,000 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... | |
| 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 | Electrical System | 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. | |
| 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. | |
| M110815 Dec 2015 | Engine | Surface Cracks on the Water Pump Drive Pulley. During a repair, service or inspection, the drive pulley on the water pump shows signs of cracking. No part replacement is necessary unless there is another issue found that will be corrected by replacing the drive pulley. | |
| 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 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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 | Electrical System | 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 | |
| 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. | |
| M170115 Mar 2015 | Engine | "Engine Cranks, No Start and/or Engine Coolant Temperature Faults. 1 The engine either exhibits a crank, no start or a hard start (long crank), usually on a cold engine. No faults are stored in the DME. Proceed to Correction 1 for further diagnosis. | |
| 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. | |
| M840214 Jan 2015 | Electrical System | "This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M84 02 14 dated December 2014. PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE CUSTOMER DELIVERY OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS. | |
| 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. | |
| M650414 Dec 2014 | Equipment | Automated Activation of Navigation System During PDI/QC1. INFORMATION Important: The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! | |
| M840214 Dec 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Service Action: Bluetooth Software (KISU Data) Update. This Service Action is being released to improve customer satisfaction as we strive to be number 1 in the JD Power Initial Quality Survey (IQS). | |
| SIM-31-02-14 Nov 2014 | Suspension | MINI: BETWEEN SPEEDS OF 5MPH AND 30MPH, ON ROUGH ROAD SURFACES AND HIGH TEMPERATURES, A NOISE, LIKE SQUEAKING, IS HEARD FROM FRONT AXLE, DUE TO FRONT AXLE CONTROL ARM HYDRAULIC BEARING. MODEL F55, F56. *PE | |
| M110414 Nov 2014 | Electrical System | 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 | |
| M070114 Oct 2014 | Equipment | ISTA Premium Repair Instructions. INFORMATION ISPI NEXT ISTA 3.45 introduces a new concept for displaying repair instructions. The new repair instructions have the following advantages compared to the old style: z All instructions (preliminary and follow-up) needed for the... | |
| 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-64-01-10 Jun 2014 | Equipment | MINI: SUCTION LINE (LOW SIDE) OF AIR CONDITIONER, VIBRATES, AND COMPRESSOR IS EXCESSIVELY LOUD AND RUNS ROUGH WHEN AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM IS ON AND COMPRESSOR IS ACTIVE. | |
| 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 | |
| M640110 Jun 2014 | Equipment | ?SI M64 01 10 Heating and Air Conditioning June 2014 Technical Service SUBJECT Howling/Rough Running Noise when the A/C Compressor is Engaged. | |
| 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 | Electrical System | 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 | 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... |
Showing 60 of 115 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 3 recall campaigns 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 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 S →