2010 MINI Cooper S Clubman Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2010 MINI Cooper S Clubman, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine533.3%
- Electrical426.7%
- Powertrain (other)213.3%
- Driver assistance16.7%
- Airbags16.7%
- Body & structure16.7%
- Fuel system16.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
6/21/2018, MY 2010 MINI COOPER CLUBMAN S DEVELOPED SERIOUS DEFECTS. I DROVE MY CAR ON THE LEFTMOST LANE OF THREE-LANE BOSTON TURNPIKE. CLOSE TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT, I BRAKED TO DECELERATE VEHICLE BUT THE ENGINE SUDDENLY DIED WITHOUT WARNING, WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION. BOTH BATTERY AND STARTER WORKED. I TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES TO RESTART THE ENGINE IN FAILURE. I BLOCKED TRAFFIC DURING RUSH-HOUR. SEVERAL CARS TOOK ACROSS ROAD CURB AND PASSED TO MY LEFT. IT MADE ME AND MY SON IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. UNTIL A TRUCK DRIVER CAME TO HELP ME TO PUSH MY CAR OFF ROAD. AFTER DIAGNOSIS AND ANALYSIS IN LOCAL AUTO SHOP, MECHANIC FOUND OUT THE VEHICLE COMPUTER ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) WAS FAULTY, NOT SUPPLYING POWER TO THE IGNITION COILS. I WAS CHARGED $2298.13 TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE ECM AND $150 FOR THE TOWING SERVICE. THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED BUT I BELIEVE I AM STILL ENTITLED TO A FREE REPAIR BECAUSE THE EXISTENCE OF SUCH A SERIOUS DEFECT IN A CAR WHICH HAS ONLY RUN A LOW MILEAGE OF 47,812 MILES INDICATES IT WAS NOT OF ACCEPTABLE QUALITY. I AM A CAREFUL AND CONSCIENTIOUS OWNER, AS THE GENERAL CONDITION OF THE CAR SHOWS. I HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO THE CAR TO CAUSE THIS DEFECT. THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENT IS NOT MOVING MECHANICAL PARTS. IT IS SUPPOSED THAT IT HAS MUCH LONGER LIFE TIME. THE DEFECT FORCED ME TO SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON REPLACEMENT COSTS. TO OBTAIN BMW REIMBURSEMENT IN FULL, I CALLED 1.866.ASK.MINI (275-6464) AND TALKED TO A REPRESENTATIVE AND AN ESCALATION MANAGER. THE ESCALATION MANAGER EMPHASIZED THAT MY CAR WAS NOT REPAIRED AT A MINI SERVICE CENTER (DEALER). IF MY CAR WAS REPAIRED AT MINI CENTER, THEY WOULD ARRANGE A SOLUTION HOWEVER MY BROKEN CAR WAS FAR FROM DEALERS IN EITHER PEABODY OR BOSTON. I FILE A DEFECT PETITION TO NHTSA. I REQUEST THE AGENCY DO A BASIC REVIEW OF MY CONCERN AND PROVIDE A WRITTEN DECISION ON WHETHER IT WILL BEGIN THE IN-DEPTH INVESTIGATION.
TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER MAKES VERY LOUD RATTLE WHEN ENGINE IS COLD. REQUIRES REPLACEMENT. COST $1500. KNOWN ISSUE BY MINI BUT THEY ARE UNWILLING TO REPAIR OR RECALL
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper Clubman S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact stated that when the front driver’s side door was opened, the contact smelled an odor of smoke and notice that underneath the steering wheel was burned. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
2010 MINI CLUBMAN S TIMING CHAIN BROKE. SLOWED WITH NO POWER ACCELERATION. THEN NOTHING. INSTANTLY SHATTERED INTO PIECES. (PRODUCED "DEATH RATTLE" AND AND THEN SHATTERED.) *TR
MY FATHER PURCHASED A 2010 MINI COOPER CLUBMAN S IN LATE 2009. HE HAS MAINTAINED PROPER MAINTENANCE ON THE CAR SINCE DAY ONE. IN FEBRUARY 2014 HE GAVE THE CAR TO ME. THE CAR ONLY HAS 57,000 MILES ON IT AND WE NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AND WE TOOK IT TO MINI OF LOUISVILLE. THEY HAD THE CAR FOR OVER 1 MONTH TO REPLACE THE VALVE BODY BECAUSE THE PART WAS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. WE WERE ADVISED THAT IF WE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IT COULD CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL EVEN WHILE DRIVING. IF IT IS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER, AND FOR OVER 30 DAYS, I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER MINI'S ARE HAVING THE SAME REPAIRS. THE TOTAL COST FOR THE REPAIRS WERE JUST UNDER $2800. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 60K MILES ON IT AND WAS JUST SLIGHTLY OVER THE WARRANTY, WHERE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED AT NO CHARGE. BOTH MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS STILL SLIPPING AND IS WORSE THAN IT WAS BEFORE THE REPAIRS AND WE HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR BACK FOR 3 DAYS. I HAVE READ MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE 2010 MINI. I ALSO SAW THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST BMW FOR THE 2002-2008 MINI COOPER FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
6/21/2018, MY 2010 MINI COOPER CLUBMAN S DEVELOPED SERIOUS DEFECTS. I DROVE MY CAR ON THE LEFTMOST LANE OF THREE-LANE BOSTON TURNPIKE. CLOSE TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT, I BRAKED TO DECELERATE VEHICLE BUT THE ENGINE SUDDENLY DIED WITHOUT WARNING, WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION. BOTH BATTERY AND STARTER WORKED. I TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES TO RESTART THE ENGINE IN FAILURE. I BLOCKED TRAFFIC DURING RUSH-HOUR. SEVERAL CARS TOOK ACROSS ROAD CURB AND PASSED TO MY LEFT. IT MADE ME AND MY SON IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. UNTIL A TRUCK DRIVER CAME TO HELP ME TO PUSH MY CAR OFF ROAD. AFTER DIAGNOSIS AND ANALYSIS IN LOCAL AUTO SHOP, MECHANIC FOUND OUT THE VEHICLE COMPUTER ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) WAS FAULTY, NOT SUPPLYING POWER TO THE IGNITION COILS. I WAS CHARGED $2298.13 TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE ECM AND $150 FOR THE TOWING SERVICE. THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED BUT I BELIEVE I AM STILL ENTITLED TO A FREE REPAIR BECAUSE THE EXISTENCE OF SUCH A SERIOUS DEFECT IN A CAR WHICH HAS ONLY RUN A LOW MILEAGE OF 47,812 MILES INDICATES IT WAS NOT OF ACCEPTABLE QUALITY. I AM A CAREFUL AND CONSCIENTIOUS OWNER, AS THE GENERAL CONDITION OF THE CAR SHOWS. I HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO THE CAR TO CAUSE THIS DEFECT. THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENT IS NOT MOVING MECHANICAL PARTS. IT IS SUPPOSED THAT IT HAS MUCH LONGER LIFE TIME. THE DEFECT FORCED ME TO SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON REPLACEMENT COSTS. TO OBTAIN BMW REIMBURSEMENT IN FULL, I CALLED 1.866.ASK.MINI (275-6464) AND TALKED TO A REPRESENTATIVE AND AN ESCALATION MANAGER. THE ESCALATION MANAGER EMPHASIZED THAT MY CAR WAS NOT REPAIRED AT A MINI SERVICE CENTER (DEALER). IF MY CAR WAS REPAIRED AT MINI CENTER, THEY WOULD ARRANGE A SOLUTION HOWEVER MY BROKEN CAR WAS FAR FROM DEALERS IN EITHER PEABODY OR BOSTON. I FILE A DEFECT PETITION TO NHTSA. I REQUEST THE AGENCY DO A BASIC REVIEW OF MY CONCERN AND PROVIDE A WRITTEN DECISION ON WHETHER IT WILL BEGIN THE IN-DEPTH INVESTIGATION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
FIRST INCIDENT: ON A HOT DAY, VEHICLE WAS PARKED, DRIVERS SEAT OCCUPIED AND RECLINED. AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES UPON RESTART OF VEHICLE. FAULT WAS RESET BY DEALER WITH NO EXPLANATION. SECOND TIME SAME SITUATION; HOT DAY, PARKED, DRIVER SEAT OCCUPIED AND RECLINED, AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES UPON RESTART. DEALER REPLACED AIR BAG DUE TO ELECTRICAL CABLE FOR DRIVERS SEAT AIRBAG BEING NEARLY CUT IN TWO BY SHARP EDGE OF SEAT FRAME. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact stated that the vehicle would shut off while driving at various speeds without warning. The contact had to wait for several minutes after the failure before restarting the vehicle and resuming normal operation. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle with white smoke coming from the engine. The contact pulled over and discovered that the plastic on the Body Control Module (BCM) had caused the engine to smoke. The contact also discovered that the ticking noise was coming from the fuel pump relay located inside the BCM. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the BCM was replaced. Despite the repair, the contact stated that multiple electrical features had failure in operating as needed. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HPFP) FAILED AT 88400 MILES AND I HAD TO PAY OVER $1300 TO HAVE IT REPLACED. MINI COOPER ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON SELECT 2007-2009 MODELS TO REPLACE THE HPFP AT NO CHARGE BECAUSE OF THIS HPFP PROBLEM IN SO MANY OF THEIR VEHICLES WITH THE R14 ENGINE. OUR VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2009. MINI COOPER IS SAYING THAT OUR VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED BY THEIR WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THIS FUEL PUMP WAS ONE OF THE FAULTY UNITS THAT PROMPTED THE REQUIREMENT AND APPLICATION OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION AND THAT MINI SHOULD REIMBURSE US FOR THE TOTAL COST OF REPLACEMENT PLUS TAX. THE VEHICLE STARTED ACTING UP WHEN IT WAS STARTED IN A STATIONARY POSITION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .