2011 MINI Cooper S Owner Complaints

Failure of the Footwell Module failed due to corrosion by water intrusion as diagnosed by Mini Dealership. Windows, Turn signals and lights were inoperable as a result of failure. This matched the situation outlined in your recall notice Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-337. Car matched the model/years affected/listed in recall. However, Mini Dealer informed me my VIN was not listed in their recall. Subsequent research indicated that NHTSA/Mini limited the recall to cars purchased cars sold or registered in specific states (not part of the Safety recall report). Ref NEF-107DM dated 5/19/2023. I drove car in those states but did not buy or register the vehicle in them. I encourage you to have Mini extend it's recall/warranty to all vehicles which exhibit the safety failure.

NHTSA ID

11675944

Incident

Jul 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S. The contact recently replaced the 12-Volt battery; however, while attempting to roll down the windows, the windows failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the running lights and fog lights were inoperable. The contact stated that the battery was replaced at a tire and battery shop. The contact drove the vehicle back to the shop and was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired. The contact had researched online and related the vehicle failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,800.

NHTSA ID

11649526

Incident

Mar 10, 2025

Mileage

77,800 mi

My mini after the shop installed a new battery, the power windows don't work( can not roll up or down) as well as the lightning. I saw there is a recall for the footwell module for model 2007-2014 but when I call Mini, the agent told me that my car is not covered. This is a very expensive and important part to replace so please help me the best that you can. Thanks

NHTSA ID

11649399

Incident

Mar 19, 2025

Car stalls while driving and will not start again. No codes thrown. Found relay K96 on Junction Box Electronics module to have cracked through-hole solder joints resulting in bad continuity. Relay K96 supplies power to the low pressure fuel pump in the tank, thus with bad continuity, the pump gets no power. Relay K96 P/N is NEC Philippines P/N EP2F-B3G1ST. This issue has happened to many other people with the same car that I know. I suspect heat cycles over time stressed and fatigued the solder joints, causing the joint to crack. Overall the circuit board layout needs a heat sink for the relay to alleviate the heat produced from operation. I am IPC certified and work with aircraft engine electronics regularly and have seen similar issues.

NHTSA ID

11634691

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

The car was on BMW-MINI recall list and after I made a complaint of non-compliance with the recall, BMW removed my particular vehicle from the recall list without remedying the problem.

NHTSA ID

11627182

Incident

Nov 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated erroneously. Additionally, the door locks were locking and unlocking independently. The contact also stated that the sunroof was opening or closing without driver and passenger input. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11610220

Incident

Jan 22, 2024

Mileage

96,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper 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 local dealer was contacted. The contacts daughter called the dealer but could not identify which dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11563595

Incident

Jan 4, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electric 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.

NHTSA ID

11552922

Incident

Oct 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11541690

Incident

May 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact was informed that the left turn signal light was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where the left turn signal light bulb was replaced twice; however, the failure recurred 30 minutes later each time. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake lights were inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) which the contact related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11535499

Incident

Jul 24, 2023

Mileage

135,000 mi

All air bags lights are on. Indicates airbags are deactivated.

NHTSA ID

11514570

Incident

Mar 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V248000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11426543

Incident

Jul 26, 2021

ON 05/06/2021, I PURCHASED A USED 2011 MINI COOPER S TURBO. TWO DAYS LATER, I WENT TO START THE CAR, AND IMMEDIATELY SMELLED SOMETHING ELECTRICAL BURNING. WHEN I LIFTED UP HOOD, I COULD SEE SMOKE COMING FROM INSIDE THE ENGINE. I IMMEDIATELY UNHOOKED THE TWO BATTERY CABLES. I CALLED THE CAR LOT THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, AND WAS TOLD THAT THAT YEAR MINI HAD ISSUES WITH A COMPUTER BOARD OVERHEATING PAND SOMETIMES EVEN STARTING FIRES EVEN WHEN THE CAR ISN'T RUNNING. I HAVE A MEHANIC SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY TO REPAIR THE CAR.

NHTSA ID

11416640

Incident

May 11, 2021

Mileage

100,472 mi

THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT INDICATING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS DISABLED EVEN IF PASSENGER IS SEATED. OUR MECHANIC TELLS US THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER SYSTEM NO LONGER RECOGNIZES THE PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAG SENSOR. CONSEQUENTIALLY, THE AIRBAGS ARE BEING DISABLED ON BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR.

NHTSA ID

11287524

Incident

Dec 6, 2019

Mileage

80,000 mi

I OWNED A 2011 MINI COOPER S ("MINI") VEHICLE THAT CAUSED A FIRE AND INJURIES AT OUR HOME. THE FIRE WAS DISCOVERED WHILE THE MINI WAS PARKED IN OUR GARAGE WITH THE IGNITION OFF. THE FIRE DESTROYED OUR RESIDENCE, PERSONAL PROPERTY AND TWO VEHICLES, INCLUDING THE AFOREMENTIONED MINI. FIRE AUTHORITIES DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE MINI'S ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND A SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION YIELDED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE TO AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTION FOR THE CIRCUIT BOARD ON THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP. THE FAILURE IGNITED NEARBY COMBUSTIBLES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THAT DESCRIBED IN NHTSA SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 12V-008, WHICH AFFECTED 88,911 BMW VEHICLES. IT IS UNKNOWN WHY OUR MINI WAS NOT RECALLED AND OR INCLUDED IN THAT CAMPAIGN. BMW MANUFACTURES MINIS, AS WELL AS OTHER VEHICLES, AND IT HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF SEVERAL RECENT NATIONAL MEDIA REPORTS INVOLVING NUMEROUS "UNEXPLAINED" VEHICLE FIRES FOR WHICH THEY HAVE NOT ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY OR PROVIDED PLAUSIBLE EXPLANATIONS FOR. TO DATE, BMW HAS FAILED TO DO EITHER OF THE LATTER WITH REGARDS TO OUR FIRE. THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING FILED FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENABLING THE NHTSA TO THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND IN SUPPORT OF ITS MISSION OF SAVING LIVES AND PREVENTING ADDITIONAL INJURIES.

NHTSA ID

11120962

Incident

May 1, 2016

Mileage

60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (RAY CATENA MINI OF WESTCHESTER, 9543 TARRYTOWN RD, WHITE PLAINS, NY 10607) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

NHTSA ID

11105312

Incident

Jun 26, 2018

Mileage

85,000 mi

THE ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND THE FAN KEPT RUNNING EVEN AFTER CAR HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. THE GADGE WOULD READ COLD THAT HOT. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC CLAIMED IT WAS A SAFETY MECHANISM TO KEEP CAR FROM OVER HEATING, HAD THE CAR FOR 4 WEEK AND THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF SHOWING THE SAME ISSUE. THE THERMOSTAT WAS NOT CORRECT ALSO. THIS WAS CITY IN MOTION AND STATIONARY, ONCE IT COOLED OFF IT WOULD START FINE, BUT THEN JUST CUT OFF, EACH TIME IT STOP I JUST HAD IT TOWED WHICH WAS 3 TIMES RATHER THAN DRIVING IT , I JUST DID NOT TRUST THE VEHICLE

NHTSA ID

11066454

Incident

Oct 23, 2017

Mileage

80,000 mi

MY MINI COOPER WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE FOR OVER TWO WEEKS. ON AUGUST 10, 2017 I MOVED IT OUT OF THE GARAGE TO GET TO SOME THINGS IN MY GARAGE. WHEN I BACKED IT BACK IN, I HEARD A POP AND WITHIN MINUTES I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. WHEN WE WERE ABLE TO OPEN THE HOOD THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. WE HAD TO CALL 911 AND THEY TOLD US WE COULD NOT LEAVE THE CAR IN THE GARAGE BECAUSE OF THE FIRE INCIDENT. WE HAD TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL SO THAT WE COULD MOVE IT OUT OF THE GARAGE WITHOUT STARTING THE CAR. ONCE PARKED ON THE DRIVE WAY, MY CAR PROCEEDED TO SMOLDER TWO MORE TIMES. WE DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND FINALLY ALL THE SMOKING STOPPED. MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE BMW MOMENTUM DEALERSHIP SINCE AUGUST 12, 2017 WITH NO RESOLUTION ON WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. ACCORDING TO MINI, THEY WERE SENDING A FIRE SPECIALIST TO SEE MY CAR WHICH THEY SAID WOULD TAKE SOME TIME. MY CAR WAS FINALLY LOOKED AT THE FIRST WEEK OF OCTOBER AND AS OF THIS EMAIL, BMW HAS NOT INFORMED ME AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THIS INCIDENT IS VERY CONCERNING TO ME. MY THREE KIDS WERE UPSTAIRS DOING HOMEWORK WHEN MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. HAD I NOT PAID ATTENTION TO THE POP I HEARD AND CLOSED THE GARAGE DOOR, THE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN ON FIRE IN OUR ATTACHED GARAGE WITH ALL OF US IN THE HOUSE. THIS ALL TOOK PLACE ABOUT 8 PM AS WE WERE WINDING DOWN FOR THE DAY. THE OUTCOME OF THIS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. I WANT RESOLUTION TO THIS WHOLE INCIDENT WHICH AS OF TODAY BMW HAS NOT GIVEN ME ANY INDICATION AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE.

NHTSA ID

11044039

Incident

Aug 10, 2017

Mileage

41,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (SOUTH BAY MINI IN TORRANCE, CA, 310-939-7150), BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED A CODE FROM THE SPARK PLUG. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE COVER WAS PUNCTURED AND LEAKED OIL; HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO SPECIALIZED IN MINI VEHICLES AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING TENSIONER EXPLODED AND PUNCTURED THE VALVE COVER. THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER (UNIVERSAL CITY MINI IN NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA, 8148-452-1139) AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11043650

Incident

Apr 15, 2016

Mileage

130,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR AND NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

NHTSA ID

10993160

Incident

Jun 4, 2017

Mileage

100,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MINI COOPER S HARD TOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED AT THE TURBO SYSTEM DUE TO A FAILED COOLING SYSTEM. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT PRESENT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V008000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

NHTSA ID

10983238

Incident

Apr 9, 2017

Mileage

85,000 mi

KNOWN ISSUE WITH THERMOSTAT HOUSING & SENSOR - MINI HAS ACKNOWLEDGED A KNOWN DESIGN ISSUE THAT CAUSES COOLANT TO LEAK ONTO THE THERMOSTAT SENSOR. FULL REPLACEMENT IS RECOMMENDED WITH UPDATED DESIGN AT CUSTOMER'S COST. MANUFACTURER SHOULD COVER THIS COST SINCE THIS IS AN ENGINEERING DESIGN DEFECT AND MAY LEAD TO POTENTIAL ELECTRICAL FIRES. AFFECTED PARTS ARE THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING, THERMOSTAT, THERMOSTAT SENSOR, UPPER RADIATOR HOSE & CROSSOVER TUBE. PLEASE REFER TO MANUFACTURER'S COMMUNICATION POST: 10049421, 10046779, & 10045301.

NHTSA ID

10954576

Incident

Feb 14, 2017

Mileage

53,000 mi

AFTER COMING HOME FROM A ROUTINE DRIVE. I PARKED MY CAR IN THE DRIVE WAY. ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER I SMELT SOMETHING BURNING AND NOTICED MY HOOD OF MY CAR SMOKING. I IMMEDIATELY RAN OUTSIDE AND STARTED HOUSING OF THE BUBBLING HOOD WITH A GARDEN HOSE. I MANAGED TO POP THE HOOD AND PUT OUT THE FIRE WHICH HAD COVER MOST OF THE ENGINE AT THAT TIME.

NHTSA ID

10937963

Incident

Dec 25, 2016

Mileage

70,000 mi

LEAKING THERMOSTAT REPLACEMENT. THE MINI DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED ME AFTER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE THAT NEARLY EVERY MINI IN THIS MODEL YEAR IS COMING IN FOR A THERMOSTAT REPLACEMENT. I WAS TIPPED OFF TO THIS AFTER QUESTIONING AN ADAPTER THAT WAS INVOICED. MINI KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE OF DEFECTIVE THERMOSTATS BUT IS AVOIDING A RECALL.

NHTSA ID

10915215

Incident

Oct 11, 2016

Mileage

50,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. UPDATED 06/15/16*LJ *TR

NHTSA ID

10860685

Incident

Apr 17, 2016

Mileage

47,000 mi