MINI Cooper Complaints (2011)

200 consumer complaints on file.

#11769315October 6, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that after washing the vehicle, the battery became drained. The battery was recharged; however, the interior lights and power windows became inoperable. The contact stated that the front headlights and taillights became stuck in the "ON" position. The contact stated the check engine warning light was occasionally illuminated. The contact disconnected the battery to prevent the failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the contact received conflicting information each time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several multiple occasions; however, the dealer stated that the contact needed to pay for a diagnostic fee before the recall repair could be performed. The dealer stated that the power window failure was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was 152,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760421August 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. Several unknown warning lights blinked upon starting the vehicle, the parking lights failed, and the power windows failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the electrical failures were due to water leak in the front driver's side footwell and on the left side of the driver's seat. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755957August 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am filing this complaint against Keeler MINI in Latham, NY, and MINI USA regarding their refusal to provide a working recall remedy or alternative transportation under federal NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-337 (Footwell Control Module Moisture Intrusion). My 2011 MINI Cooper suffered an active, total failure of the Footwell Control Module—the precise component identified in Recall 23V-337. The module short-circuited, creating a constant parasitic power drain that disables the battery and renders the vehicle completely un-drivable. I have been without a functioning car for over three weeks. Keeler MINI claims the recall repair will take four weeks due to parts delays, yet they explicitly refuse to provide a dealer loaner or authorize a rental vehicle while holding my disabled car. Representatives from MINI USA Corporate explicitly confirmed to us that under official Service Bulletin SI B61 05 23, this recall qualifies for Alternative Mobility Solutions (AMS) rental reimbursement, and a MINI Regional Director confirmed I should receive a loaner. However, Keeler MINI's service staff refuses to issue a vehicle, screening our calls, ignoring repeated messages, and refusing to let us speak with service management. I am an elderly consumer with significant medical needs. Being left completely stranded without transportation for nearly a month has forced me to miss multiple critical specialist medical appointments (including follow-ups for a TIA/stroke, ophthalmology, physical therapy, and nephrology). This unreasonable barrier to a safety recall remedy poses a severe risk to my health and safety. Addendum: Keeler said parts are available for repair-will still take 4 weeks. I originally called Keeler 9-12 mos ago,every 2-4 wks for an appt that did not take 4 weeks. None available. Footwell Control Module currently totally broken
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742747June 8, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH in the rain with the windows rolled down, the driver's side and passenger's side windows failed to roll up. No warning light illuminated. Additionally, the headlights, windows, and daytime running lights became inoperable. The contact was unsure if the taillights were affected. The contact stated that the vehicle had been garage-kept. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the footwell control module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired because there was no extended warranty coverage. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729444April 6, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle then stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted after several hours. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a cracked water pump, which caused the engine to overheat. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692411October 9, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My Mini Cooper has been showing repeated warnings stating “Start-off assistance inactive. Caution: vehicle may roll back!” for some time. This issue appears to relate to an existing recall involving potential electrical and starter/rollaway defects. The vehicle also has a persistent front parking light malfunction and intermittent electrical issues with the windows, which stop mid-way and roll back down automatically when the car shifts gears or moves slightly. In addition, the battery repeatedly dies, even though it was replaced with a brand-new one a few months ago. This suggests an underlying electrical drain or short, which could increase the risk of electrical fire or vehicle failure while driving. These malfunctions create significant safety concerns, as the vehicle may roll backward when stopped on an incline and could pose a fire risk due to the known recall. The car has not been safe to drive. The closest Mini dealership (Flow Mini of Raleigh - about 2 hours away) confirmed that the recall is open but refused to provide or authorize a tow, even after I explained that the vehicle could not be safely driven to their location about 2 hours away. The problem has been ongoing for several years, worsening over time. Warning messages appear intermittently but frequently, especially during start-up or when stopped on slopes. Mini USA has not inspected or repaired the vehicle, and their representatives have stated they will not assist with transport to the dealership despite the known recall risk. I called MINI USA directly, and recorded the whole ordeal. I was forwarded to 5 different departments, and the last person stated that because my car is out of warranty that there’s nothing they can do to help me - that any tow I opt for would have to be out-of-pocket. I was in the middle of explaining to her that my car has these very specific warnings and issues associated with this recall that is solely the fault of Mini, and she hung up on me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686826September 12, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the driveway while both the contact and his wife were in another vehicle parked in the garage. The contact noticed white smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that upon opening the hood of the vehicle, the contact noticed an electrical burning smell and fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. The contact then noticed that a blue plug had melted and was smoking. A police report was not filed. There was no injury sustained. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V008000(Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that he would receive a call back. The failure mileage was 111,019.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677155July 30, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman. 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 check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675944July 24, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666386June 11, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
After receiving your notice regarding my MiniCooper (VIN [XXX] ), I contacted my local dealer, Motor City Mini (where I purchased the vehicle) to schedule the inspection, and repairs if necessary. I was informed that the earliest inspection would be in September and they would need to keep the vehicle for several weeks to do the inspection. If repairs are required, they would need to keep 'the vehicle 'for additional weeks or months to complete the work. Loaner vehicles would not be available. In your letter, you state, "If your MINI dealer is unable to remedy the defect ...within a reasonable period of time, you may notify the Administrator. .." . I consider weeks to inspect and month(s) to repair unreasonable. Please advise on how I should proceed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651122March 27, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649399March 20, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649526March 20, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11644516February 24, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
My father has the same year mini cooper and has a recall on the foot control module. He actually just got it fixed even though he hadn't had any issues with it yet. My mini has had the foot control module go bad. My car is unusable. I have no interior lights, no dash lights, no turn signals, no blowers, the windows controls don't work. I had to drive it once because I hit a deer with my other vehicle and nearly got rear ended because they didn't know I was turning and it over heated............ I do not understand why my dad got a recall and I haven't. Please HELP
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11638064January 23, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When I bought the car, John, a sales representative, promised me that he would have the car inspected by a mechanic before finalizing the paperwork, addressing issues with the tire pressure monitor, tail light sensor, and license plate light. However, the mechanic couldn't fix these issues, and Mike, the owner, directed me to his “personal mechanic” in San Bruno. After multiple reschedules from Mike, the car began to display an engine malfunction error. I informed Mike, and he advised me to mention the issue to the mechanic when I brought the car in. When I finally took the car to his mechanic, I was told that there were no errors, but the error lights needed to be reset at a different shop, as the mechanic didn’t have the required equipment. Despite this, the engine malfunction light remained on, and the car started to shake noticeably while driving. A few weeks later, while driving, the car began emitting white smoke from the hood. I texted Mike, asking why the issues weren’t fixed, and I had to tow the car to my house. He did not respond, so I called him days later. He told me to call back after New Year's to have the car fixed, even offering to tow it to his mechanic. After New Year's, I followed up, but Mike forgot about the original arrangement and told me to call back in a week. I reminded him of our previous conversation, and he said he would check with his mechanic and call me back. He never did and ignored my follow-up text. On 01/21/2025, I had a mobile mechanic inspect the car, as it had not been operable since December 2024. The mechanic confirmed that the car had never been tuned, the spark plugs weren’t replaced, and it was not roadworthy at the time of sale. On 01/22/2025, I shared my experience in reviews on Yelp and Google. Later that night, Mike called me, but I returned his call on 01/23/2025. He said that if I removed my reviews, dropped my complaints with the DMV, BAR, and Attorney General, he would fix the car at his expense.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637404January 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11635814January 14, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My 2011 Mini Cooper had to go to my mechanic because I have no turn signals, no dash or interior lights and my front windows will not go up or down. My mechanic determined the problem to be the Footwell Control Module. My mechanic did not/can not repair because it has to be programmed at a Dealership. My dad also has a 2011 Mini Cooper and he has been notified that there is a recall for his VIN # for the Footwell Control Module. I don't understand why there is not a recall for my VIN #. I am at a standstill with a car that I am afraid to drive because I am unable to signal to other drivers that I am about to turn. And I am afraid of being in an accident because of the turn signals and then being trapped in the car because it wont unlock and the windows wont go down. And if I drive it at night I cannot see any of my dash gauges and indicators of problems. I called the nearest Dealership and was told that there will PROBABLY be a recall for my VIN# at some point and that I would be reimbursed for the work if I go ahead and have them do it. I called Mini Cooper and inquired about the possibility of a recall and was told that there may never be a recall. I don't know what to do because the Dealership told me that they will investigate the damage and do the repairs which could include new carpet and body work and and and...... I am sure that I can not afford all of that work to be done at a BMW/Mini Cooper dealership. So I am left with the decision to chance driving it or chance spending a large amount of $ that may never be reimbursed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11634691January 7, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11633027December 30, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MINI/BMW ISSUED RECALL INFORMATION MAY OF 2023 FOR THE FRM ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT, AS OF 12/30/2024 THEY ARE STILL UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, TOYOTA WEBSITE SAYS THEY ARE STILL WORKING ON A RESOLUTION. DEALERS OFFER NO SOLUTION TO PROBLEM. IT HAS BEEN A YEAR SINCE RECALL WAS ISSUED. NHTSA Recall Number - 23V337
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627182November 25, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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