2004 MINICooper with 60K miles. Transmission failed and was advised by MINICooper dealer needs replacement, makes whining noise at higher speeds. Have not driven car since April 2011. Can not afford $5K replacement cost.

- Arnold, CA, USA

2004 MINICooper non S, transmission failure due to a midland transmission.

- Kingston, PA, USA

My 2004 MINICooper S has 48,000 miles. The transmission has gotten so bad that I cannot change gears without great difficulty. I have read numerous reports online about power steering pump failure, brake failure and a host of safety issues with the cooper. I think this car needs to be evaluated for safety issues. Thanks, karen

- Richmond, TX, USA

For absolutely no reason the manual transmission failed and locked up causing me to loose control of the vehicle at 40mph. No injuries or damage to the vehicle as I was able to control the slide. However I have spoken to both dealer and manufacture and they both admit the transmissions in these vehicles both automatic and manual are weak and can cause failure at any speed which will result in lockup of the front tires. Numerous reports from other MINICooper owners show the same. The transmission was replaced in this vehicle 3 years ago for the same problem. Now it needs replaced again. The only repair is to put a rebuilt unit in place with the same weak gears. MINIno longer warranties the repairs as of 2008 because of the problems. I got lucky but I carry my 3yr old son with me most of the time and this does not feel like a safe vehicle considering out of nowhere with no warning this failure could occur again. Both MINIusa, BMW have been very unhelpful in the matter unless I'm willing to pay over $1000 to have it towed to a MINICooper dealer just to have it looked at.

- Jonestown, PA, USA

Total transmission failure at 57,000 miles. Warranty just ran out, quoted price to replace transmission, clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing $7,000 minimum. Dealer refuses to accept any responsibility.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA