10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
41,625 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2010 Mini Cooper:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #28

Jun 072024

Cooper

  • miles
The car showed a check vehicle light. Looks like a car being lifted up (red light). The windows do not move up or down, light switches do not work and the blinkers do not work. I was told by my mechanic it was the footwell module. I read there was a recall for this but my VIN wasn't on the list. Is it possible to check to see if it should have been on the list for the recall?

- Mountlake Terrace, WA, USA

problem #27

May 122023

Cooper

  • miles
Footwell Control Module was recalled on 12 May 2023 NHTSA Recall Number 23V337. This item has been outstanding for almost a year and I am not able to repair it yet because a manufacturer remedy is not yet available. In rare cases corrosion could result in short circuit, thermal runaway and injury. Please compel the manufacturer to develop a remedy immediately.

- Leesburg, VA, USA

problem #26

Jul 212022

Cooper

  • miles
The FRM module on my 2010 MINI Cooper S failed in 2022. I was unable to access multiple functions on the vehicle, including interior and exterior lighting, window controls, and other operations that worked randomly during this time. I needed my car fully operational for work commuting so I had to find a replacement FRM, which I did from an OEM MINI parts website, [XXX]. The new FRM I purchased was matched to my vehicle's VIN and installed and programmed by my local MINI shop, Detroit Tuned [XXX] ), in Clawson, MI. The total bill for this was over $800 (I have receipts for the purchase and the install). The recall notice from MINI/BMW came in 2023, and according to their website there is still no fix, which makes no sense since I bought an OEM replacement that was fitted to my car in 2022, as I noted here. How can a part that when fails can potentially cause vehicle fires ("thermal incident", per their recall notes) NOT be replaced immediately by the manufacturer" And how can MINI/BMW say they can't get the part when an OEM version is available online? The delay in this fix is unacceptable. My OEM replacement FRM works perfectly, but I am out the $800+ I spent to get it since MINI didn't then and still doesn't have them available, "officially". So if they ever get the part and replace my fully operational replacement for free, I am still out the money I spent in 2020 to make my car operationally safe. What can I do to get a refund from MINI/BMW" Thanks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Highland Park, MI, USA

problem #25

Mar 082024

Cooper

  • miles
On [XXX], mileage was 47,744 I took Mini for service, and told them that the front right headlight didn't work, they replaced the light bulb and they found out that the headlight was still inoperable, and internally shorted. They didn't want to include it in the extended warranty. The mini has electrical issues (FRM). The headlight wires are damaged inside the light housing and are bare-striped even if you change the light bulb when you hit a bump the wires touch the bulb short out. So my car was under the extended warranty when I took it to Braman Motors Miami for service but they failed to correct the problem. BMW of North America extended the warranty for 10 years /156,000 miles whichever occurs first, as determined by your vehicle's service date (original service date is 3/16/2010) extending the limited warranty for the Footwell Module (FRM) This problem is a known problem by BMW / Mini they currently have open recalls on the model, series, production date, and year. but since hardly anyone files complaints to NHTSA in Fla, this problem is ongoing. [XXX], under violation of federal law (The Safety Act) dealers can't sell, lease, or deliver any vehicle until recall repairs have been performed. But they overlook the problem at the dealership when the car is in the shop for service. I was given a multi-point inspection it passed 28 of them LOL, but the first one (Operation of all light and signals, (passed)...lol So how can this test pass? When I picked up the Mini nothing was working turn signals, the front right headlight, windows, hazard lights, fog lights. However, the dealer overlooks the safety recall and wants to charge the client an additional charge to diagnose the FRM. They gave me an estimate for $1,985.38 if I had approved the work that they said the Mini needed, but nothing to do with the recall (FRM) is this how BMW handles this safety recall? They don't care to solve the problem at any level dealer or manufacturer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #24

Mar 172023

Cooper

  • 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper. 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that she was unable to check for warning lights due to a previous failure of the instrument cluster. The contact was able to coast the vehicle over to the side of the road. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact stated that the stall was an intermittent failure and occurred at various speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that there were various other electrical failures with the power windows. Additionally, the sunroof was unable to open or close as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was also intermittently not able to turn off after turning the ignition key to the off position and remained running until the vehicle turned off independently. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

problem #23

May 112023

Cooper

  • 93,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper. 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 vehicle was experiencing an electrical failure. The contact stated that the turn signals, the headlights, the power window switches, the gauges and other unknown components were inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had locked independently. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that they needed to pay a fee for the repairs. 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 made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Jamesport, MO, USA

problem #22

May 082023

Cooper

  • 123,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper. 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 power window switch had failed to operate as needed intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the gauges were inoperable. An unknown dealer was contacted and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to their location for a diagnostic test. 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Holland, NY, USA

problem #21

Jul 012023

Cooper

  • miles
The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper. 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 made aware of the issue 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 contact recently stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Sparta, KY, USA

problem #20

Dec 072023

Cooper

  • miles
My 2010 Mini Cooper convertible recently had an electrical failure. I lost power while driving and the power steering wouldn-??t work. Once it started again the blinkers wouldn-??t work and brake lights and radio worked intermittently. I took it to the mechanic and the diagnostic determined that the footwell module is bad. Unfortunately this part is apparently on back order so the part cannot be ordered. The car is not safe to drive nor is a solution available. I looked up recalls on Mini coopers. This current recall shows that the footwell module has been recalled on 2010 hardtop Mini Coopers: MINI Recall 23V-xxx: Footwell Module Attachments: BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall (effective May 11, 2023) on certain Model Year 2007 - 2014 MINI vehicles that were produced between November 16, 2006, and June 27, 2014. (Due to several contributing factors (environmental, certain US States-?? wintertime road treatment, vehicle design configuration and age), over time, the Footwell module (FRM) could become susceptible to corrosion) It doesn-??t make sense that the exact year Mini in hardtop has the recall. Clearly the footwell modules are a problem in convertibles as well. The wording of the recall says that winter conditions can contribute to the problem. My convertible resided in a winter area for 10 years. I believe that the Mini Cooper convertibles should be included in the recall.

- Kernersville, NC, USA

problem #19

Nov 282023

Cooper

  • miles
Unknown. I-??d just like to know how long Mini is allowed to work on a solution for the safety recall for the footwell control module that was issued last May. Given that they have known about problems with this module for years, it seems to me that they should have a solution ready to deploy by now. Thanks for your assistance.

- Carlisle, PA, USA

problem #18

Nov 132023

Cooper

  • miles
The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper. 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 made aware of the issue. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Wethersfield, CT, USA

problem #17

Aug 102023

Cooper

  • miles
My vehicle started smelling intensely like burning plastic which filled the compartment. I brought it immediately to the repair shop. I had it towed in. It was apparent something was on fire. When I got to the repair shop (not mini) the electrical components for the interior, turn signals and windows) had failed and smoldered. There were no warning lights. I was told that there was a recall for the Footwell Module and that this had caused the problem. I never received a letter for the recall. The car is registered in California but was first sold in New York and so it qualifies for the recall but when I look up my VIN it says no recalls. The part has failed, and they have told me they have no replacement part yet so my car is now sitting with a car cover with the windows rolled own because they cannot roll up without the Footwell Module. Mini says they have no solution. I had to buy a new car. This was not an easy expense for me as I have limited income due to a disability.

- Forestville, CA, USA

problem #16

Mar 132023

Cooper

  • 47,000 miles
The contact's son owns a 2010 Mini Cooper Hardtop. The contact stated that the windows failed to roll down, and the turn signals and the headlights were inoperable. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed that the footwell control module (FRM) was severely corroded. The contact later received NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for a temporary repair and she would later receive reimbursement. The local dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for temporary repair; however, the manufacturer informed the contact that they would no longer provide reimbursement for any repairs completed prior to the safety recall because the vehicle was drivable despite the safety failures. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #15

Jun 262023

Cooper

  • 78,000 miles
The contact owned a 2010 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled a burning odor within the interior of the vehicle. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the road, and after visual inspection, he observed flames emanating from the footwell control module. The contact stated that bystanders assisted him in extinguishing the flames. No police or fire reports were filed. No warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic; instead, it was towed to the contact's residence, where it remains. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number?23V337000 (Electrical System), and the VIN was included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

- Queens, NY, USA

problem #14

Jul 122021

Cooper

  • miles
While driving home one night the following items failed to work: Head lights; turn signals, front windows (so no hand signals); Hazard lights; interior lights; and speedometer dash light. This occurred shortly after a battery change. I am not sure if tail of brake lights function at this time. Driving the vehicle in this condition presents a unacceptable safety concern. During daily light hours I had already noticed the turn signal issue and just thought maybe a relay was bad and had not had time to investigate. Investigation revealed the failed part is the FOOTWELL MODULE, and that this is a KNOWN ISSUE by Mini Cooper. Rather than issue a recall and fix the parts, they offered an extended warranty that lasted 10 years (which expired 13 months ago for my car). As a safety issue, this should have been a recall for all vehicles, not a wait til people have a fail to fix. This issue affects newer models as well.

- Nolensville, TN, USA

problem #13

Jun 022021

Cooper

  • miles
I purchased a vehicle from a used car dealership and about two weeks after I purchased the vehicle I took it in to get the oil and all the fluids checked I washed the vehicle filled the tank up with gas and took it into them when I went to pick it up I noticed that there was some thing that appeared to be a programmer underneath the dash that was missing that was there before I took it to them as well as a little black box that was connected to the OBD two reader there was also missing carpet from the gas pedal was missing there were 200 more miles on my car than there were when I dropped it off so the whole tank of gas was gone down to 14 miles left when I I asked the service man where the performance chip was that they took out he told me that they didn-??t take anything out and that there is no chip in the next time that I asked him he said that was I sure it wasn-??t one of their tools and then the next time that I asked him he said to me that they don-??t sell cars with modified parts on them not sure if he was trying to justify him stealing the chip out of the vehicle but the vehicleIs now overheating and with warped heads and running like crap so I am paying $400 a month for a vehicle that I cannot even drive. Also the vehicle has bad shocks. Sounds like crap the alignment is off it shakes going down the road feels like it is going to fall apart and there is a tear in the convertible top that was not there before I dropped it off with the service man also they needed it for two weeks for a job that was one hour for a serpentine belt that he claimed he had to wait three days for from Napa.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #12

Jul 312020

Cooper

  • 41,000 miles
While driving, cars around me were beeping when I switched lanes after signaling and stepped on the brakes. I was nearly rear ended! come to find out all of my lighting systems were inoperable. I had: Brake lights turn signals hazard lights headlights tail lights *windows were inoperable. The list goes on. This is terrifying to have happen while driving, and even worse, I didn't realize what was happening until I had nearly been hit by two different cars. This would have been even worse had it failed at night. I had my car towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The issue is that the footwell module (aka frm) had failed. This happened at only 41,000 miles. Apparently this is extremely common and a long-known defect on MINICoopers. In my opinion there needs to be an immediate recall on all affected frms. I learned that MINIissued a "silent recall" of extended warranties, from 4 years to 8 years, and now to 10 years/156,000 miles. I am outside of warranty 6 months by time, but within warranty by 115,000 miles. I contacted MINIusa to request that they cover the part repair, as this is a known defective part in my car's model and year and a critical safety issue. They have refused, despite me getting in touch three times. I also notified customer relations at MINIusa that I never received notification of the warranty extension on this part, or on any other part. Additionally, I have not received any notification of recalls that apply to my vehicle, though through my recent research I have found that some have been issued. A quick google search as well as discussions with MINItechs will reveal widespread frm failure. Many other complainants on this page are regarding the same issue. Has any investigation taken place? if not, I hope there will be one.

- Boston, MA, USA

problem #11

May 152020

Cooper 4-cyl

  • 65,915 miles
Air bag passenger light came on and stayed on. Windows down go up or down. Turn signals don't work. Ac stop working. It blows out hot air in the front. A loud thud noise happens once in a while from the back. Sometimes won't start like if the battery was dead. Sometimes engine won't turn off and will run without the key in the ignition. I've only had it since Oct 2019.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #10

Feb 182020

Cooper

  • 64,000 miles
Mi vehculo MINICooper S 2010, estando estacionado en el garage por ms de 12 horas Y sin prender el motor en ningn momento comenz a incendiarse sin ningn motivo. Por fortuna haba personas que alertaran de lo ocurrido Y pude apagar el fuego en el vehculo, aunque ya haba consumido partes elctrica, de motor Y cofre, etc. Cabe mencionar que esto sucedi en la ciudad de mxico, no en eua, pero ustedes tienen mejor informacin al respecto. Saludos.

- Santa Fe, CA, USA

problem #9

Oct 032019

Cooper

  • 45,000 miles
MINIcooper seat occupation sensor OC3 is faulty causing airbag not to work properly.

- Boise, ID, USA

Read the next 8 complaints »