2011 MINI Cooper Complaint Log

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.

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)

I bought a used 2011 MINI Cooper S (R56) and it had a recall for the footwell module (FRM). I took it to the local MINI dealership and they said that MINI would not honor the recall because the FRM was replaced with a used FRM that was not properly programmed. They want to charge me over $1000 new FRM. I believe that the previous owner of the vehicle replaced the FRM before the recall. I believe that the corrosion that has lead to the recall affected the car before MINI announced the recall and the previous owner, to save money, replaced the FRM using a used part.

There has been a recall on my mini Cooper for sometime now. Over a year and a half at least. We have been patiently waiting for the remedy and still, do not have one. Our car, at times has become inoperable due to this recall. We took it to an auto shop, they ran a test and confirmed that the issues we are receiving are from the recall. I feel like this issue is taking a very long time for mini to fix and it is putting us out of money and causing lots of stress to us. I am filing this complaint in hopes this can provide a solution to us and mini.

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 not yet available. The local dealer was not 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. Parts distribution disconnect.

The passenger front seat airbag sensor is malfunctioning on a large number of these vehicles. Doing an Internet search for my fault code, 93C3 reveals a lot of discussion about the problem. there had been a recall on earlier Mini Coopers for the same problem. I suspect they have not solved the problem and there should be a recall for this R 56 model.

found fault code:2BDL4 MONITORING POWER SUPPLY 3 SENSOR CY320 CONTROL UNIT LOGGING ECCENTRIC SHAFT SENSOR VOLTAGES OUTSIDE OF THRESHOLDS FOUND ENGINE CONTROL UNIT FAULTY

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while starting. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering and turning off intermittently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to pull to the side of the road each time the failure occurred. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered. The contact was able to drive to a nearby independent mechanic. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was overheating while starting, and that the vehicle was still running even after being turned off. The vehicle was being diagnosed but was not yet repaired. The local dealer was not 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

There are no open recalls on my car. I am needing physical proof/documentation that the recall part has been replaced. The car is having issues stalling/losing power while driving. The dealership claims there is nothing wrong with the car and if they can't recreate failure then the car is deemed fine to drive. This car was purchased for my 16yr old son as a daily driver. After multiple weeks of the car being at The Mini of Tempe Dealership, they released the car back to me because there is "nothing wrong" with the car. I took it to another specialized Mini mechanic in the area for a second opinion. This mechanic states the cause of intermittent failure is from the Auxillary Coolant Pump for the Turbo. This is the same part that was a safety recall for potential fire. I have no record of this part ever being replaced. As described in the recall, the car is at risk of fire. Recall campaign #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the footwell control module had failed. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electrical system became inoperable. The contact stated the turn signals and the lights were not functioning as intended. The contact also stated that the doors and the window power switches were inoperable. The contact stated that due to the electrical failure, the turn signals could not be used while driving which presented a safety hazard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.

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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was 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.

Footwell Control Module - (FRM) was dead after battery dead. It had a safety recall repot 23V-337 on the same model and year of my vehicle BUT mine is not on the list? A extended warranty was found till 2021 and mine had problem since 2014, and I paid dealership for inspection for at least 6 times, and it was still not got replaced till it was dead completely currently.

My passenger seat airbag warning is illuminated, with associated chime. I am also getting a orange warning light indicating the passenger airbag is inop. This is intermittent with a passenger occupying the passenger seat. lights go on and off with movement of the passenger. There is a current recall for the convertible model of the R56 Mini Cooper.

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 local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact started to lower the convertible top, and the glass shattered before the convertible glass closed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

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 not yet available. The local 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

trouble code: 93C3 ACSM/MRS: Seat-occupancy detector, passenger

Changed out the battery and now my windows and lights and locks are not working

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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Headlights, blinker, windows, power steering,not working!!!

the car just started to smoke it looked like it was going to catch fire now the car won't start and I can't use it

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 not yet available. The local 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.

No incident yet. The airbag passenger side sensor keeps coming on constantly and I don't know if it is going to deploy or what. No one is sitting in seat but sensor constantly ringing. Started approximately 2-3 months ago intermittent and now happens daily.

Letter of IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL Recall Campaign No. 23V-337: Footwell Control Module (FRM) was received July 2023. Ten months later there still is NO REMEDY. MINI USA should have a resolution by now. I am concerned with the long delay creating unsafe conditions while driving my car.

Can't use turn signals and can't lower windows to use hand signals, almost got rear ended.

Starting June 2023 the Airbag indicator light would turn on when I put a bag or even something light on the passenger seat. Now it randomly goes on if I hit a bump in the road. Keep in mind I don't have an actual passenger that sits in the "Passenger seat". Which is completely baffling me! Please create a recall MINI/BMW Corporation, because I see that the 2011 MINI's are all having this problem!

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the turn signal, interior lights, hazard lights, fog lights, brake lights, windows, and exterior lights were inoperable. The Service Now warning light was illuminated. 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 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 approximately 56,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Received recall from MINI USA May 2023 “Safety Recall footwell control module 23V-337. Update May 2024 “remedy being developed”. I’m unable to have a mini dealership confirm safety of my veh as there are no dealerships in State of Maine, closest in Peabody MA 1.5 hrs away. It’s going on 1 yr & no remedy on the horizon? I called Mini USA hotline and they can’t help. This is unacceptable. Are they required to resolve in a timely manner? Should they be required to buy my veh back as it wouldn’t pass inspection & unable to drive?? Please provide next steps. Thank you

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? THE AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF, AS WELL AS THE SEATBELT LIGHTS. IT CAN BE INSPECTED IF REQUESTED. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? IF THE AIRBAGS OR SEAT BELTS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY THIS COULD RESULT IN INJURY UP TO AND INCLUDING DEATH. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? IT KEEPS HAPPENING, NOT BEEN TO A DEALER YET THOUGH. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO INPSECTION HAS BEEN DONE. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? IT APPEARS THAT THE SUNROOF HAS BEEN LEAKING DOWN THE DASH ON THE PASSENEGER SIDE. THAT LEAKS RIGHT ONTO THE FUSE BOX WHICH COULD BE CAUSING SOME OF THE ISSUES. IF THE FUSE BOX IS BEING LEAKED ONTO THIS COULD BE A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD.

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.

There is a known issue with the passenger seat occupancy sensor that trips the airbag/seatblet lights and, I assume, doesn't turn off the airbag in the applicable situations.

While driving, my turn signals, power windows and lights stopped working. I believe this is due to the Footwell Module recall, but the dealer will not replace the module because there isn't a remedy for the recall. It's been 5 months now.

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the air bag mat sensor on the passenger’s side needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.

Water coming in from somewhere to the driver side front and rear floorboard only I've checked everywhere and taking it to a couple of shops replaced heater core and crossover holes checked for air condition leaks all checked out good windows seals good so ot must be a defect somewhere. 03

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the rear taillights had stopped illuminating, the windows were not rolling up or down, and the driver's and passenger's side door buttons were not opening the door. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The 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 not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to express my concerns about the safety of the 2011 Mini Cooper, specifically regarding the Car Access System (CAS) module. There is a widespread issue with the CAS module failing, which can result in the vehicle not starting or even stalling while driving. This poses a serious safety risk to drivers and passengers, as a sudden stall or loss of power can lead to accidents, injuries, or death. Furthermore, there is currently a backorder of the part, and it is not clear if there are any parts available which do not have this single point of failure. This means that even if a vehicle owner experiences this issue, there is no clear resolution to the problem, and the vehicle remains unsafe to drive. This has been diagnosed by an automotive repair shop, and I have discussed this issue with the Mini Cooper dealer, Mini Cooper/BMW manufacturing, BMW/Mini Assistance, and the auto repair shop. Both the dealer and the auto shop have both reported over a dozen cars with the same issue that have all been rendered non-functional. Average time to allegedly fix the problem is anywhere between 4 months and 1 year, but there does not seem to be resolution. The Mini Cooper dealer said there likely will be a recall at some point, but given the company’s history of failing to address safety issues such as these and issuing recalls in a timely manner, we have taken reporting this issue into our own hands. I believe that this issue warrants an investigation by the NHTSA and that a recall may be necessary to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers of the 2011 Mini Cooper. I urge you to take action on this matter and investigate this issue further. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

The traction control light with antilock brake warning illuminated. Therefore my antilock brakes are inop along with traction control.

Car shows signs of passenger seat occupancy sensor recall. Mini acknowledges the recall has not been performed. Mini expanded recall to 10 years from date of service but because previous owner didn't get recall done I cannot. This is a known issue with these cars and should not have an expiration date! Dealer I purchased car from used says that because recall isn't listed here then they aren't liable to fix it...

I had several repairs recently that I found that were part of a recall after the fact. This includes the Electric Auxilillary Water Pump and Timing Chair replacement and repair of damaged parts. They refused to reimburse me for the water pump repair that should have been covered. Secondly, when the timing chain fails as it did in my case can cause $2000- $5000+ in damages. My shop is stating this would be a very expensive repair. There is information that the timing chain warranty was extended because of a class action lawsuit and is now covered up to 100,000 miles. I am well within that range. My goal is to get compensation for the recall work and coverage for the timing chain.

The passenger seat occupancy detection module and program failed. The red airbag and seatbelt lights went on. According to the dealership, the default setting is that the airbag will not go off if the module is broken. A Google search suggests that this is a common problem; so much so that there is an electronic gadget you can buy and videos on YouTube on how to install it to do a "workaround" to get the light to go off without fixing the module.

During driving failure of the shift cable linkage was disconnected When investigated, the joint between the cable and the transmission shifter was disconnected due to a failure of the bushing on the cable side This caused a situation where the car was stuck in a single gear and not possible to be shifted into neutral or another gear

The passenger seat occupancy sensor has malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to believe that there is an infant car seat in the front passenger seat. This puts front passengers at risk because the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash. While having body work done at Swartz's Ultimate Collison repair in Lewisburg, it was noted by the technician, however Mini does not cover repair by a non dealer or accept accounting of the defect from a non dealer. I was unaware that the vehicle was nearing the end of it's warranty and waited too long to inquire again. They will not fix it.

THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT INDICATING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS DISABLED IS ON, EVEN IF PASSENGER IS SEATED. THE WARNING WAS INTERMITTENT STARTING IN 2015 AND THE CONTINUOUS SINCE 2022. OUR MECHANIC TELLS US THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER SYSTEM NO LONGER RECOGNIZES THE PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAG SENSOR. THEREFORE, THE AIRBAGS ARE BEING DISABLED FOR BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER.

Left brake light continues to blow out with a loud pop through the speakers. Instrument at parts store shows ABS warning but not on dash. Bulb has been replaced approximately 5 times and continues to blow out after a day or two. No one can seem to find the problem.

See attached document for complaint.

The lighting and small system computer or FRM module. This module controls any features including safety features on the car. Also known as the footwell module. After having AAA install a new battery within days the widows would not go down my turn signals, hazard lights, dash lights, courtesy lights, tail lights, horn, high beam headlights and possibly airbags don’t work. Mini will fix the problem if the car is ten years old or less, but any car that is older doesn’t qualify. Mini goes by Manufacturing date of the car. My but It was not sold into service until 2011. They refuse to fix it and the repair cost was $1828.24. I have had other problems as well. Mini needs to acknowledge this problem issue a recall and refund those of us that have been victimized by not making this a recall issue. Mini must be confronted by NHTSA put on notice, considering these are major safety issues that could result in injury or death. Part number= FP 61-35-6-827-072

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PULL DOWN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR AND THE CLIP FRACTURED CAUSING THE INTERIOR LIGHT TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRAMAN MOTORCARS (2801 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,462.

The lighting and small system computer or FRM module. This module controls any features including safety features on the car. My turn signals, hazard lights, dash lights, courtesy lights, tail lights, windows, horn, high beam headlights and possibly airbags don’t work. Mini will fix the problem if the car is ten years old or less, but any car that is older doesn’t qualify. My car is a 2011 but I bought it new in 2012. They refuse to fix it and the repair cost is around $2000. I have had so many other problems with my car that have cost me several thousands of dollars and I feel like Mini should fix this problem considering these are safety features that could result in injury or death.

EXHAUST VANOS SOLENOID FAILURE 06/12/2019. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE TO MINI'S AND BMW'S THAT OCCURS ON A REGULAR BASIS WHICH INTERRUPTS THE POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEM. BMW WHO MANUFACTURES THE PART HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THIS PART ON BMW'S TO 10 YEARS BUT HAS NOT YET ADDRESSED ALL THE ISSUES THAT MINI OWNERS HAVE HAD WITH THE PARTICULAR PART. THERE ARE TWO IN THE ENGINE AND THEY ARE IDENTICAL (INTAKE/EXHAUST) COST TO REPLACE IS OVER $500. WHY DOES BMW GET A REPLACEMENT AND MINI OWNERS HAVE TO PAY. THE CAR GOES INTO A LIMP MODE WHEN FAILURE OCCURS, SO STILL DRIVABLE BUT AT REDUCED POWER. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND PREVALENT IN BOTH MINI FORUMS AND BMW FORUMS. THE WARRANTY SHOULD BE EXTENDED FOR MINI OWNERS PART # 11-36-8-610-388. IT IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN BY THE MANUFACTURER.