2010 MINI Cooper S Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 63%of 59 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the engine of the 2010 MINI Cooper S, 63% of the 59 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Purchased car w/50,000 miles on it and have already had water pump replaced and now while driving down the road going about 40 MPH the timing belt broke and blew parts into the engine, so it pretty much needs a new engine already now 25,000 miles after we bought it. Lots of complaints about the timing belt/chain on these 2010 models. Seems odd to me.”
NHTSA complaint #10816892, filed 2015-12, 80,000 miles“During my morning commute on august 2nd in boston massachusetts, the timing chain on my 2010 Mini cooper failed causing massive engine damage and ultimate failure. This occurred while in motion, approximately 60 MPH on 93 north, a four lane highway leading into boston. The car became disabled and would not not start again. The car was then towed to herb chambers, the nearest Mini dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #11016074, filed 2017-08, 81,000 miles“I have Mini cooper r56 s models and I have spent almost 5k in just repair the timing chain is broke every 2 or 3 weeks this car is piece of crack every 2 or 3 weeks has something new !! Never would buy again this piece of crack and wouldn't recommend to anyone get this piece of crack!!”
NHTSA complaint #11006001, filed 2017-07, 70,000 miles“My car shut down when I was driving out of a highway on a ramp. It stopped on the ramp. I noticed this because when I stepped on the gas my car didn't speed up but slowed down. I tried to restart it multiple times but it didn't work. Finally it was tolled to an mechanical shop and they told me the engine was broken.”
NHTSA complaint #10750025, filed 2015-08, 50,000 miles“The car completely quits running while you are driving it. Check engine light comes on but car has already died. Have to coast to a stop with no power steering since the engine has died. Car will not always restart. Sometimes it will crank but not turn over. Sometimes it will restart. Today it died while I was going 65mph on the interstate a d I had to dodge across 3 lanes of traffic to get to the shoulder. Have had this exact issue before. 3 yrs ago I replaced the high pressure fuel pump for this exact same problem. This was a $1500 repair cost. …”
NHTSA complaint #11373045, filed 2020-11, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10171506Jan 1, 2020CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N14 HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HDP) SERVICE BENEFIT CLASS VEHICLES: The MINI vehicle may experience a sudden engine operational failure reduced or loss of…
- 10162441Jul 12, 2019"Cooper S with N14: Diagnosis for Misfire Faults. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is illuminated and/or the customer complains that the engine runs rough (engine cold or warm)…
- 10147906Dec 1, 2015Surface Cracks on the Water Pump Drive Pulley. During a repair, service or inspection, the drive pulley on the water pump shows signs of cracking. No part replacement is…
- 10059112Jul 1, 2015Mini: because of the dme software, and a damaged clutch, the drivetrain malfunction check message appear.
- 10059098Jul 1, 2015Mini: different faults activates engine malfunction and oil warning.
- 10059113Jun 1, 2015Mini: faulty software causes the check control and engine power reduced light to appear.
- 10059111Jun 1, 2015Mini: due to faulty dme software, the service engine lights comes on, including the check control message for motor force decrease.
- 10059094Jun 1, 2015Mini: a mechanical failure and dme software error of the vanos actuators cause the engine to run rough which activates the malfunction warning light.
- 10058544Jun 1, 2015Mini: some vehicles are experiencing several issues as when idling power is loss, before engine starts, extended cranking, clutch pedal fails to return to disengaged position, a…
- 10057380May 22, 2015Mini: see document search button for owner letter. Questions and answers for timing chain of various mini.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 40% |
| 2019 | 1 | 20% |
| 2017 | 2 | 33% |
| 2016 | 4 | 40% |
| 2015 | 3 | 17% |
| 2014 | 3 | 23% |
| 2013 | 7 | 29% |
| 2012 | 4 | 17% |
| 2011 | 16 | 52% |
| 2010 | 37 | 63% |
| 2009 | 65 | 55% |
| 2008 | 78 | 46% |
| 2007 | 94 | 38% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 5 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2010 MINI Cooper S
6 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 MINI Cooper S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology