2011 MINI Cooper S Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 52%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine of the 2011 MINI Cooper S, 52% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After coming home from a routine drive. I parked my car in the drive way. About 30 minutes later I smelt something burning and noticed my hood of my car smoking. I immediately ran outside and started housing of the bubbling hood with a garden hose. I managed to pop the hood and put out the fire which had cover most of the engine at that time.”
NHTSA complaint #10937963, filed 2016-12, 70,000 miles“I owned a 2011 Mini Cooper S ( Mini ) vehicle that caused a fire and injuries at our home. The fire was discovered while the Mini was parked in our garage with the ignition off. The fire destroyed our residence, personal property and two vehicles, including the aforementioned Mini. Fire authorities determined that the fire originated in the Mini's engine compartment and a subsequent investigation yielded that the cause of the fire was an electrical failure to an electrical connection for the circuit board on the auxiliary water pump. …”
NHTSA complaint #11120962, filed 2018-08, 60,000 miles“The engine light kept coming on and the fan kept running even after car has been turned off. The gadge would read cold that hot. Took it to mechanic, the mechanic claimed it was a safety mechanism to keep car from over heating, had the car for 4 week and the car just shut off showing the same issue. The thermostat was not correct also. This was city in motion and stationary, once it cooled off it would start fine, but then just cut off, each time it stop I just had it towed which was 3 times rather than driving it , I just did not trust the vehicle”
NHTSA complaint #11066454, filed 2018-02, 80,000 miles“My Mini cooper was parked in my garage for over two weeks. On august 10, 2017 I moved it out of the garage to get to some things in my garage. When I backed it back in, I heard a pop and within minutes I saw smoke coming from the hood. When we were able to open the hood the engine was on fire. We had to call 911 and they told us we could not leave the car in the garage because of the fire incident. We had to figure out how to get the car into neutral so that we could move it out of the garage without starting the car. Once parked on the drive way, my car proceeded to smolder two more times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11044039, filed 2017-11, 41,000 miles“Timinig chain tensioner had a washer stripped, oil was leaking all of ther engine and it was down to less than a quart. It's a known issue with Mini coopers all over the internet where a $10 part, if not caught causes major engine repairs, or worse, engine replacement. Mini cooper dealer wont fix it for free even though it's touted maintenance free chain belt. Vehicle only has 22,365 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10819675, filed 2016-01, 22,365 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…
- 10146720Jun 1, 2017"N18 Engine High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HDP): Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M01 01 16 dated March 2016..
- 10146985Jul 1, 2016"Technical Service N18 Engine High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HDP): Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M01 01 16 dated…
- 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…
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 2011 MINI Cooper S
16 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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