2004 MINI Cooper Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 282 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2004 MINI Cooper, 1% of the 282 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2004 Mini Cooper it has recently reached 87000 miles and the CVT transmission is failing. Normally you change your transmission fuel every 25,000 to 50,000 miles. My model Mini Cooper hatchback does not come with a reservoir to change such a fuel it was a guarantee by the manufacturer that these models would not need such a service and that the transmission would be fine throughout the lifetime of the car. What worries me is that I have not been able to drive my Mini over 50mph due to the increase of RPM's. …”
NHTSA complaint #10551846, filed 2013-11, 87,000 miles“I was driving down i80 and my car started to kick and sputter then the engine light went on and I dropped speeds and almost got rear ended by the car behind me he swerved honked his horn and gave me the finger. I took it to a shop and they told me the transmission needs to be replaced and the number three cylinder blew out and I would need to replace the headgasket and refurbish the engine. When I first bought the car it would periodically kick and stall out on me I took it back to the dealer ship they told me it was just the engine breaking in. …”
NHTSA complaint #10505770, filed 2013-04, 34,700 miles“The engine starting cutting out and rabbiting and finally died and coasted into parking lot and could not get it started. Took to baron bmw and they said the engine was toasted because of low oil pressure from a habitual problem with their oil filter housing that they never recalled because they didn't think it was a safety issue when the car cuts out and rabbits on acceleration onto the highway and everytime you take off from a start.”
NHTSA complaint #10693857, filed 2015-03, 82,999 miles“1) automatic transmission busted. Car stalled dangerously on the highway. 2) power steering pump busted. Steering locked dangerously on the road and could not be moved.”
NHTSA complaint #10567652, filed 2014-03, 59,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10059114Jul 1, 2015Mini: faulty software for the tank ventilation control displays engine throttle reaction when temperature is high outside, and more obvious if the tank is only partly filled.
- 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.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 14% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2018 | 1 | 13% |
| 2017 | 6 | 21% |
| 2016 | 10 | 36% |
| 2015 | 14 | 25% |
| 2014 | 8 | 24% |
| 2013 | 4 | 9% |
| 2012 | 17 | 26% |
| 2011 | 12 | 14% |
| 2010 | 32 | 35% |
| 2009 | 46 | 30% |
| 2008 | 44 | 38% |
| 2007 | 30 | 26% |
| 2006 | 10 | 5% |
| 2005 | 6 | 2% |
| 2004 | 4 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2004 MINI Cooper
238 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 MINI Cooper
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