2004 MINI Cooper Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 9%of 282 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 MINI Cooper, 9% of the 282 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2004 Mini Cooper purchased new aprox 62 miles on it and the CVT transmission is gone & there was a class action lawsuit for the replacement of this, I was never notified and want this fixed at no cost to me. At aprox. 50 to 60 MPH the car engines goes way beyond the proper RPM.”
NHTSA complaint #11153472, filed 2018-11, 62,000 miles“On my 2004 Mini Cooper, base, with CVT, it the rpms jump to ~3800 between 50-65 MPH. When I accelerate to above 65, the rpms return to the normal range. Upon slowing down, the rpms then jump again between 50-65.”
NHTSA complaint #10676500, filed 2015-01, 68,000 miles“My 2004 Mini coopers transmission failed at 80k miles with no warning. Luckily I was in a parking lot and not on the highway, where I could have been killed. The cost of replacing the tranny was $7,000. Mini USA was useless when I pleaded with them to help me. After reading about all of the other complaints with the CVT trans, I can't believe there was no recall. I will never buy a Mini again. I still owe $11,000 on the car and cannot afford another.”
NHTSA complaint #10299826, filed 2010-01, 80,000 miles“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“Very disappointed with Mini Cooper and the corporation of bmw on how they handled my issues with my 2004 Mini. I came to the dealership several times in ramsey, new jersey with the repairs that were recalled. I had printed the recalls as evidence that there were identical issues as the repairs needed to my car! The dealership ignored and refused to even look at the recalls on paper and to my dismay I was forced to pay out-of-my-own pocket! I had no choice because of my concern to drive a 'safe' vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10444751, filed 2012-01, 30,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10149392Oct 1, 2014MINI CVT Replacement Parts Warranty Extension: Additional 12 Months with Up to 50,000 Accumulated Miles. A MINI vehicle's CVT assembly or component that was previously repaired…
- 10148241Jun 1, 2014MINI CVT Replacement Parts Warranty Extension: Additional 12 Months with Up to 50,000 Accumulated Miles. A MINI vehicle's CVT assembly or component that was previously repaired…
- 10025903Jun 1, 2008Mini- r5 & r56 (cooper; cooper s) with getrag 6 speed manual transmission: complaint of an intermittent no-crank, no start situation. The clutch switch module has not been…
- 10025846Jun 1, 2008Mini: r55, r56 (cooper, cooper s) with f21 asin 6-speed automatic transmission - incorrect gear display.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2020 | 1 | 14% |
| 2019 | 2 | 17% |
| 2017 | 6 | 21% |
| 2016 | 6 | 21% |
| 2015 | 10 | 18% |
| 2014 | 8 | 24% |
| 2013 | 3 | 6% |
| 2012 | 3 | 5% |
| 2011 | 9 | 11% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 5 | 3% |
| 2008 | 12 | 10% |
| 2007 | 5 | 4% |
| 2006 | 20 | 10% |
| 2005 | 25 | 7% |
| 2004 | 26 | 9% |
| 2003 | 89 | 28% |
| 2002 | 43 | 23% |
| 2001 | 3 | 50% |
Other parts of the 2004 MINI Cooper
238 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsEngine
4 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 28, 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