2005 MINI Cooper Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 2%of 372 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,273miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2005 MINI Cooper, 2% of the 372 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,273 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“At low miles the transmission has to be replaced. No fore warning just gone. I'm trying to drive and at 10 MPH I'm revving at up to 3000 RPM's. This should def not be happening! I'm fuming being that I have to now replace the transmission when I have not beaten on it or anything to make this happen. So far my experience with bmw has not been good. I would have been better buying anything else.”
NHTSA complaint #10487188, filed 2012-12, 41,230 miles“In september 2012 I noticed a loud fan noise that wouldn't turn off. The car was also overheating. I noticed that it was very hard to steer the car, but I thought that was due to the overheating. Mechanic determined failed cylinder head gasket in 11/2012. The radiator was replaced and the thermostat was replaced. In 11/2012 the water pump was also replaced. In 12/2012 the battery had to be replaced. In 06/2013 the heater core was replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10532274, filed 2013-07, 60,246 miles“When accelerating from 30 to 40 miles an hour/shifting from 3rd to 4th gear, my transmission would rev up the rpms and my car no longer accelerates. It went from about 2 to 5.5 rpms, even after I took my foot off the gas pedal. Once it finally does shift, it lurches the car forward violently. It takes a while for the transmission to start acting up, but once the car is fully warmed up, it seems nearly impossible to have it not happen. It's even more frustrating and frightening because I do all city driving, where I slow down and speed up so I am constantly having to get within the 30mph range. …”
NHTSA complaint #10504694, filed 2013-03, 82,300 miles“Driving at approximately 10-15 miles an hour entering a parking lot when I noticed flames coming out of the hood scoop of my 2005 Mini Cooper S. After brief inspection from my mechanic, it is believed to have been caused by the wiring harness for ABS or possibly the power steering unit since the fire originated from the rear/right hand side of the engine and those two components. I have a claim opened with USAA but during simple research, I have found tens, if not close to a hundred issues with similar characteristics. …”
NHTSA complaint #11432141, filed 2021-09“The contact owns a 2005 Mini Coop S Hardtop. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the vehicle alarm activated inadvertently and the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that he lifted the hood open and noticed fire coming from underneath the engine. The contact extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11524398, filed 2023-05, 160,000 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.
- 10044680Jan 1, 2014Mini: on certain model vehicles, an engine oil leak may occur, due to the compromised oil pump volume control solenoid valve, from the underside of engine. No model years listed…
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 2005 MINI Cooper
276 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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