2006 MINI Cooper Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 5%of 200 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine of the 2006 MINI Cooper, 5% of the 200 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles. 3 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.
“I have an '06 Mini Cooper and never had any engine/transmission issues prior to today. All scheduled maintenance was done by the Mini dealer. Today leaving to go to work, I started the car, put my seat belt on, checked the mirrors, rolled down the windows, put the car gear in d and started moving forward out a parking lot, and after a few seconds while driving, the car lost all acceleration and came to a stop. Then the car won't reverse nor move forward while in any gear. …”
NHTSA complaint #10514390, filed 2013-05, 150,000 miles“I was driving in moderate traffic (40mph) when my car suddenly jerked so hard it felt like someone hit me from behind. Prior to this incident, I was feeling the jerkiness slightly and intermittently (felt like downshifting). After reading people's complaints in Mini forums, I'm starting to think this could be the beginning of my transmission failure. Luckily no one was hurt but if this continues, there could be some major injuries involved. About four months ago, my Mini started to overheat. …”
NHTSA complaint #10531796, filed 2013-07, 62,300 miles“70k and on my third serpentine belt ,battery light goes on and incredibly hard to steer left or right and car dies. When the belt shreds or breaks the car dies and only moves at below 5 MPH ,only warning is a battery light ... People buying this car for teens dont ! Had to replace transmission at 30 k ... If you buy this car used with low mileage get the transmission checked . Note : transmission check requires the engine to be pulled out and will cost $500.00 oil pan constantly leaks. If vw is bad bmw /Mini Cooper is worse and getting away with highway robbery . …”
NHTSA complaint #10787265, filed 2015-10, 30,000 miles“Car lost power and started running and idling very rough. Service shop discovered that the nylon caps for the hydraulic lash valves had deteriorated and cracked and in some cases had fallen completely off having a negative affect on the engine compression. The original caps are bright yellow and after use and heat they turn orange/brown. Internet research shows some Mini's have steel lash caps. Seems that a engine component susceptible to heat damage should not be made of nylon/plastic. The car has a total of 18 of these lash caps and at least 12 are clearly cracked. …”
NHTSA complaint #10485395, filed 2012-11, 92,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, there was a loss of power steering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the power steering pump was replaced however the failure recurred the next day. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic and unknown repairs were performed. In addition, the air bag warning indicator illuminated continuously. On a separate occasion, the alternator failed and was not replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10871032, filed 2016-05, 118,000 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…
- 10044699Jun 1, 2012Mini: when resealing engine oil pan, engine oil pan gasket replacement should no longer be used due to causing sealing flange becoming deformed. Models r55, r56, r59, r60, r57…
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 2006 MINI Cooper
111 complaintsSteering
53 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsSeats
13 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 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