2007 MINI Cooper Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 117 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2007 MINI Cooper, 4% of the 117 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 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.
“Problem 1: clutch/transmission failed at 50,000 just after warranty. Unable to shift on highway, had to stay in low gear. Transmission was replaced. It failed a second time, was replaced at about 80,000. I believe it is failing again as the clutch is slipping in 1st and 2nd gears; Mini Cooper says they note no problem. Problem 2: timing chain. Parked, my car would not start easily; started on 3rd try. My car stalled, stopped on the highway as I was slowing down due to traffic. Restarted and continued. No engine light. Driving to Mini service, car stalled coming in; had to coast in. …”
NHTSA complaint #11267347, filed 2019-10, 87,000 miles“Loud rattling noise when accelerating coming from the engine. When I come to a complete stop car has turned off, sometimes it cranks for a bit to start up. Also while driving losses power and car decelerates slows down and also pulls like if was out of gas. White smoke when you press on gas.”
NHTSA complaint #10849755, filed 2016-03, 50,000 miles“Timing chain failure. This is a known issue commonly referred to by Mini owners as the death rattle . The dealer claims the issue is caused as a result of being 1.5 quarts low on oil. But dozens of other owners are reporting the same problem without being low on oil. I suspect the low oil level is a cover allowing the manufacturer to not take responsibility for the problem. No oil indicator light is triggered at that level. Mini is taking action on this issue but has stopped short of issuing a recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10451823, filed 2012-03, 28,000 miles“The contact owns a 2007 Mini Cooper. The contact stated when traveling at any speed, there was an unusual pop coming from the front driver's side, specifically when attempting a turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that both front sway bar bushings would need to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the transmission mount would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 31,000 and the current mileage was 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10345391, filed 2010-07, 31,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10152680Nov 1, 2018"MANUAL TRANSMISSION - STIFF DIAGONAL GEARSHIFT LEVER MOVEMENT. The customer may complain of a ""stiff diagonal shift"" (e.g., N-R, R-N, 2-3/3-2 or 4-5/5-4). Also, in some cases…
- 10134994Feb 1, 2018Aisin automatic transmisison: right side output shaft seal replacement
- 10148206Dec 1, 2014Dual Mass Flywheel: Diagnosis and Inspection. INFORMATION The following three criteria must to be checked, evaluated and the resulting findings documented on the repair order…
- 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 2007 MINI Cooper
47 complaintsEngine
30 complaintsElectrical system
27 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsSeats
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2007 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