2010 MINI Cooper Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 35%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the engine of the 2010 MINI Cooper, 35% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,500 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Timing chain issues that would make car randomly rattle then just turn off in the middle of traffic or at a stop light. Car would skip gears as well. Our 2009 has the same issues and Mini has told us it is the timing chain as well. We spent over $1800 fixing this issue that apparently has been an issue with other Mini cars.”
NHTSA complaint #10945163, filed 2017-01, 67,000 miles“The car just stopped running. We towed it to a mechanic and the engine broke down. It appears to be an issue that has been identified by many others and a class action suit is in the works. I don't have the $5000 to repair it. I'd like for Mini/bmw to extend the warranty to 7 years and cover this repair since it's a known issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10837277, filed 2016-02, 60,000 miles“I have a relatively new Mini Cooper (2010 hatchback) with 51,000 miles. Recently, I started hearing a rattling noise coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. Upon doing a search online, I came across hundreds of other owners who experience the same exact issue - know as the death rattle, the tensioner and timing chain comes apart (a known manufacturing defect) and can cause the car to either stall while in motion and cause catastrophic damage - as the chain is metal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10678900, filed 2015-01, 51,000 miles“We purchased a used 2010 Mini Cooper s convertible from schwartz mazda in, shrewsbury, nj on dec. 27, 2014. After two separate Mini Cooper dealer service depts confirmed that the time chain was beyond specification by 6 mm and needed to be replaced. After several attempts, we got no where or satisfactory resolution with the dealer to replace the timing chain. We feel that our safety is at risk and should be fixed, as expressed in the limited warranty of the vehicle given by schwartz mazda.”
NHTSA complaint #10679825, filed 2015-01, 50,270 miles“Car shut down enroute to hospital. There was no warning (as characterized by many owners). I had the car towed to a reputable repair facility. They informed me that the timing chain tensioner had disintegrated and caused the timing chain to slip . They ran a compression test on the 4 cylinders. Two of the cylinders have 0 compression and the other two have seriously low readings. They told me that any additional damage is indeterminate. The exact sequence of events beginning with the timing chain tensioner has been documented in great numbers. …”
NHTSA complaint #10945085, filed 2017-01, 75,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10171506Jan 1, 2020CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N14 HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HDP) SERVICE BENEFIT CLASS VEHICLES: The MINI vehicle may experience a sudden engine operational failure reduced or loss of…
- 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.
- 10058544Jun 1, 2015Mini: some vehicles are experiencing several issues as when idling power is loss, before engine starts, extended cranking, clutch pedal fails to return to disengaged position, a…
- 10057380May 22, 2015Mini: see document search button for owner letter. Questions and answers for timing chain of various mini.
- 10147108Feb 1, 2015SI M11 01 12February 2015 EngineTechnical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M11 01 12 dated March 2014. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT N16 and…
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 2010 MINI Cooper
29 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 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