2010 MINI Cooper Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2010 MINI Cooper, 3% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,000 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.
“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“Mini Cooper timing chain tensoner defect. I have a r56 hardtop 2010 Mini Cooper. My car started having issues like turning off while driving. A rattling noise under the hood, especially on the passenger side of the car. While I was driving I heard a loud snap noise and my car shut off. The engine would not turn over after that and when I looked under the hook there was a broken valve cover. The timing chain broke and caused massive amount of damage to my car. The Mini dealership in las vegas is not honoring the lawsuit. Not really sure how to proceed. They want $3,500. In repairs. …”
NHTSA complaint #11205138, filed 2019-05, 83,000 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
- 10146924Oct 1, 2016"ENGINE POWER REDUCTION WITH "CLUTCH DAMAGED"" FAULTS STORED This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M12 06 15 dated July 2015. A drivetrain malfunction check control…
- 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…
- 10046920Jan 1, 2013Mini: internal bridging of contacts by internal corrosion forming on engine coolant temperature sensor, could give inaccurate engine temperature reading leading to difficulty in…
- 10037699Jan 1, 2011Bmw: warning light is on and the selector lever could not be moved out of park which was likely caused by fluid being spilled on the shifter.
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 2010 MINI Cooper
32 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsSeats
5 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 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