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2007 Mini Cooper S

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cooper S years

Owner complaints for the 2007 Mini Cooper S are substantially higher than the model-year median of 23.5.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

236 reports with mileage · 13 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 94 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 79 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports14 fire reports10 injury reports

Power Train complaints

26 reports
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49,000 miles · Sep 22, 2014
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

MY CAR STARTED TO ACT FUNNY. ALMOST SOUNDING LIKE IT WAS SUFFOCATING. IT WOULD DIE ABOUT TEN TO FIFTEEN TIMES EVERY MORNING BEFORE I WOULD FINALLY GET THE CAR STARTED. IT WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN I STOPPED AT INTERSECTIONS. THE ONLY TIME IT RAN DECENT WAS WHEN I WAS DRIVING HIGHWAYS SPEEDS FOR 20 MINUTES OR MORE. I CHANGED OUT FI…

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MY CAR STARTED TO ACT FUNNY. ALMOST SOUNDING LIKE IT WAS SUFFOCATING. IT WOULD DIE ABOUT TEN TO FIFTEEN TIMES EVERY MORNING BEFORE I WOULD FINALLY GET THE CAR STARTED. IT WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN I STOPPED AT INTERSECTIONS. THE ONLY TIME IT RAN DECENT WAS WHEN I WAS DRIVING HIGHWAYS SPEEDS FOR 20 MINUTES OR MORE. I CHANGED OUT FILTERS, SPARK PLUGS, AND FLUIDS BUT NONE OF IT CHANGED THE WAY IT WAS RUNNING. COME TO FIND OUT IT THAT THE CHAIN AND CHAIN TENSIONER HAD BROKEN. THIS DAMAGE CAUSED ROUGHLY $1000 TO FIX. LUCKILY I CAUGHT IT IN TIME BEFORE IT DID ADDITIONAL DAMAGES TO THE CRANK SHAFT. WITH LOW MILES THE MECHANIC EVEN TOLD ME ITS A FAULT PART AND BRAKES EASILY. HE HAS HAD TO REPLACE NUMEROUS AMERICAN MODEL MINIS IN ITALY. MY COUNTRY CODE IS 39 IF YOU CALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10637939

84,000 miles · Oct 25, 2013
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WOULD LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE AXLE AND SEAL FOR THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED HOWEVER THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WOULD LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE AXLE AND SEAL FOR THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE TURBO OIL FEED LINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84000.

NHTSA ODI #10549490

55,302 miles · Sep 23, 2013
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THESE WARNINGS CAME UP - 2D52 SUPER KNOCKING 2DCD FUEL SHUT OFF DUE TO SUPER KNOCKING CYLINDER 3 2968 INLET CAMSHAFT SENSOR 2B64 INTAKE MANIFOLD, UNMETERED AIR BASED ON ALL OF THESE SOUND LIKE MY MINI COOPER HAS BAD FUEL AND/OR SERIOUS CARBON BUILD, I'VE JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM A DEALERS…

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RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THESE WARNINGS CAME UP - 2D52 SUPER KNOCKING 2DCD FUEL SHUT OFF DUE TO SUPER KNOCKING CYLINDER 3 2968 INLET CAMSHAFT SENSOR 2B64 INTAKE MANIFOLD, UNMETERED AIR BASED ON ALL OF THESE SOUND LIKE MY MINI COOPER HAS BAD FUEL AND/OR SERIOUS CARBON BUILD, I'VE JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM A DEALERSHIP AND I AM EXPERIENCING DELAYS IN ACCELERATION, LOSS OF FORWARD PROPULSION.

NHTSA ODI #10545040

46,000 miles · Jul 10, 2013
EnginePower Train

I TOOK MY CAR INTO MY LOCAL SHOP AND HAD OIL CHANGE,NEW BATTERY,TIRES ROTATED AND ALIGNMENT .THEY COULD A NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AND THEY CHECKED IT OUT. CALL ME TO INFORM ME THAT I HAD TO TAKE TO THE MINI COOPER DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. I CALLED MINI COOPER AND SPOKE TO [XXX] AT THE HOUSTON DEALE…

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I TOOK MY CAR INTO MY LOCAL SHOP AND HAD OIL CHANGE,NEW BATTERY,TIRES ROTATED AND ALIGNMENT .THEY COULD A NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AND THEY CHECKED IT OUT. CALL ME TO INFORM ME THAT I HAD TO TAKE TO THE MINI COOPER DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. I CALLED MINI COOPER AND SPOKE TO [XXX] AT THE HOUSTON DEALERSHIP MOMENTUM MINI. SHE INFORMED ME THAT THE COST WOULD BE ANYWHERE FROM 4000 TO 10,000 DOLLARS. I EXPLAINED TO HER I HAD THE CAR FOR 1 YEAR AND HAVE ANY DRIVEN 6000 MILES IN A YEAR. AFTER DOING RESEARCH I NOTICED THAT OTHER PEOPLE WHERE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THERE MINI. I PURCHASED THIS CAR WITH 39,126 MILES ON IT AND MY DAILY DRIVE TO WORK IS A QUARTER MILE IF THAT. PLEASE HELP !!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10524269

70,000 miles · Jul 3, 2013
EnginePower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION MOUNT WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE COOLANT HOUSING AND THE TRANSMISSION MOUNT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION MOUNT WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE COOLANT HOUSING AND THE TRANSMISSION MOUNT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10523094

54,500 miles · Apr 12, 2013
Power Train

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AS IS FROM A SMALL LOCAL LOT JANUARY OF 2013, EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT AS PERFECT. I LOVE THE CAR. WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND LUCKILY I WAS ABOUT 10 MILES FROM HOME AND AT THE SPEED OF 35 MPH WHEN IT FELT LIKE IT WAS STUCK IN A GEAR (CAR IS AUTOMATIC) THEN I NOTICED MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I REMA…

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I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AS IS FROM A SMALL LOCAL LOT JANUARY OF 2013, EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT AS PERFECT. I LOVE THE CAR. WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND LUCKILY I WAS ABOUT 10 MILES FROM HOME AND AT THE SPEED OF 35 MPH WHEN IT FELT LIKE IT WAS STUCK IN A GEAR (CAR IS AUTOMATIC) THEN I NOTICED MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I REMAINED AT THE SPEED OF 35MPH OR LOWER BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE ANY CHANCES. THEN MY BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON WHICH MADE ME THINK I HAD BRAKE ISSUES. I PARKED IT LIFTED THE HOOD AND IT WAS EXTREMELY HOT AND YOU COULD HEAR THE FANS RUNNING EXTRA HARD. WE TOOK IT TO A LOCAL GUY TO LOOK AT IT AS HE TOLD US HE JUST HAD A MINI IN WITH SAME ISSUE WEEKS BEFORE AND AAA CAME TO TOW IT TO HENDRICK MINI IN CHARLOTTE. THEY THOUGHT IT WAS VALUE STEMS AND ETC FIND OUT A FEW HOURS LATER NOT THE CASE I NEED A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION. THE CAR IS A '07 WITH ONLY 54K MILES ON IT IN PERFECT CONDITION. MAKES NO SENSE. MINI/BMW US HAS HEARD OF MY COMPLAINT AND HAS TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY WILL DO TO MAKE IT RIGHT. IF YOU ASK ME FROM EVERYTHING I'VE READ ONLINE THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AS EVERYONE HAS HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND I CAN'T AFFORD $9K TO PAY FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. I LOVED MY MINI COOPER BUT AS IT STANDS RIGHT NOW I'M CAR LESS AND LEFT MAKING PAYMENTS ON A CAR I CANNOT EVEN DRIVE AND IT IS SITTING IN THE SHOP ON HOLD FOR THE TIME BEING. MINI/BMW NEEDS TO REALIZE ALL OF THE CUSTOMERS THEY ARE LOSING OVER THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508096

58,000 miles · Sep 17, 2012
EnginePower Train

I BOUGHT MY 2007 MINI USED 1 MONTH AGO. WHEN I WENT TO TEST DRIVE THE CAR THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AND THERE WAS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD HAVE IT FIXED AND CALL ME BACK IN FOR A TEST DRIVE. I WENT BACK AND WHEN THE CAR STARTED IT HAD A VERY SLIGHT RATTLE THAT EVENTUALLY WENT AWAY. NOW IN THE …

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I BOUGHT MY 2007 MINI USED 1 MONTH AGO. WHEN I WENT TO TEST DRIVE THE CAR THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AND THERE WAS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD HAVE IT FIXED AND CALL ME BACK IN FOR A TEST DRIVE. I WENT BACK AND WHEN THE CAR STARTED IT HAD A VERY SLIGHT RATTLE THAT EVENTUALLY WENT AWAY. NOW IN THE MONTH TIME THAT I HAVE HAD THE CAR IT TAKES ME 6 OR 7 TRIES TO GET THE ENGINE TO START, AND WHEN IT RUNS IT HAS THE RATTLE THAT HAS PLAGUED SO MANY OTHER MINI OWNERS. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. ACTION MUST BE TAKEN TO CORRECT THE INADEQUACY OF THE INFERIOR TIMING CHAIN SET UP. THE DEALER HAS TOLD ME THAT IT IS A "NORMAL" MINI NOISE AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO GET USED TO IT. THAT IS IN A SENSE A "COP OUT" FOR A PROBLEM THAT IS HEAVILY KNOWN IN THE MINI COMMUNITY AND THAT BMW MINI IS WELL AWARE OF. THIS IS A MAJOR MECHANICAL DEFECT IN THE CAR AND BMW MINI NEED TO OWN UP TO REPAIR WITH AN UPDATED AND CURRENT CORRECTIVE ACTION OR REPLACE THE ENGINES FOR ALL THE LOYAL MINI OWNERS EXPERIENCING THIS VERY COSTLY PROBLEM THAT COULD LEAD TO TOTAL DRIVELINE FAILURE. WE PAID FOR A GOOD RUNNING RELIABLE VEHICLE AND ARE NOT GETTING WHAT WE PAID FOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10475594

29,800 miles · Sep 13, 2012
EnginePower Train

MY CAR HAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. HAVE TO REPLACE IT FOR $9000! IT S MINI COOPER S 2007 ONLY 29800 MILES!! THE DEALER WILL NOT REPINES ANYTHING AND THE WARRANTY IS OUT! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10475256

28,000 miles · Jul 23, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

MINI COOPER DRIVERS AROUND THE U.S. AND WORLD HAVE BEEN REPORTING A STRANGE KNOCKING/RUBBING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 2007+ MINI COOPER. FROM THE MISC DEALER REPAIR DETAILS IT APPEARS TO BE A ISSUE WITH THE TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER SYSTEM. IT ALSO APPEARS THE WITHOUT BEING FIXED THE CAR WILL EVEN…

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MINI COOPER DRIVERS AROUND THE U.S. AND WORLD HAVE BEEN REPORTING A STRANGE KNOCKING/RUBBING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 2007+ MINI COOPER. FROM THE MISC DEALER REPAIR DETAILS IT APPEARS TO BE A ISSUE WITH THE TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER SYSTEM. IT ALSO APPEARS THE WITHOUT BEING FIXED THE CAR WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE A TIMING CHAIN FAILURE AND POSSIBLE MOTOR DESTRUCTION. ON A GOOD NOTE BMW/MINI KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS HOWEVER IS FAILING TO COME UP WITH OR ACKNOWLEDGE A PERMANENT SOLUTION. HOW MANY CUSTOMERS ISSUES WILL IT TAKE BEFORE BMW/MINI WILL ISSUE A FULL RECALL? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10467166

59,000 miles · Apr 17, 2012
Power Train

CAR MISFIRED AND HAD BACKFIRED; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK CAR RIGHT TO DEALER , THEY TOLD US IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND DOING NOTHING BUT CHARGING CUSTOMERS FOR THE REPAIR. THE TIMING CHAIN AND TIMING TENSIONER HAS A DESIGN FLAW THAT IS RECOGNIZED BUT NOTHING DONE. IF FULL FAILURE ON ROADWAY CAN CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ISSUES TO …

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CAR MISFIRED AND HAD BACKFIRED; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK CAR RIGHT TO DEALER , THEY TOLD US IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND DOING NOTHING BUT CHARGING CUSTOMERS FOR THE REPAIR. THE TIMING CHAIN AND TIMING TENSIONER HAS A DESIGN FLAW THAT IS RECOGNIZED BUT NOTHING DONE. IF FULL FAILURE ON ROADWAY CAN CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ISSUES TO ME AND OTHERS . *JS

NHTSA ODI #10455465

Official recalls

4

23V337000 · Electrical System

May 11, 2023

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

18V248000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Apr 18, 2018

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

Consequence: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

Consequence: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

12V008000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Jan 11, 2012

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2011 MINI COOPER S, 2008-2011 MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 COOPER JCW CONVERTIBLE, AND 2011 COOPER S COUNTRYMAN PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 14, 2006, THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2011. THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP THAT COOLS THE TURBOCHARGER HAS AN ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CAN MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE CIRCUIT BOARD MAY SMOLDER WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGANDURING FEBRUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-866-275-6464.

08V657000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Dec 12, 2008

BMW IS RECALLING 28,450 MY 2007-2008 MINI COOPER S VEHICLES. THE CENTRALLY LOCATED TAILPIPE EXTENSION PROTRUDES SLIGHTLY BEYOND THE REAR BUMPER. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR INADVERTENT CONTACT TO OCCUR WITH A PERSON'S LEG.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE TAILPIPE EXTENSION IS HOT DURING INADVERTENT CONTACT, A BURN COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TAILPIPE WITH A NEW SHORTER TAILPIPE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-866-275-6464.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

PE11036 · Engine Compartment Fire

Opened Oct 11, 2011 · Closed Jun 11, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

In a January 10, 2012 letter to NHTSA, BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the electric auxiliary water pump in approximately 88,911 model year (MY) 2007-2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011 (Recall 12V-008).According to BMW, the auxiliary water pump on vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder turbocharged engines may overheat.Electro-migration can cause the pump electronic circuit board to overheat resulting in smoldering of the water pump. If smoldering occurs, it may lead to an engine compartment or vehicle fire.The pump supplier, Pierburg Pump Technology GmbH, redesigned the pump to address factors that may contribute to circuit board overheating.The redesigned pumps were completely implemented in production vehicles by January 2011.Recall 12V-008 was the third recall initiated by BMW to address electric auxiliary water pump fires in vehicles equipped with Pierburg pumps.In two October 20, 2011 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted DIRs for similar auxiliary water pump defect conditions in approximately 32,084 MY 2008-2011 BMW 5-Series, 7-Series, X5 and X6 models equipped with 8- and 12-cylinder engines and manufactured from May 2008 through December 2010 (Recall 11V-521); and for approximately 589 MY 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from September 2009 through September 2010 (Recall 11V-522).In three separate April 5, 2012 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted amendments to Recalls 11V-521, 11V-522 and 12V-008.The amendments all described a common defect condition related to a manufacturing process deviation in a certain production range of the redesigned Pierburg water pumps that could result in cracks in the pump housing, which may allow coolant to enter and contact the pump?s circuit board.BMW indicated that further analysis identified a specific machine process error at the sub-supplier that manufactures the water pump housing.Pump housing cracks may cause the circuit board to overheat and lead to smoldering of the water pump.Recall 12V-008 was, thus, amended to include approximately 1,457 MY 2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2011 through April 22, 2011, when pumps manufactured with the suspect manufacturing process may have been used in vehicle assembly.The amendment to Recall 11V-521 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-161, and covered approximately 2,846 MY 2011-2012 BMW 5-Series, 6-Series, 7-Series, X5, and X6 vehicles manufactured from April 1, 2011 through August 1, 2011.The amendment to Recall 11V-522 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-166, and covered approximately 69 MY 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2011 through June 2, 2011.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by BMW as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 30 unique Mini Cooper reports indicating engine fire.In addition, BMW provided warranty data showing 493 claims for replacement of the subject component on Mini Cooper vehicles.Owners of the recalled vehicles are notified to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer, who will replace the auxiliary water pump to prevent any incidents related to this issue.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers (ODI Nos.):10286597, 10286663, 10289793, 10310677, 10314796, 10342365, 10394808, 10394192, 10403982, 10418325, 10422646, 10429003.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Engine And Engine Cooling

In a January 10, 2012 letter to NHTSA, BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the electric auxiliary water pump in approximately 88,911 model year (MY) 2007-2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011 (Recall 12V-008).According to BMW, the auxiliary water pump on vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder turbocharged engines may overheat.Electro-migration can cause the pump electronic circuit board to overheat resulting in smoldering of the water pump. If smoldering occurs, it may lead to an engine compartment or vehicle fire.The pump supplier, Pierburg Pump Technology GmbH, redesigned the pump to address factors that may contribute to circuit board overheating.The redesigned pumps were completely implemented in production vehicles by January 2011.Recall 12V-008 was the third recall initiated by BMW to address electric auxiliary water pump fires in vehicles equipped with Pierburg pumps.In two October 20, 2011 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted DIRs for similar auxiliary water pump defect conditions in approximately 32,084 MY 2008-2011 BMW 5-Series, 7-Series, X5 and X6 models equipped with 8- and 12-cylinder engines and manufactured from May 2008 through December 2010 (Recall 11V-521); and for approximately 589 MY 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from September 2009 through September 2010 (Recall 11V-522).In three separate April 5, 2012 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted amendments to Recalls 11V-521, 11V-522 and 12V-008.The amendments all described a common defect condition related to a manufacturing process deviation in a certain production range of the redesigned Pierburg water pumps that could result in cracks in the pump housing, which may allow coolant to enter and contact the pump?s circuit board.BMW indicated that further analysis identified a specific machine process error at the sub-supplier that manufactures the water pump housing.Pump housing cracks may cause the circuit board to overheat and lead to smoldering of the water pump.Recall 12V-008 was, thus, amended to include approximately 1,457 MY 2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2011 through April 22, 2011, when pumps manufactured with the suspect manufacturing process may have been used in vehicle assembly.The amendment to Recall 11V-521 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-161, and covered approximately 2,846 MY 2011-2012 BMW 5-Series, 6-Series, 7-Series, X5, and X6 vehicles manufactured from April 1, 2011 through August 1, 2011.The amendment to Recall 11V-522 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-166, and covered approximately 69 MY 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2011 through June 2, 2011.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by BMW as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 30 unique Mini Cooper reports indicating engine fire.In addition, BMW provided warranty data showing 493 claims for replacement of the subject component on Mini Cooper vehicles.Owners of the recalled vehicles are notified to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer, who will replace the auxiliary water pump to prevent any incidents related to this issue.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers (ODI Nos.):10286597, 10286663, 10289793, 10310677, 10314796, 10342365, 10394808, 10394192, 10403982, 10418325, 10422646, 10429003.

Engine And Engine Cooling

In a January 10, 2012 letter to NHTSA, BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the electric auxiliary water pump in approximately 88,911 model year (MY) 2007-2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011 (Recall 12V-008).According to BMW, the auxiliary water pump on vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder turbocharged engines may overheat.Electro-migration can cause the pump electronic circuit board to overheat resulting in smoldering of the water pump. If smoldering occurs, it may lead to an engine compartment or vehicle fire.The pump supplier, Pierburg Pump Technology GmbH, redesigned the pump to address factors that may contribute to circuit board overheating.The redesigned pumps were completely implemented in production vehicles by January 2011.Recall 12V-008 was the third recall initiated by BMW to address electric auxiliary water pump fires in vehicles equipped with Pierburg pumps.In two October 20, 2011 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted DIRs for similar auxiliary water pump defect conditions in approximately 32,084 MY 2008-2011 BMW 5-Series, 7-Series, X5 and X6 models equipped with 8- and 12-cylinder engines and manufactured from May 2008 through December 2010 (Recall 11V-521); and for approximately 589 MY 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from September 2009 through September 2010 (Recall 11V-522).In three separate April 5, 2012 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted amendments to Recalls 11V-521, 11V-522 and 12V-008.The amendments all described a common defect condition related to a manufacturing process deviation in a certain production range of the redesigned Pierburg water pumps that could result in cracks in the pump housing, which may allow coolant to enter and contact the pump?s circuit board.BMW indicated that further analysis identified a specific machine process error at the sub-supplier that manufactures the water pump housing.Pump housing cracks may cause the circuit board to overheat and lead to smoldering of the water pump.Recall 12V-008 was, thus, amended to include approximately 1,457 MY 2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2011 through April 22, 2011, when pumps manufactured with the suspect manufacturing process may have been used in vehicle assembly.The amendment to Recall 11V-521 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-161, and covered approximately 2,846 MY 2011-2012 BMW 5-Series, 6-Series, 7-Series, X5, and X6 vehicles manufactured from April 1, 2011 through August 1, 2011.The amendment to Recall 11V-522 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-166, and covered approximately 69 MY 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2011 through June 2, 2011.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by BMW as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 30 unique Mini Cooper reports indicating engine fire.In addition, BMW provided warranty data showing 493 claims for replacement of the subject component on Mini Cooper vehicles.Owners of the recalled vehicles are notified to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer, who will replace the auxiliary water pump to prevent any incidents related to this issue.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers (ODI Nos.):10286597, 10286663, 10289793, 10310677, 10314796, 10342365, 10394808, 10394192, 10403982, 10418325, 10422646, 10429003.

Engine And Engine Cooling

In a January 10, 2012 letter to NHTSA, BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the electric auxiliary water pump in approximately 88,911 model year (MY) 2007-2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011 (Recall 12V-008).According to BMW, the auxiliary water pump on vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder turbocharged engines may overheat.Electro-migration can cause the pump electronic circuit board to overheat resulting in smoldering of the water pump. If smoldering occurs, it may lead to an engine compartment or vehicle fire.The pump supplier, Pierburg Pump Technology GmbH, redesigned the pump to address factors that may contribute to circuit board overheating.The redesigned pumps were completely implemented in production vehicles by January 2011.Recall 12V-008 was the third recall initiated by BMW to address electric auxiliary water pump fires in vehicles equipped with Pierburg pumps.In two October 20, 2011 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted DIRs for similar auxiliary water pump defect conditions in approximately 32,084 MY 2008-2011 BMW 5-Series, 7-Series, X5 and X6 models equipped with 8- and 12-cylinder engines and manufactured from May 2008 through December 2010 (Recall 11V-521); and for approximately 589 MY 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from September 2009 through September 2010 (Recall 11V-522).In three separate April 5, 2012 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted amendments to Recalls 11V-521, 11V-522 and 12V-008.The amendments all described a common defect condition related to a manufacturing process deviation in a certain production range of the redesigned Pierburg water pumps that could result in cracks in the pump housing, which may allow coolant to enter and contact the pump?s circuit board.BMW indicated that further analysis identified a specific machine process error at the sub-supplier that manufactures the water pump housing.Pump housing cracks may cause the circuit board to overheat and lead to smoldering of the water pump.Recall 12V-008 was, thus, amended to include approximately 1,457 MY 2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2011 through April 22, 2011, when pumps manufactured with the suspect manufacturing process may have been used in vehicle assembly.The amendment to Recall 11V-521 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-161, and covered approximately 2,846 MY 2011-2012 BMW 5-Series, 6-Series, 7-Series, X5, and X6 vehicles manufactured from April 1, 2011 through August 1, 2011.The amendment to Recall 11V-522 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-166, and covered approximately 69 MY 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2011 through June 2, 2011.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by BMW as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 30 unique Mini Cooper reports indicating engine fire.In addition, BMW provided warranty data showing 493 claims for replacement of the subject component on Mini Cooper vehicles.Owners of the recalled vehicles are notified to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer, who will replace the auxiliary water pump to prevent any incidents related to this issue.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers (ODI Nos.):10286597, 10286663, 10289793, 10310677, 10314796, 10342365, 10394808, 10394192, 10403982, 10418325, 10422646, 10429003.

EA08020 · Exhaust Pipe Burns

Opened Aug 29, 2008 · Closed Jan 2, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System

BMW WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (08V-657) ON 28,450 MINI COOPER S VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 18, 2006 THROUGH JULY 8, 2008.DEALERS WILL INSTALL MODIFIED EXHAUST PIPE TIPS THAT DO NOT EXTEND BEYOND THE REAR BUMPER.THE TWO EXHAUST PIPE TIPS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES EXIT THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AT THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE AND EXTEND BEYOND THE REAR BUMPER.THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED BEING BURNED ON THEIR LEGS WHEN THEY INADVERTENTLY TOUCHED THE EXPOSED HOT EXHAUST PIPE TIPS WHILE REMOVING ITEMS OF CARGO FROM THE REAR OF THEIR VEHICLE VIA THE HATCH BACK DOOR.SOME COMPLAINANTS REPORTED BEING BURNED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION OR THAT OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WERE ALSO BURNED.THE 50 INJURIES REPORTED IN THIS INVESTIGATION INCLUDE SIGNIFICANT SECOND DEGREE BURNS CAUSING BLISTERED AND SCARED SKIN AND ONE INCIDENT RESULTED IN A THIRD DEGREE BURN.THIS INVESTIGATION ALSO RESULTED IN AN INITIAL DECISION OF A DEFECT.FOR INFORMATION REGARDING THE INITIAL DECISION AND DETAILS OF THE INVESTIGATION SEE DOCUMENTS, INRM-EA08020-31646.PDF (INITIAL DECISION LETTER) AND INIR-EA08020-31648.PDF (INITIAL DECISION REPORT), IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

PE08031 · Exhaust Pipe Burns

Opened Apr 28, 2008 · Closed Aug 29, 2008

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON THREE CONSUMER REPORTS.THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED BEING BURNED ON THEIR LEGS BY THE HOT EXHAUST PIPE TIP WHILE THEY WERE REMOVING CARGO ITEMS FROM THE REAR HATCH AREA OF THEIR VEHICLES.THE MINI COOPER S MODEL HAS DUAL EXHAUST PIPE TIPS THAT ARE LOCATED AT THE CENTER LINE OF THE VEHICLEUNDER THE REAR BUMPER.THE EXHAUST PIPE TIPS EXTEND BEYOND THE EDGE OF THE BUMPER.ODI IS UPGRADING THIS INVESTIGATION TO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS EA08-020 BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY BMW IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S PE08-031 INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER.