IllustrationTIMING CHAIN BROKE LEADING TO VEHICLE COMING TO A SUDDEN STOP. HAD THIS HAPPENED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, IT COULD HAVE BEEN LIFE THREATENING. BMW REFUSES TO ASSIST.
2009 Mini Cooper S
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Cooper S years
Owner complaints for the 2009 Mini Cooper S are substantially higher than the model-year median of 23.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Cooper S years →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
90–25K
3825–50K
3250–75K
1875–100K
8100–150K
2150K+
107 reports with mileage · 12 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 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 16 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 reports4 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
119 reportsON 8-28-16 THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED ON THE ENGINE OF MY 2009 MINI COOPER S, WHICH LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE, REQUIRING THE ENGINE TO BE REPLACED. AT THE TIME OF FAILURE I WAS DRIVING AT FULL SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS SUDDEN POWER LOSS AND I HAD TO AVERT TRAFFIC TO SAFELY PULL OVER. DURING POWER LOSS THERE WAS LOTS…
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ON 8-28-16 THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED ON THE ENGINE OF MY 2009 MINI COOPER S, WHICH LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE, REQUIRING THE ENGINE TO BE REPLACED. AT THE TIME OF FAILURE I WAS DRIVING AT FULL SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS SUDDEN POWER LOSS AND I HAD TO AVERT TRAFFIC TO SAFELY PULL OVER. DURING POWER LOSS THERE WAS LOTS OF SMOKE POURING OUT OF THE CAR. TIMING CHAIN FAILURES ARE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MINI, AND THE SUBJECT OF A RECENT LAWSUIT AGAINST MINI. SEE INFO REGARDING A SETTLEMENT DUE TO TIMING CHAIN FAILURE: HTTP://WWW.TIMINGCHAINTENSIONERSETTLEMENT.COM/ THE LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT EXTENDS THE ENGINE WARRANTY TO 7YRS/100,000MI. MY MINI IS AT 86K MI, AND A FEW DAYS OVER 7 YEARS. MINI USA REFUSES TO ASSIST ME IN SOLVING THIS KNOWN ISSUE.
I HAD AN ACCIDENT ON 6-30-2016 WHERE I LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR DUE TO HITTING FIRST A SOFT SHOULDER OF THE HWY. SR145 TRAVELLING AT A SPEED OF APPROX. 50-55 MPH. I GRAZED A POWER POLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND RAN THROUGH THREE LARGE WOODEN POSTS ON A RANCHERS PROPERTY. THE CAR SPUN AT AN180 ANGLE LEAVING ME IN THE FIELD FACING…
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I HAD AN ACCIDENT ON 6-30-2016 WHERE I LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR DUE TO HITTING FIRST A SOFT SHOULDER OF THE HWY. SR145 TRAVELLING AT A SPEED OF APPROX. 50-55 MPH. I GRAZED A POWER POLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND RAN THROUGH THREE LARGE WOODEN POSTS ON A RANCHERS PROPERTY. THE CAR SPUN AT AN180 ANGLE LEAVING ME IN THE FIELD FACING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION FOR WHICH I WAS HEADED. NOT ONE AIRBAG DEPLOYED ON IMPACT!!! I AM CONCERNED THAT THESE AIRBAGS AND/OR INSTALLATION IS FAULTY AND CHP OFFICE SAID I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE HAD NOT BLOWN CAUSING ME TO VEER JUST TO THE RIGHT OF THE POWER/TELEPHONE POLE. POWER TO THE AREA WAS KNOCKED OUT FOR APPROX. 1 HOUR. I DO HAVE COPIES OF THE POLICE REPORT AND ABOUT 18 PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT WITH TWO PICTURES BEING A CLOSEUP OF MY 2009 MINI COOPER. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED ANYTHING ELSE?
CAR WAS TAKEN IN TO DEALER JUST AFTER REPORT OF MINI AIRBAG RECALL OF EARLIER MODELS [INCLUDING 2006]. SINCE CAR WASN'T LISTED ON RECALL LIST BUT I HAD EXPERIENCED SEVERAL MONTHS OF PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT PROBLEMS [ FOR NO APPARENT REASON]; I WAS CONCERNED AND ASKED FOR REPAIR. THE PIECE REMOVED AND REPLACED LOOKED LIKE IT HAD M…
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CAR WAS TAKEN IN TO DEALER JUST AFTER REPORT OF MINI AIRBAG RECALL OF EARLIER MODELS [INCLUDING 2006]. SINCE CAR WASN'T LISTED ON RECALL LIST BUT I HAD EXPERIENCED SEVERAL MONTHS OF PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT PROBLEMS [ FOR NO APPARENT REASON]; I WAS CONCERNED AND ASKED FOR REPAIR. THE PIECE REMOVED AND REPLACED LOOKED LIKE IT HAD MELTED. I WAS TOLD IF MY MODEL WAS EVER RECALLED THEY WOULD REIMBURSE ME THE COST OF THE REPAIR. I DO NOT SEE MY COMPLAINT ON YOUR LIST AND SURPRISED AS I THOUGHT I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE REPORTED BY THE DEALER. AFTER THE REPAIR, I ASKED FOR THE DAMAGED PART; HOWEVER, IT MYSTERIOUSLY COULD NOT BE FOUND. MY QUESTION WOULD BE ARE THESE SAFETY TYPE ISSUES REQUIRED TO BE REPORTED BY DEALERS? I REVIEWED YOUR LIST OF COMPLAINTS AND THERE ARE A NUMBER OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS TO MINE [8 POSTINGS BY OWNERS AND 2 MANUFACTURER COMMENTS]. I HOPE MY DRIVERS SIDE COMPONENTS NEVER FAIL AS I AM NOT SURE IT WAS REPLACED. MECHANIC DIAGNOSIS; RAN SHORT TEST FOUND PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR BAD. REPLACED SEAT MAT SENSOR NO FAULT FOUND AFTER REPAIR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECREASE IN SPEED WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VACUUM PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECREASE IN SPEED WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VACUUM PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
I OWN A 09 MINI S. ABOUT A YEAR OR SO AGO I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS STICKING WHEREAS I HAD TO JIGGLE IT IN ORDER TO OPEN IT. I TOOK THE DOOR PANEL OFF TO LOOK FOR ANY OBSTRUCTIONS AND FOUND NONE. I GREASED THE DOOR HINGE AND IT WORKED BETTER. I HEADED TO THE STORE ONE DAY AND UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE I HEARD A LI…
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I OWN A 09 MINI S. ABOUT A YEAR OR SO AGO I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS STICKING WHEREAS I HAD TO JIGGLE IT IN ORDER TO OPEN IT. I TOOK THE DOOR PANEL OFF TO LOOK FOR ANY OBSTRUCTIONS AND FOUND NONE. I GREASED THE DOOR HINGE AND IT WORKED BETTER. I HEADED TO THE STORE ONE DAY AND UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE I HEARD A LITTLE DIFFERENT SOUND THAN USUAL AT LEAST I THOUGHT. AFTER COMING FROM THE STORE I ONCE AGAIN HAD TO JIGGLE THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE DOOR LATCH AND THE OUTSIDE DOOR LATCH. I GOT THE DOOR OPEN AND DECIDED TO STOP FOR GAS ON THE WAY HOME. AFTER ARRIVING AT THE GAS STATION I RELEASED MY SEAT BELT AND ATTEMPTED TO GET OUT BUT THE DOOR WOULD NOT BUDGE. AFTER NUMEROUS FAILED ATTEMPTS I COULD NOT OPEN THE DRIVER'S DOOR. I HEADED HOME AND IN MY DRIVEWAY I TRIED FOR SOME TIME MY USUAL TECHNIQUE ALONG WITH REPEATED ATTEMPTS WITH THE UNLOCK AND LOCK TOGGLE SWITCH, I COULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR. THE WINDOW IS TOO SMALL TO CLIMB OUT AT LEAST FOR ME SO I EXITED THE VEHICLE BY CLIMBING OVER TO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AND EXITED THROUGH THAT DOOR. THIS COULD OF BEEN A BAD SITUATION AND A 911 CALL. THE 1ST RESPONDERS WOULD OF ARRIVED AND TRIED TO HELP ME GET OUT AND IF I WASN'T NIMBLE AS I AM TO CLIMB OUT THROUGH THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR THEY WOULD HAVE TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO COME AND CUT ME OUT OF MY PERFECTLY GOOD CAR AS FAR AS NOTHING ELSE IS WRONG WITH IT. I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND THERE ARE NO MODIFICATIONS ON THE DOORS OR ANY KNOWN ACCIDENTS. I SPOKE WITH A MECHANIC AND HE DIAGNOSED IT TO BE A FAULTY DOOR LATCH MODULE. I HAVEN'T HAD IT FIXED YET.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OR WHILE PARKED, THE COOLANT IN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LEAK PROFUSELY. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OR WHILE PARKED, THE COOLANT IN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LEAK PROFUSELY. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V008000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 87,178.
I HAVE A MINI COOPER S 2009, WITH ONLY 50,000 MILES IN IT ,AND ALREADY ITS FAILING THE GUIDE AND SUPPORT RAIL THE HOLDS THE TIMING CHAIN, THOSE SUPPORTS ARE MADE OF PLASTIC WHICH I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE SOME KIND OF METAL INSTEAD,WHEN THE SUPPORT GUIDES BREAKS THE CHAIN COMES OUT OF PLACE CRASHING THE ENGINE, WELL THE IS ECSACTLY…
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I HAVE A MINI COOPER S 2009, WITH ONLY 50,000 MILES IN IT ,AND ALREADY ITS FAILING THE GUIDE AND SUPPORT RAIL THE HOLDS THE TIMING CHAIN, THOSE SUPPORTS ARE MADE OF PLASTIC WHICH I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE SOME KIND OF METAL INSTEAD,WHEN THE SUPPORT GUIDES BREAKS THE CHAIN COMES OUT OF PLACE CRASHING THE ENGINE, WELL THE IS ECSACTLY WHAT HAPPEN TO ME , WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN THE FREEWAY, I HAD TO STOP AND GET MY CAR TOWED, BUT LUCKY ME I WASN'T IN THE MIDDLE OF FREWAY WHICH IT COULD CAUSE A BIG ACCIDENT, MAYBE DEATH. MOST OF CAR MAKERS LIKE HONDA HAS A MILES LIMIT FOR TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT, MINI COOPER S DONT, ITS BASE ON HOW MUCH YOU DRIVE IT ,THATS WHAT DEALER SAID. BOTTON LINE MINI USA SHOULD REPLACE THOSE PLASTIC PARTS FOR SOMETHING MORE DURABLE SPECIALLY IF ITS GOING TO MAKE YOUR CAR STOP ALL OF OF SUDDEN.
AT 30000 MILES THE TIMING CHAIN WAS REPLACED DUE TO A RECALL. CAR RATTLED FOR A FEW MONTHS PRIOR TO REPLACEMEN. AT 55OOO MILE MY CAR ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND LOST POWER. I WAS ABLE TO LIMP IT IN TO WORK ABOUT ANOTHER 5 MILES. MY HUSBAND DROVE IT TO MINI DEALERSHIP ANOTHER 10 MILES AWAY AND THEY STATED THAT IT BLEW A VALVE OR A P…
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AT 30000 MILES THE TIMING CHAIN WAS REPLACED DUE TO A RECALL. CAR RATTLED FOR A FEW MONTHS PRIOR TO REPLACEMEN. AT 55OOO MILE MY CAR ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND LOST POWER. I WAS ABLE TO LIMP IT IN TO WORK ABOUT ANOTHER 5 MILES. MY HUSBAND DROVE IT TO MINI DEALERSHIP ANOTHER 10 MILES AWAY AND THEY STATED THAT IT BLEW A VALVE OR A PISTON QUOTING HIM A HEAD REPLACEMENT OF $5000 OR REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE FOR $10000. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW AND I HAVE MAINTAINED IT TO A T. READING ON LINE THIS SEEMS TO ALL BE RELATED TO THE TIMING CHAIN ISSUE. MINI IS NOT STANDING BY THEIR CAR AND REFUSING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILTY. HOPEFULLY IF WE ALL CONTINUE TO SQUEAK WE CAN GET THEM TO TAKE RESPONSIBILTY FOR FAULTY VEHICLES. I HAVE A NICE LOOKING NON RUNNING WORTHLESS CAR SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY...ANYONE WANT IT!
THE CAR'S ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MODULE FAILED (APPARENTLY SHORTED OUT), AND UPON ATTEMPTING TO EVALUATE THE ISSUE THE UNIT WILL SPARK AND EVEN CATCH FIRE. IT HAS MELTED SEVERAL OF THE WIRING COMPONENTS IN MY CAR, AND HAS ADVERSELY AFFECTED AT LEAST MY ABS SYSTEM AND MY TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR. MINI COOPER OF ESCONDIDO INSPECTED T…
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THE CAR'S ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MODULE FAILED (APPARENTLY SHORTED OUT), AND UPON ATTEMPTING TO EVALUATE THE ISSUE THE UNIT WILL SPARK AND EVEN CATCH FIRE. IT HAS MELTED SEVERAL OF THE WIRING COMPONENTS IN MY CAR, AND HAS ADVERSELY AFFECTED AT LEAST MY ABS SYSTEM AND MY TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR. MINI COOPER OF ESCONDIDO INSPECTED THE DAMAGE AND DEEMED THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE EPS UNIT AND THE STEERING RACK, BUT THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO COVER THE COSTS OF REPLACEMENT.
Official recalls
323V337000 · 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.
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
1PE11036 · 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.