2010 Mini Cooper S Convertible problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (2) · Air Bags (2) · Steering (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mini Cooper S Convertible model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/Supercharger 2012-01-11 · campaign 12V008000 · 90,368 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: THE CIRCUIT BOARD MAY SMOLDER WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (124)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2026-05-06 · M010616 · Warranty Program/Extension
the footwell module (frm) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
Electrical System 2026-04-30 · M610226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
while performing a 12-volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, vehicle test, and/or programming procedure- the mini footwell module (frm) may become unresponsive. as a result, one or more of the following vehicle electric system-related issues may occur: headlights including the high bea
Electrical System 2025-03-18 · M010616 · Warranty Program/Extension
the footwell module (frm) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
Structure:body 2025-02-21 · M010616 · Warranty Program/Extension
the footwell module (frm) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
Electrical System 2023-10-25 · M610607 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
mini electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. as a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can have various causes, most of which are not due to the battery itself. for this rea
Wheels 2021-12-01 · M360119 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
new rdc wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation mini models. the new wheel electronics are identified as huf generation 5. these new wheel electronics will need to be programmed using the new tool when replaced or when depressurized (0 psi) for more than 2 minutes.
Showing the 6 most recent of 124 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2023-02-28 · Air Bags · 24,000 mi“the contact owns a 2010 mini cooper convertible. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s air bag warning light was illuminated. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags). the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and it was determined that the front passenger occupant detect…”
2020-07-02 · Unknown Or Other“the sound of the motor is very very noise, and shakes really bad after you start the car.…”
2018-12-24 · Unknown Or Other · 12,000 mi“the vehicle is a standard model convertible, not an "s" model. trunk latch malfunction while in motion: trunk latch opens/disengages spontaneously while the vehicle is in motion, with the key inserted and the motor running. this unpredictable fault can occur anywhere, including on a freeway. the trunk lid can drop to full open, exposing items…”
2018-05-30 · Electrical System · 40,110 mi“latch on trunk unlocks and releases the trunk while driving. this can cause the contents of the trunk to fall on to the road endangering other drivers. this is a common complaint on the mini owner site…”
2016-01-30 · Unknown Or Other · 52,000 mi“i was driving on i 280 east and newar exit 8b the engine suddenly stopped. there was loss of power steering and steering wheel became very tight. i almost got hit by a tractor. i got out of the exit (exit 7) and got myself towed. the mechanic thinks it is the timing belt that is broken. …”
2015-03-07 · Engine · 30,000 mi“knocking, timing. over 2 thousand signatures of owners having the same issue. *tr…”
2013-10-11 · Engine · 10,500 mi“engine noise due to timing chain and tensioner defect. if the chain or tensioner fail completely this could cause the vehicle to stall in moving traffic or create a roadside hazard. *tr…”
2012-04-08 · Air Bags“the airbag "off" light comes on intermittently when a passenger is in the seat. dealer says there is nothing wrong but problem persists. *tr…”
2010-10-01 · Steering · 39,400 mi · 🔥 fire“mini cooper s convertible 2006, less than 40k miles. i was driving for maybe 6 miles and while i was making a left hand turn i felt the steering wheel was not functioning correctly and the car was moving very oddly so i pull over immediately to check what's wrong with the car. noticing the smoke form the hood before i got out the car and thought my…”
2010-01-17 · Power Train:manual Transmission · 3,700 mi“complete clutch failure with only 3700 miles on carl it was replaced by dealer but "not covered by warranty" dealer claims excessive wear and tear in car that is not abused. *tr…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.