MINI Cooper S overheating problems

Filed May 14, 2021 · Electrical · 100,472 miles · CA

On 05/06/2021, I purchased a used 2011 mini cooper s turbo. Two days later, I went to start the car, and immediately smelled something electrical burning. When I lifted up hood, I could see smoke coming from inside the engine. I immediately unhooked the two battery cables. I called the car lot that I purchased the vehicle, and was told that that year mini had issues with a computer board overheating pand sometimes even starting fires even when the car isn't running. I have a mehanic scheduled for monday to repair the car.

Filed Sep 17, 2020 · Engine · 50,000 miles · MD

There is a cooling system failure in my car that has caused cylinder head issues and head gasket issues. Even though my car is a 2009, it only has about 53,000 miles. I purchased the car in december 2019 and in january 2020 the car overheated while driving and then I noticed the coolant was leaking from the car. I replaced the hose and thermostat. Now in august/september 2020 the car overheated again and there was also leaking from the coolant. I took the car to the mechanic and they said the engine needs major repair work. I recently noticed recalls on this make and model regarding the engine and engine cooling, however based on my experience with this car, I'm thinking this may still be an issue with this car. Additionally, I reviewed the carfax report from the previous owners and there was no information about any resolved recalls. However, I spoke with the bmw dealership that the car had work done at from the previous owner and they said the recalls in 2012 (auxiliary coolant pump) and 2015 (heat shield turbo charger) were resolved. I also confirmed this with another mini cooper dealership. Based on the carfax report, these recalls may have never been resolved.

Filed Apr 5, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · CA

The electric auxiliary water pump failed and caused the circuit board to overheat. If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire. Other observation: misfire present at several cylinders. Intake ports carbonized.

Filed Mar 12, 2020 · Engine, Steering · 75,000 miles · IA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle overheated and smoke began coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the water pump was replaced. After the repair, the power steering ceased without warning upon starting the vehicle. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v660000 (steering) as possible cause of the failure however, the VIN was not included. Mini of des moines located at (9900 hickman rd, des moines, ia 50325) was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

Filed Jul 3, 2018 · Engine · 85,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mini cooper s. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated while driving and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (ray catena mini of westchester, 9543 tarrytown rd, white plains, ny 10607) where it was diagnosed that the water pump failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed Oct 17, 2017 · Steering · 115,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mini cooper s. While driving various speeds, specifically when attempting to turn the vehicle, the power steering suddenly failed and caused steering control to become difficult. The contact stated that the power steering pump would overheat, which caused the contact to park the vehicle until it cooled in order for the power steering to function correctly. The contact called mini of kennesaw (2275 barrett lakes blvd, kennesaw, ga 30144; 678‑496‑9565) who advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the extended warranty or a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Oct 18, 2016 · Lights · 25 miles · GA · fire

Vehicle has been serviced four times, since purchased in may 2015 for burns to light bulb and socket melting into housing. Malfunctioning engine light appears while driving car on highways and streets. Taillight is on the left side, not far from gas tank. Car is unsafe due to overheating, burns and melting of taillight components and proximity to gas tank.

Filed Jul 6, 2016 · Airbags · 82,000 miles · NC

The passenger side air bag light indicated the air bag was not engaged. The passenger seat started getting very hot (this model does not have heated seats). We removed the seat from the vehicle and innvestigated. We found that the air bag seat mat was overheating. The circuit was melted from the heat. If we had not removed the seat from the car it would have caught fire. The vehicle was parked in the garage at the time. However, the car was driven earlier in the day and the light was on then to indicate the passenger air bag was not on. There are no recalls for this 2010 model for this problem. However, there have been numerous complaints from other owners on the web. This does not appear to be an isolated incident. Fixing the problem is expensive too.

Filed Apr 18, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 66,568 miles · FL · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 mini cooper s. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle overheated and the temperature gauge warning light illuminated. In addition, smoke and a burning oil odor emitted from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After the vehicle was serviced, the turn signals and windows failed to operate. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the diagnosis was unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,568.

Filed May 15, 2015 · Engine · 48,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mini cooper s. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle violently shook, overheated, and an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump was leaking. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000. The VIN was not available.