2002 MINI Cooper: complete transmission failure

Filed Mar 20, 2015 · Transmission · 136,000 miles · DE

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. The contact stated that the transmission failed on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for service and stated that the transmission was failing. The vehicle was not repaired. While driving home, the transmission seized. The vehicle was then towed back to the dealer, who determined that the drive shift cable failed. The contact was informed of the federal safety agency campaign number: 02v201000 (power train). However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 136,000.

Filed Oct 17, 2014 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · MO

While driving my mini cooper on a major road in heavy traffic my mini cooper experienced a complete loss of power to the wheels (sudden transmission failure). My only option to avoid being rear-ended was to steer the car off the road ( with the remaining forward momentum into a fast food parking lot in order to avoid being involved in an accident. Description of failed component/affected part: mini cooper's CVT transmission have a known history of sudden failure at 80k-120k. Bmw the manufacturer of the mini has known about the defective transmission in their vehicle for years, and has never informed owners of their vehicles of the transmission problem or the potential risk for accidents, injury, or death that could result from the sudden failure of the mini's transmission and resulting total loss of power. Bmw has never issued a recall or offer to replace the defective transmission under the vehicle warranty. Additionally, bmw has issued service advisories to their service managers about the problems associated with their mini cooper's CVT transmission, but as mentioned has not communicated this problem to mini owners.

Filed Aug 5, 2014 · Transmission · 22,000 miles · MD

2002 mini cooper, manual transmission. Low mileage, only 22,000 miles on it. While driving is city traffic, the transmission failed to engage when I shifted into 1st and lifted the clutch trying to start from a red light. There was a small "sputter" and then the car could not be driven. I was able to push it to the side of the road and thought that the clutch was out. The repair shop found out that the entire manual transmission had disintegrated. It had torn itself apart over the years. The repair shop said that he was aware that this is a common flaw with the early mini coopers. This was a $2500 repair.

Filed May 30, 2011 · Transmission · MD

I was driving from east los angeles to west los angeles (playa del ray) on the 105 west hgwy when the cars transmission went out. This happened in the middle of the freeway in la during rush hour. I had to slowly move over to the right hand side of the highway until I could find an area with a shoulder. I barely made it to the shoulder and could have died from one of the cars speeding past me. Luckily I made it. I called aaa and they brought a tow truck which towed the car into a shop which stated that they would not be able to rebuild the transmission. They said I would have to replace the whole thing which would cost $7,000 minimum. I called multiple other dealers and shops, whom all gave the same estimate. I donated it to my local npr station because I did not want to pay that amount of money to replace a faulty transmission, with another faulty transmission.

Filed Apr 16, 2011 · Steering, Transmission · 80,000 miles · CA

I always maintained my 2002 mini cooper and at 80k miles the transmission blew up just before I was to enter a very busy freeway in los angeles, downtown area. There was plenty of oil in the transmission. I was told it was not a fault of my care after the mechanic looked at it upon tow in. It just stopped fast and short with a huge jerk forward and explosive noise. The mechanic said it blew in big chunks. I couldn't move it from traffic in neutral and had it towed to the shop. 80k is early for something like this and I see many people are reporting this happened with even less mileage, 34k, 48k ...no replacements and so many failures like this? Mini turns their heads; would not replace or even talk to me. Previously too the power steering pump also just stopped and no movement on the wheel. Seriously dangerous. I was told by the dealership one time in mountain view, I had an oil leak. At the time the amount they wanted me to pay was high, 700.00 or so (just after warranty ended). I took it to another mechanic. He took me under the car and showed me there was not a spot of oil under that car in any nook or cranny. In thinking about this after transmission problem I realize these things are telling me mini knows about their mini mechanical problems. Also when the new ($4350.00) transmission was purchased, la, mini told the mechanic they had 5 transmissions in stock in their parts department at all times because this was so common. That's proof they know it's a problem. Yet no recall to people with these issues and these can cause serious life threatening problems.

Filed Jul 13, 2009 · Transmission · 63,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. The vehicle shut off while driving approximately 25 MPH. There were no warnings prior to the transmission failure. The contact feels that this is a serious safety issue because a crash could have occurred. The failure mileage was 63,000.

Filed May 20, 2009 · Transmission · 67,700 miles · IL

Transmission whining noise eventually leading to transmission failure. Mini is aware of this problem with CVT transmissions and refuses to admit fault. Very common problem occurring in most 2002 vehicles with only 40,000-60,000 miles on them. Cost is 7000 to replace. Mini does not offer repair on this part.

Filed Dec 23, 2008 · Electrical, Transmission · 60,000 miles · NY

Purchased a used 2002 mini cooper about 3 1/2 yrs ago w/ about 12k miles. At around 15-17k miles the transmission basically exploded while I was on the highway. I was told that there was a crack in the transmission. Mini replaced it with I'm guessing a rebuilt transmission. At the time of the repair I asked them if they were putting in a new clutch and they said no, which I found strange. Now at 60k miles the clutch is basically done. When the car is cold it shifts pretty normally, but after 15-25 minutes of driving the first two gears become hard to engage and they slip. This is not my first five speed and I'm shocked that this clutch is done after such little mileage. Should they have replaced the clutch when they replaced the transmission? I'm not a mechanic but to lose a clutch at 60k miles doesn't make any sense. My driving habits are pretty normal. I'm not lighting up the tires at traffic lights or racing people. This is an everyday car mostly used on the highway. I'm bringing the car in to have it looked at the mini service center in freeport ny on 12/29/08. Also had a problem with overheating about 4 months after car was purchased. And air bag light stays lit. Have had this problem corrected once or twice. But the light still stays lit.

Filed Sep 7, 2008 · Transmission · 53,000 miles · FL

The warranty on my 2002 mini cooper ran out at 50k miles. At 53k miles the transmission failed and had to be replaced with a rebuilt transmission from mini. The total cost of the repair was $4,200. I have been in contact with many other people who are suffering the same fate because mini will not take responsibility for their faulty transmissions.

Filed Aug 6, 2008 · Transmission · 46,000 miles · NC

I am the second owner (both older ladies), of a 2002 automatic mini cooper with 46,000 miles. Yesterday while driving home from work the tranny failed. It downshifted or something and the ep warning light came on, which means transmission failure and I was two feet away from being rear ended! I could have been killed. After researching on line, I have read great amounts of consumers with the same complaint. It is dangerous and very costly according to the figures I've read of people whose had theirs fixed or replaced. These cars with the CVT transmissions needs to be announced to the public for safety reasons alone not even to mention the cost! Sincerely, bonnie quinn

Filed Jun 4, 2008 · Transmission · 34,000 miles · OH

Transmission blew at 34 thousand miles.

Filed Mar 13, 2008 · Transmission · 31,980 miles · DC

Cvt transmission failed after 32,000 miles, needing costly replacement.