2003 MINI Cooper: engine stalls while driving

Filed Jul 11, 2015 · Acceleration · 66,009 miles · MI · crash

The car stalls(reduces speed 0-10mph) it may shut completely down at times this has been the same consistent problem since date of purchase the used car dealership has been informed of this problem since dop and for a moment I thought the problem had been solved but it turned out to be a recall on the power steering pump which was replaced back in july-aug 2013. The mini dealer also, thought they found the source of the problem but consistently just charged me monies for problem that never turned out to be the source so I stopped going to them. I tried to file a lemon law suit but was told I couldn't pursue because statute of limitations. So lawyer ref me to contact this office and file a claim because I've spent numerous amounts of money and nothing has been fixed I still feel unsafe and scared for my life when I drive but I'm limited in money to keep trying to find the source that's causing the problem. One thing noted that the car engine has been rebuilt. Also, I'm paying a car note . Please if there is anyway you can't help I feel I was preyed upon and take. Advantage of because the dealer knew there was a problem at the time of purchase and withheld it.

Filed Aug 16, 2011 · Transmission · 77,648 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mini cooper. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnostics, where the technicians stated that the transmission had an internal defect and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 77,648.

Filed May 7, 2011 · Acceleration · 53,176 miles · NY

The car, a 2003 mini copper, suddenly slowed down while I applied brake in a evening traffic that was slowing down near a light/signal. It felt like a stall and a loss of power. My foot was on the brake, and on confusion, I tried to adjust the pressure on the brake. At that point, the car's power came back and the car rolled forward and hit the trailer hitch of the truck in front of me, causing a 2' dent and crack on the front bumper. Fortunately, it was a low-speed impact and did not cause any personal injury. Since this was an unusual experience, I went to the dealership after checking the web. They suggested checking the software version ($90) and a revision ($180). The cost of fixing the bumper would be much higher than that.

Filed Aug 2, 2010 · Engine · 89,950 miles · CA

I have owned the vehicle since its purchase brand new in march, 2003. When the engine is warm and starting it up after having been shut down for up to two hours there has always been a minor, intermittent problem with a rough and surging idle that oscillates between 1050 RPM down to 400 RPM then back up then down which lasts for about 30 seconds before settling down. As the vehicle has aged the problem has intensified to the point that the engine sometimes stalls. The symptoms are similar to those as noted in the federal safety agency item #10009756, service bulletin #110104 (rough idle, stalling). Lately it has now even begun to occur when stopping quickly causing the engine to almost stall. If it were an emergency situation there would not be enough immediate power to accelerate. The dealer has been shown the problem but has failed to rectify. The only investigation they do is to make sure the software in the vehicle is the latest release.

Filed Sep 17, 2009 · Transmission · CA

Our mini cooper repeatedly stalled while in heavy traffic resulting in several near death experiences. No fault code or check-engine light ever appeared. Upon taking the car into the dealership, while under warranty, the problem and our concerns were dismissed without remedy. Finally, after being in the mountains on windy roads a clicking noise began. Since no fault or check-engine light appeared, we assumed the cause of the noise to be from something minor and opted to drive the car to the nearest mechanic, a five mile drive. Shortly before arriving to the mechanic, the mini unexpectedly became quite difficult to control. Luckily we were able to get off the freeway, upon which the transmission completely stopped working ' requiring the car to be pushed to the mechanic. Again, no check-engine light came on as a warning and no fault codes were stored. Bmw's mini cooper CVT transmission poses a significant safety hazard to drivers. Research indicates bmw is aware of the defective transmission, which explains why bmw opted to no longer use the CVT transmission in later models. Thank you for taking the time to rectify the situation to keep mini owners & other drivers safe. Ours is just one of many similar experiences we've recently learned of while researching the dismal track record of bmw's CVT transmissions in early mini coopers.

Filed Dec 8, 2004 · Fuel system · DC · fire

Driving home the car stalled and caught fire. *bf mini USA experts were unable to diagnose the root of the fire. *sc the consumer spoke to 2 other different car experts who were positive that the problem was a defective fuel line that continued to pump fuel all over the engine parts.

Filed Nov 9, 2004 · Engine · 10,000 miles · GA

After the 10,000 mile oil change was performed, the vehicle failed to start on the first attempt, it idled rough and sometimes stalled when stopped at a traffic light without warning. The dealership has reprogrammed the computer, drained the fuel and put in other grade of fuel. *jb after numerous attempts, the fuel pump and injectors were replaced but remained to lose fuel pressure overnight.

Filed Nov 28, 2003 · Engine · 1,800 miles · CA

While driving on a low speed, stop and go traffic in the freeway the car suddenly stalled and I was stopped in the first lane of the freeway. I tried to re-start the engine several times with no sucess, after waiting a few minutes the engine started. I was very lucky that the SUV driving behind was able to stop but not before hitting my bumper. This is the second time it happened, the first time it happened I was in the middle of the street and had the car towed but the engine started as soon as I got to the dealer and they told me that they could only check when the the cars is stalled. I have 2 little kids and I am scared to drive with the car.

Filed Nov 13, 2003 · Engine · 15,000 miles · VA

While driving 65 MPH vehicle stalled. Consumer was unable to restart the vehicle, but managed to pull over and had the vehicle towed.

Filed Oct 6, 2003 · Engine, Transmission · 4,000 miles · WA

Mini cooper 2003 CVT stalls in slow traffic or starting from stop light. The check engine light goes on; however, the engine shuts off. In addition, it has happened twice in a month considering that the vehicle is only a month old. Also, the CVT transmission is very jerky and could surge on an occasional basis. Informed that it's a software problem and no repair is needed at this point. I think it is a serious safety issue.

Filed Sep 29, 2003 · Engine · CA

Mini cooper stalled on two seperate occasions during low speed/stop and go traffic

Filed Aug 14, 2003 · Engine · CA

While driving at any speed and without any prior warning vehicle will stall. Consumer has made contact with the dealer on four separate occasions, but problem still occurs.