2008 MINI Cooper: check engine light

Filed Sep 28, 2023 · Electrical · 89,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the electrical system became inoperable. The contact stated that the windows, headlights, radio, and other safety features were inoperable. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was caused by a rusted footwell control module. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

Filed Jan 12, 2014 · Engine · 70,000 miles · OH

I took the vehicle to the mini dealership after I heard a noise from the engine and the engine light came on. From online descriptions, I suspected it was the timing chain tensioner. I contacted mini corporation and opened a report. The check engine light came on about a week later and I took the car to the dealership. I was told by the dealership that the timing chain tensioner needed replaced. It was a $3500 fix. The dealership contacted mini to see if they would cover the repair and they refused saying the vehicle had too many miles. They changed the oil and the check engine light went off. About two weeks later my son was at a red light, stopped and the cars stalled. We had it flat-bedded to a repair shop. The timing chain had snapped and the engine needed to be replaced at a cost of $5700. I just saw where mini issued a recall for the timing chain tensioner and I contacted them but they have not replied.

Filed Jun 7, 2013 · Brakes, Engine · 46,000 miles · CA

Dear [xxx], I am writing to you in regards to my mini cooper VIN# [xxx]. Firstly, I am aware of two recall notices, id# [xxx] and id #[xxx]. I believe I should have been notified of these recalls but to date have not received a letter. Several times I indicated the sensory warning came on with engine malfunction. This concerns me, because since I purchased this vehicle, I have had catastrophic failures before 45,000miles. I have brought it to the mini service center for these failures, including: replacing spark plugs, faulty coil pack, faulty latch, brake replacement, catalytic converter failure, on-board computer replacement, total replacement of the transmission and currently, the solenoid valve replacement which is not yet fixed. I have enclosed copies of my invoices for these problems and service visits. [xxx], the technician at mini of camarillo, stated this last problem (the solenoid valve) apparently is related to the vanos although the engine light came on/off with caution message engine malfunction catalytic converter. I took it out for a test drive with him it still had the same exact jolt thrashing back and forth motion hard enough it is felt on the seat. [xxx] at mini of camarillo informed me in order to repair the ignition coil and replace the spark plugs previously replaced at the calabasas service center I have to pay a substantial amount of money in order to fix this current problem. I don't understand this since the time I brought the vehicle on may 24th the car still shakes violently while exiting out of the freeway and on frequent stops. These continued mechanical problems with my mini cooper have required it to remain unrepaired and out of service at the mini service center now for a week to be mechanically safe to drive. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Nov 13, 2012 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 51,000 miles · CA · 1 injury

I nearly lost my life 3wks back, my car is filled with aftermarket prdt. My cars computer is failed also, which won't alert or record any incident. I tried talking to miniusa&carmax, they wont listen. I have an heart condition now coz of the near death experience. I developed a low high bp 80/103 & fast heartbeat, which I am taking med. After the incident. I wrote letters&posted on their facebook page no response. I need help! I used to be a proud owner of 2008 mini cooper! Now my car turned into a death trap! Its nothing but a nightmare, so far 3 times car was turned off in the middle of the road & freeway, when it happened I applied my (all three times) break which went to the floor, didn't work, bought the car from carmax with a warranty (extended), also the car has 53,100 miles only! Called carmax burbank office no response, then called carmax office of the president after a great deal got response from a rep. Now the car is with universal city mini of noho! Cars break sys. Is an after market prod. My car computer/dash display check engine light or signal comes on every 3-4 months, when it does, the light will stay on for a day or two, then it disappears, when I mentioned this to mini dealership, car key records all the activities of the cars engine and incidents, when the rep. At dealership downloaded the car key, he couldn't find a single incident, then I showed him the pic I took.. He was surprised... " this car is nothing but a lemon" poorly handled by carmax and mini. This car will kill someone, if you let it drive. Please save my life and others. Ltrs were sent to carmax&mini USA ceo's tom folliard ceo of carmax,[xxx] and [xxx]. None of them, even bothered to reply, respond or tried to reach out to resolve this matter: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jun 20, 2012 · Engine · 26,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mini cooper. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the engine failed. The contact stated that the air condition was on and began to blow out warm air. The contact also stated that the engine began to shake so he pulled the vehicle over. Upon looking under the hood, the contact noticed that there was oil spilled everywhere. The check engine light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for an inspection and they stated that the engine had catastrophically failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and they stated that the vehicle was under warranty. The failure mileage was 26,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Jan 11, 2010 · Engine · 29,335 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 mini cooper which was purchased in august 2008. He stated that the vehicle would not start. The check engine light illuminated on the instrument control panel. Previously, the vehicle began stalling and losing power. He also observed smoke emitting from the engine compartment and smelled oil burning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a loss in pressure and one of the four cylinders had failed. They also found a dilapidated timing chain and possible emissions failures. The dealer was not sure what caused the failures to occur. The dealer also confirmed that the vehicle was burning oil excessively and the fuel injectors had failed. The contact was awaiting repairs to date. The contact assumed all repairs were to be made under warranty. The failure and current mileages were 29,335.