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2010 MINI Cooper electrical complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 29 of 29, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2010 MINI Cooper electrical problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Mar 11, 2024 · Electrical · 93,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an electrical failure. The contact stated that the turn signals, the headlights, the power window switches, the gauges and other unknown components were inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had locked independently. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that they needed to pay a fee for the repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Mar 8, 2024 · Electrical · 123,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the power window switch had failed to operate as needed intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the gauges were inoperable. An unknown dealer was contacted and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to their location for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Feb 27, 2024 · Electrical · KY

The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact recently stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Feb 16, 2024 · Electrical · NC

My 2010 Mini Cooper convertible recently had an electrical failure. I lost power while driving and the power steering wouldn’t work. Once it started again the blinkers wouldn’t work and brake lights and radio worked intermittently. I took it to the mechanic and the diagnostic determined that the footwell module is bad. Unfortunately this part is apparently on back order so the part cannot be ordered. The car is not safe to drive nor is a solution available. I looked up recalls on Mini coopers. This current recall shows that the footwell module has been recalled on 2010 hardtop Mini Coopers: MINI Recall 23V-xxx: Footwell Module Attachments: BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall (effective May 11, 2023) on certain Model Year 2007 - 2014 MINI vehicles that were produced between November 16, 2006, and June 27, 2014. (Due to several contributing factors (environmental, certain US States’ wintertime road treatment, vehicle design configuration and age), over time, the Footwell module (FRM) could become susceptible to corrosion) It doesn’t make sense that the exact year Mini in hardtop has the recall. Clearly the footwell modules are a problem in convertibles as well. The wording of the recall says that winter conditions can contribute to the problem. My convertible resided in a winter area for 10 years. I believe that the Mini Cooper convertibles should be included in the recall.

Filed Nov 28, 2023 · Electrical · PA

Unknown. I’d just like to know how long Mini is allowed to work on a solution for the safety recall for the footwell control module that was issued last May. Given that they have known about problems with this module for years, it seems to me that they should have a solution ready to deploy by now. Thanks for your assistance.

Filed Nov 13, 2023 · Electrical · CT

The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Sep 15, 2023 · Electrical · CA

My vehicle started smelling intensely like burning plastic which filled the compartment. I brought it immediately to the repair shop. I had it towed in. It was apparent something was on fire. When I got to the repair shop (not mini) the electrical components for the interior, turn signals and windows) had failed and smoldered. There were no warning lights. I was told that there was a recall for the Footwell Module and that this had caused the problem. I never received a letter for the recall. The car is registered in California but was first sold in New York and so it qualifies for the recall but when I look up my VIN it says no recalls. The part has failed, and they have told me they have no replacement part yet so my car is now sitting with a car cover with the windows rolled own because they cannot roll up without the Footwell Module. Mini says they have no solution. I had to buy a new car. This was not an easy expense for me as I have limited income due to a disability.

Filed Sep 13, 2023 · Electrical · 47,000 miles · IN

The contact's son owns a 2010 Mini Cooper Hardtop. The contact stated that the windows failed to roll down, and the turn signals and the headlights were inoperable. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed that the footwell control module (FRM) was severely corroded. The contact later received the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for a temporary repair and she would later receive reimbursement. The local dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for temporary repair; however, the manufacturer informed the contact that they would no longer provide reimbursement for any repairs completed prior to the safety recall because the vehicle was drivable despite the safety failures. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

Filed Jul 19, 2023 · Electrical · 78,000 miles · NY · fire

The contact owned a 2010 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled a burning odor within the interior of the vehicle. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the road, and after visual inspection, he observed flames emanating from the footwell control module. The contact stated that bystanders assisted him in extinguishing the flames. No police or fire reports were filed. No warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic; instead, it was towed to the contact's residence, where it remains. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to the federal safety agency Campaign Number 23V337000 (Electrical System), and the VIN was included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

Filed Jul 20, 2021 · Electrical, Lights · TN

While driving home one night the following items failed to work: Head lights; turn signals, front windows (so no hand signals); Hazard lights; interior lights; and speedometer dash light. This occurred shortly after a battery change. I am not sure if tail of brake lights function at this time. Driving the vehicle in this condition presents a unacceptable safety concern. During daily light hours I had already noticed the turn signal issue and just thought maybe a relay was bad and had not had time to investigate. Investigation revealed the failed part is the FOOTWELL MODULE, and that this is a KNOWN ISSUE by Mini Cooper. Rather than issue a recall and fix the parts, they offered an extended warranty that lasted 10 years (which expired 13 months ago for my car). As a safety issue, this should have been a recall for all vehicles, not a wait til people have a fail to fix. This issue affects newer models as well.

Filed Jun 13, 2021 · Electrical · AZ

I purchased a vehicle from a used car dealership and about two weeks after I purchased the vehicle I took it in to get the oil and all the fluids checked I washed the vehicle filled the tank up with gas and took it into them when I went to pick it up I noticed that there was some thing that appeared to be a programmer underneath the dash that was missing that was there before I took it to them as well as a little black box that was connected to the OBD two reader there was also missing carpet from the gas pedal was missing there were 200 more miles on my car than there were when I dropped it off so the whole tank of gas was gone down to 14 miles left when I I asked the service man where the performance chip was that they took out he told me that they didn’t take anything out and that there is no chip in the next time that I asked him he said that was I sure it wasn’t one of their tools and then the next time that I asked him he said to me that they don’t sell cars with modified parts on them not sure if he was trying to justify him stealing the chip out of the vehicle but the vehicleIs now overheating and with warped heads and running like crap so I am paying $400 a month for a vehicle that I cannot even drive. Also the vehicle has bad shocks. Sounds like crap the alignment is off it shakes going down the road feels like it is going to fall apart and there is a tear in the convertible top that was not there before I dropped it off with the service man also they needed it for two weeks for a job that was one hour for a serpentine belt that he claimed he had to wait three days for from Napa.

Filed Sep 6, 2020 · Brakes, Electrical · 41,000 miles · MA

While driving, cars around me were beeping when I switched lanes after signaling and stepped on the brakes. I was nearly rear ended! Come to find out all of my lighting systems were inoperable. I had: *no brake lights *no turn signals *no hazard lights *no headlights *no tail lights *windows were inoperable. The list goes on. This is terrifying to have happen while driving, and even worse, I didn't realize what was happening until I had nearly been hit by two different cars. This would have been even worse had it failed at night. I had my car towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The issue is that the footwell module (aka frm) had failed. This happened at only 41,000 miles. Apparently this is extremely common and a long-known defect on mini coopers. In my opinion there needs to be an immediate recall on all affected frms. I learned that mini issued a "silent recall" of extended warranties, from 4 years to 8 years, and now to 10 years/156,000 miles. I am outside of warranty 6 months by time, but within warranty by 115,000 miles. I contacted mini USA to request that they cover the part repair, as this is a known defective part in my car's model and year and a critical safety issue. They have refused, despite me getting in touch three times. I also notified customer relations at mini USA that I never received notification of the warranty extension on this part, or on any other part. Additionally, I have not received any notification of recalls that apply to my vehicle, though through my recent research I have found that some have been issued. A quick google search as well as discussions with mini techs will reveal widespread frm failure. Many other complainants on this page are regarding the same issue. Has any investigation taken place? If not, I hope there will be one.

Filed May 21, 2020 · Airbags, Electrical · 65,915 miles · NC

Air bag passenger light came on and stayed on. Windows down go up or down. Turn signals don't work. Ac stop working. It blows out hot air in the front. A loud thud noise happens once in a while from the back. Sometimes won't start like if the battery was dead. Sometimes engine won't turn off and will run without the key in the ignition. I've only had it since oct 2019.

Filed Sep 8, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · 109,008 miles · VA

After receiving roadside assistance for a battery issue I was driving home at highway speeds at night when the interior lighting of my dashboard went out and my instrument cluster, turn signals, fog lights, high beams, and windows ceased to function. When I made it home I scanned my vehicle via obd2 and a plethora of codes had appeared almost all related to safety features such as lighting, airbags,dynamic stability control, suspension, ABS, and speed sensing devices. After several hours of research and diagnostic work I determined the problem to be the driver side footwell module which has long been known to be a defective item to mini/bmw so much so that it's been given a warranty extension of 10 years/ 156,000 miles that remains active, but only to eligible vehicle warranty holders. After my experience of losing practically all vehicle lighting which included both turn and hazard signaling ability while driving at night and at highway speeds I implore the federal safety agency to issue a safety recall on these faulty footwell modules given the ease and suddenness at which they cease to function for reasons that range from moisture intolerance, routine maintenance practices, and emergency roadside assistance as was my particular case. The problem has already been acknowledged by the manufacturer and I feel it is now time that the government address this known safety issue in order to protect america's roads and highways as well as the citizenry at large.

Filed Oct 20, 2016 · Airbags, Electrical · 36,000 miles · LA

While on a recent road trip, passenger airbag warning lamps began to come on intermittently while the seat was occupied. At first, the system seemed to reset when the engine was switched off, but over the course of 2 days, it stopped resetting and the warning lights, as well as the warning tones, would just go on and off spontaneously with the seat occupied. Now the "passenger airbag off" indicator lamp above the rearview mirror, warning lamp near tachometer (area 1 as indicated by mini owner's manual), and airbag system failure lamp (area 2) are continuously lit when passenger seat is unoccupied. I have not had the system checked by a mechanic yet; currently, the nearest mini dealership/service center is 202 miles from me. I have noticed that this is very common issue reported here and on several online forums. The timing chain tensioner also failed and had to be replaced in spring of 2015.

Filed Sep 11, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 61,000 miles · TX · fire · 2 injuries

I was driving the car for a 300 miles trip, never had an issue before. After stopping in san antonio the fans kept running for at least 15min. Stopped at a conveinience store and topped off coolant which wasnt missing any and checked the oil level and added one quart of oil. Taking on the trip to austin tx, the car was running fine at 70mph when my low oil light came on. Ten seconds later pulled to the side and smoke started coming from the engine. Less than a minute later on the side of the road and fire started blazing throughout the car burning all our belongings.

Filed Jul 11, 2015 · Electrical · 143,000 miles · MN

Our 2010 mini cooper drivers side door lock actuator has malfunctioned making it impossible to open the door. This is the second time this has happened to this car (previous was the passenger side). It seems to be a common occurrence in mini's. This is an extremely serious possibly deadly condition if we were in an accident as rescue/medical personnel could not get us out of the door. Something needs to be done to have bmw/mini own up to the problem and have a second, mechanical, way to open the door.

Filed Jun 4, 2014 · Electrical · 45,000 miles · PA

Radio not working, first the cd player stopped working approximately one month previously. Then the radio started to go in and out of service. Sometimes working and then not working. It has a mind of its own, the replacement cost is 1000.00. When the incident first started was at about 41,000 miles and when I took it in was 45,000 miles.

Filed Jan 30, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 48,000 miles · NJ

Mini cooper 2010. Starting/stalling issues. Car doesn't start. It happened a couple of months ago as well. Car has been towed 1 and brought to prestige mini in nj (car dealer) for service 3 times. After replacing battery and an engine sensor, the problem persist. The car will be towed again today (jan 30, 2014) for further costly repairs. I have extended warranty and maintenance on this car but even with that, the cost of repairs and towing are not covered. This is a very poor, unreliable car (mini cooper 2010). Responsiveness from prestige mini is also very poor. Service manager doesn't respond to calls or return voice mails. Very poor service.

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