MINI Cooper grinding brakes problems

Filed May 16, 2015 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · TX

The vehicle for months would make a small jump forward when putting in reverse. Then the transmission would make a grinding noise when in drive. The car would feel spongy in drive when first starting off in the morning and at full stops.

Filed Jan 7, 2015 · Engine · 59,000 miles · CT

I bought a car from new country mini in hartford on january 2, 2015. At first the car worked great, however the friction point of the clutch was pretty far towards the end range. Because it's a hydraulic clutch, I thought this was adjustable. However I started noticing the next day that there was a grinding noise coming out of first and in reverse. I emailed the person at new country mini from whom I bought it from explaining what I was hearing/feeling and was concerned about the clutch going. He replied that it probably just needed to be oiled and it would be fine. He did not ask any other qualifying questions, or offer to look at it. As of january 5, the clutch has become exponentially worse. The car now shutters while engaging the clutch, and continues to shutter after the clutch has been engaged. Additionally there is a burning smell coming from the car. Also, this is not my first car I've had that was a manual transmission. I learned how to drive one when I was 16, so I don't believe this is driver error; especially how quick the clutch diminished. I am inclined to think that new country mini new about the problem prior to selling it, but didn't do anything about it. Moreover, there is a clunk that happens when accelerating from 2nd gear to 3rd gear. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Filed Jun 11, 2014 · Transmission · 98,000 miles · CA

Driving in 2nd gear (manual transmission) and the car brakes everything locked up skidding to an immediate, violent stop that squealed the tires and made smoke, oil everywhere on the road, engine still running fine. Scary, could not even push the car off the road because it was stuck in gear. Warranty company towed it to a mini dealer in valencia, ca. Two weeks later, they granted warranty work however, the price tag is $4000!! Warranty only covers $2000 so I have to get another used transmission! I see where there is a recall on all automatic transmissions 2003-2007 because of a class action law suit against mini cooper. Isn't it possible the same thing wrong with the automatic transmission is also happening with the manual transmissions? I can't afford this even with the warranty and I certainly don't want to risk putting another faulty transmission that locks up, what if I was doing 65? I'd roll and be dead, that's what! This car is unsafe and I feel the new, approved transmission is the only answer. This isn't about money, it's about the fact the car locked up with no sign or warning whatsoever. Though, if there is a recall I would like reimbursed for the costs or however that works, thank you for your time. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Sep 5, 2012 · Steering · 40,000 miles · GA

Intermittent problem with the power steering going out after the engine warms up. This has happened now 4 times with very difficult steering. No loss of fluid on the pavement or squealing noises. After engine cools down, power steering again works.

Filed Nov 23, 2011 · Steering · 45,000 miles · TX

About a year and half ago the car was leaking steering fluid, the mechanic stated that the cooling fan on the steering pump was a bad design, he adjusted it and it lasted until november of 2011 again the leaking started, grinding noise from the front left,steering was difficult on turns. I had all the steering components replaced at a cost of @ $1,100. Mechanic still believed it is a design flaw, should have a recall.

Filed Sep 28, 2010 · Steering · 100,630 miles · NY

I own a 2004 mini cooper. I started the car last week and the power steering pump was making a very high pitched squealing noise. I decided to drive another car that day because I did not have enough time to bring it to a mechanic. The next day I started the car and the pump came up to speed very slowly and then stopped making noise altogether. The power steering no longer works. I don't think I can safely drive it to the mechanic and the car has sat in the driveway since. The car is out of its warranty period so I would be looking at the expense of towing and parts and labor before I can use it again. I just saw the report on cnbc and was wondering if this is a common problem before I contact a garage. Thank you.

Filed May 8, 2008 · Transmission · 61,211 miles · CA

2 transmissions needed to be replaced within 1 1/2 years. 1st trans was replaced in november 2006 after experiencing grinding noise in the front end of the car. On friday may 2, 2008 heard a pop while turning left and experience the grinding noise. Dealer now states that it's the transmission and want $5,000 to replace. I complained that this is the second one in 1 1/2 years and was told that a call was placed to the engineer and waiting for their response on whether they will cover the costs.

Filed Dec 26, 2007 · Brakes · 110,000 miles · NJ

Constant grinding noise coming front my front brakes. Had sensors replaced, front and rear brakes replaced and the master cylinder replaced as well. Still making the noise and causing extended braking distance. Feels extremely unsafe.

Filed Dec 26, 2007 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · MD

I complained to mini cooper dealership about noise coming from underside of the on multiple occasions. They were never able to find the problem and the last time I complained they blamed it on "worn tires". At 52,000 miles I noticed a high pitch squealing from under the car when I had the clutch pressed in. When I brought it to mini service, they said that "clutch material probably got caught in the fingers of the clutch". They said that since my warranty was up (over at 50,000 miles) and that this was a "friction material" issue, the cost of the repair ($2,200 - $2,800) would be my responsibility. Since this cost was so high and the early failure so far outside of normal expected duty time, I refused the service. Since there are many reported cases of early clutch failure and flywheel field upgrades, I contacted mini USA and asked for my issue to be reviewed as a warranty issue. They would not agree to cover the repair, but said I would have to pay at least $700 to check out to even consider this as a warranty. They would not allow me to bring the car to an independent shop for review. Since independent shops charge about half the amount for clutch replacement, I wanted that option in case mini refused to cover any costs. The mini cs reference number for this issue is 2000736002924. On 12/25 (christmas day) my clutch failed completely. Since mini is not willing to give any material support to this issue, and there are many other cases of early clutch failure reported I opened this complaint to see if the federal safety agency could help resolve this problem.

Filed Nov 19, 2007 · Transmission · 82,200 miles · AZ

1 - driving normally - hearing noise from under hood getting louder 2 - drove to mechanic who took to a transmission shop to verify noise was defective transmission and more specifically the differential within the transmission - the car would still drive and shift properly. (the grinding noise is the differential unit within the transmission casing) 3- looking for after market parts to repair. Current estimate from dealer for parts alone is $7500.