Fuel System complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 | 17% | 67,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 8% | 46,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2012 | 4 | 15% | 70,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 9% | 30,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 9% | 97,000 miles |
| 2009 | 7 | 5% | 44,000 miles |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% | 97,000 miles |
| 2007 | 15 | 6% | 44,000 miles |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% | 62,000 miles |
| 2005 | 1 | 0% | 140,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% | 145,000 miles |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% | 130,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2015 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that the vehicle previously had the fuel carbon filter replaced; however, the failure recurred while attempting to refuel the vehicle. The fuel tank dispersed the gasoline outward, spilling on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
The fuel filling nozzle turns off repeatedly (as if already full) while filling the fuel tank. About 1/4 to 1/3 of a gallon of fuel will go in before it turns off, backs up, and the gas overflows onto the outside of the car and onto the concrete. It happens regardless of the pump being used. It started happening occasionally a few months ago if the tank was refilled when a quarter full. It now happens consistently, no matter the fuel level. I had the car put on a lift and the system diagnosed today. The mechanic said the cause is a faulty service valve within the fuel tank assembly. They also said it is a known issue with F56 Mini Coopers.
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the fuel pump was defective, and the fuel pump was replaced. The contact stated that approximately a year later the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump had failed again and needed to be replaced. The fuel pump was replaced under warranty; however, the failure recently returned a third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
While moving in traffic and accelerating, the fuel pump cut out and the engine died, forcing the driver to maneuver in traffic (coasting) eventually coming to stop in a left hand turn lane which was then blocked with the dead vehicle. Though the vehicle was undamaged, the possibility of a collision existed. Research indicates that minis from 2010-early 2012 had similar problems, resulting in Mini USA extending the warranty on the fuel pump to 10 years/ 120,000 miles. Vehicles produced on or after 3/1/2012 (including mine) were fitted with different equipment. No recall was conducted. My car had 25,000 miles on it when the fuel pump failed.
I drove 20 feet out of my garage and smelt a surfer smell. I put my convertible top down, put the car in park walked around to see if it was smoking or if the smell was coming from the engine or mufflers. When I could not detect where the smell was coming from, I put the top back up, closing it and turned the car off. I locked the car and went into my garage. As I looked back I saw sparks coming from the vent on the hood. I yelled for my husband & as he looked for fire extinguisher I called 911 & filmed the car. Within 30 seconds the car was on fire & with 90 second totally up in flames. Nothing but the shell of the car remained. The fire department, police & fire marshal were present. Arson was ruled out. I had a recall part installed at the dealer in 2012 for potential fires. The car was stationary in my driveway shut off. It had not been driven for 20 hours prior to the fire.
As I was accelerating while merging onto a highway, at approximately 55-60 MPH, it felt as if the car lost all power from the drive train. The power reengaged about a second later, and over the next 5-10 seconds the car lost power/reengaged two more times. No warning lights were triggered on the dash. I've taken the car into dealership and referenced service bulletin number sim12-02-11/NHTSA item number 10040855. Dealer reports that because it cannot replicate the issue and there are no reported fault codes, it appears that there is nothing wrong with my car, therefore it cannot confirm if I'm on most recent software or perform software update to fix error referenced in the service bulletin.
Purchased car April 2014 w 46,000 miles. Warranty history showed valve gasket replaced. At 64000 miles dealer says it needs to be replaced again. Not told at purchase - at Mini dlr - that car consumes a quart of oil every 700 miles which I was just told by local servicing dealer that they consider that normal. Leak at gasket contributes to air infiltration and poor oil consumption I was told. I would not have purchased the car knowing this. It adds considerably to the operating costs. After telling servicing dlr this weekend that I knew the car had already had valve cover gasket replaced, he said he would cover 75% of over $800 cost. He obviously knew that it didn't or shouldn't need that work so soon after being done. The Mini dealers are thieves and withhold vital information. The strut mount apparently is also "domed" which speaks to structural integrity of this car. …
The car completely quits running while you are driving it. Check engine light comes on but car has already died. Have to coast to a stop with no power steering since the engine has died. Car will not always restart. Sometimes it will crank but not turn over. Sometimes it will restart. Today it died while I was going 65mph on the interstate a d I had to Dodge across 3 lanes of traffic to get to the shoulder. Have had this exact issue before. 3 yrs ago I replaced the high pressure fuel pump for this exact same problem. This was a $1500 repair cost. Mini Cooper said that 2010 Mini coopers were not covered. Only minis up to tne year 2009 were covered in that safety recall so I paid out of pocket. However, Mini Cooper used the same part that had been recalled on my 2010. It failed in 2017 and the replacement part has now failed again. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Mini Cooper S years have fuel system problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (15), 2006 (7), 2009 (7), 2010 (6) and 2008 (5) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Mini Cooper S fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for any Mini Cooper S model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mini Cooper S fuel system problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 47% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the delivery › fuel pump (1 mentions), followed by the storage › tank assembly (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.