Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 20% | 0 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 11% | 18,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 6% | 25,000 miles |
| 2014 | 6 | 46% | 35,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 8% | 93,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 8% | 118,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 9% | 52,000 miles |
| 2009 | 17 | 13% | 52,000 miles |
| 2008 | 9 | 5% | 49,000 miles |
| 2007 | 26 | 10% | 35,000 miles |
| 2006 | 27 | 12% | 70,000 miles |
| 2005 | 19 | 5% | 77,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% | 61,000 miles |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% | 42,000 miles |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% | 34,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Drivetrain malfunction warning - appears and reduces speed at any time of driving - this could cause severe accidents due to loss of power/performance. This warning is engaged at anytime w/o warning. Software update for vehicle should be free of charge as this impacts loss of power. When taking it to auto mechanic, no codes are found and no engine light or fault code. Researching all f56 forum, seems like this has been common complaint. Even though the warning comes on and tells you to drive carefully (slow down). You are still in a high density traffic or freeway that does not allow you enough time to pull on the side. The software should be available to consumer as this impacts the speed of the current driving condition (which is not obvious to other drivers). If it was a flat tire, or smoke coming out of the hood.. This is visible. …
Other Mini coppers from this year with different models have been recalled for an issue that allows the car to the exited when the car is not in park. My car can get shut down, this is purposefully stopped like at a parking space. While still in drive mode, I can exit the car, the car starts to roll away. This has happened to me numbers times. Having had to jump back in my car to stop it. Once on a hill and it almost caused a crash. Scary. Bought the car in 2015 spring and the started fall of 2016 and has continued to happen. Car boot to bonnet warranty was expired at the time this started. They were called the around first time this happened, I was unable to get my key out of the ignition while in park. Then I was able to get it out while in drive and now, I can often run my car without the key in the ignition. This is not a keyless start car. …
Vehicle was in motion and my wife heard a noise- chose to ignore noise. After researching the problem I discovered the timing chain could catastrophically fail leaving my wife on mountain roads with no power and loss of power steering . Although BMW has been aware of this problem for years they have bob and weaved fixing only those they have been forced to, leaving others ,with the exact same problem the owners responsibility.. The dealer charged us $ 1300 to repair the vehicle. Our particular car supposedly was just outside the production run cutoff for free repair. This is a safety issue and all cars with this potential problem should be recalled. Additionally, customers should not have to play "what is the noise detective " in order to discover a life threatening defect. …
Timing chain tensioner failed and stretched timing chain now the death rattle and BMW Mini Cooper knows 2010 were affected there is lots of data online for 2010 Mini Cooper s timing chain and tensioner failing at 20K to 50K mile range. We have 42K miles and in range of class action that was filed. They won't fix issue and want 2500. I'm one of many with 2010 issues. They say it's upgraded but failed at 40K same as others. [redacted] or [redacted].
Vehicle was in motion at 55-60 MPH. Vehicle cut off and would not start or turnover. 15 minutes of rest and car was started and rpms were fluttering. Mini Cooper of grand rapids stated the timing chain was "most likely" "out". They also stated no goodwill assistance could be provided while acknowledging the window, for a previous lawsuit involving thee 2009 Mini Cooper s, was closed and the defective tensioner and guide rails (to include engine design) were still in my Mini Cooper. Car has started once since but will not stay running. Other cases of fuel pumps failing on said model were acknowledged but "no recalls have been issued" said Mini, thus not warranting any repair or concern for my failed Mini. Repair estimate was 3,985$. After mentioning the previous lawsuit during 2015, a 'random' discount was announced of 10-15% to bring said total to est. 2,900$. …
Car went into limp gear mode on freeway, high RPM at 40 MPH. Vehicle shipped to Mini dealer 05/09/17 saying there was a transmission error code. Dealer said they tested vehicle and it wasn't the transmission it needed a water pump and cylinder need valve cover. 67,117 miles on odometer. Also front cv axle boot leaking. Had repairs done ($1692.58) after discount. At time of pickup, dealer asked to keep the vehicle a few more days to double check the transmission. A few days later they say yes there is a transmission error with the car going at higher highway speeds and it will need a new transmission! Cost ($9000) I did not have this done.the service advisor told me the vehicle was not safe to drive! This vehicle is driven by my 16 year old daughter to and from school!
I have owned the Mini since new. Always regularly serviced at the Mini dealer. Recently I started the engine and it sounded more like a diesel engine, very noisy and unusual. Took it to the Mini dealer and as I explained what the symptoms were, the front desk person that took my details diagnosed the problem. The preliminary diagnosis was confirmed later through an inspection by a trained technician. Like many, many Mini owners I have had a timing chain problem. That the front desk staff can diagnose a problem like this made me curious, it must be such a common problem that the dealer sees it regularly. Some research confirmed this was a widespread problem with minis. Owners have had terminal engine damage with engines that are low mileage and simply should not have any problems. …
Tl contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper s. While driving approximately 35 MPH on normal road conditions, the clutch failed without warning. Immediately, the vehicle stalled in the center of an intersection. Roadside assistance was called to the scene. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing and they stated that the failure was due to abusive operation of the clutch. The vehicle is currently in the process of being repaired; however, the defective component is not covered in the service warranty. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 11,000.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door, and Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door vehicles manufactured January 6, 2014, to October 17, 2014.
Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control module with the correct software, free of charge. The recall February 4, 2015. Owners can contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mini Cooper S years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (27), 2007 (26), 2005 (19), 2009 (17) and 2008 (9) model years. Transmission complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Mini Cooper S transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-789 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Dec 15, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mini Cooper S transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles; 46% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the manual transmission (17 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission (4).
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.