Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Several weeks ago I found a crack in windshield of 2007 Mini Cooper s on passenger side below wiper. I had the windshield replaced and car was returned to me on sept. 10th. On sept. 16 I found another crack in the new glass in approximately same spot! After looking on internet I found that stress cracking of the windshield is a common problem with this car. Anyway, the dealer claims it is an impact crack and only a coincidence that it occurred in same spot! After arguing they agreed to replace the windshield at their cost--as a courtesy. I was not aware of anything hitting the windshield and even if a small pebble hit--the windshield should not crack so easily.
I have had previous issues with the panoramic sunroof, I had to get it replaced. Then I had issues with the chain and chain tensioner and had to get that replaced too. Now the steering has failed on me, I can't start the car or even move the steering wheel. My steering is locked now; I had the car running, everything seemed to run fine and the steering worked fine. Once I shut the car off I couldn't start the car back up and my steering locked up. I had to get my car towed home. I wish BMW would do some kind of a recall on this car so we wouldn't have to pay so much money out of our own pockets!
Plethora of electrical problems. Heated seats are a major concern. They go on and off by themselves, seem haunted. Sometimes, they get so hot they leave burn marks in my legs. I am afraid of an electrical fire. The heated seats get so hot, they left burn marks in my seat. Aisin 6 speed automatic transmission, equipped with "lifetime" fluid, begins slipping gears at 70K the supercharger had to be replaced due to the "design" of the supercharger it could not be repaired, I was forced by bmwusa to purchase a remanufactured supercharger. I was told it was a "common problem" I have also found out from forums such as northamericanmotoring.com this is a problem that BMW does not want to admit its at fault for however they are acknowledging the widespread happenings across the country. The availability of new superchargers is very low because of this problem, hence me purchasing a remfgd one. …
I was traveling on the highway at the recommended speed of 65 MPH with more than sufficient space between my car and the car in front of me and a small pebble smaller than the eraser on a pencil hit the top of my windshield and made a small star crack - this crack is smaller than the head of a nail. The crack continued to grow into an l shape, 5 inches long right behind the rear view mirror. This seems to be a common problem with the Mini windshield and the problem is fixed once you replace the windshield with a thicker glass. This could lead to serious injuries had a bigger rock hit the windshield.
Defect initially occurred at night time in rush hour traffic: dash-lights went out, turn indicator not functional, heater blower stopped working (causing fogging of windshield/windows), air bag lights went on, seat belt light on consequently had to pull on the side of road (limited visibility, no speed indicator, could not operate vehicle safely). A couple of attempts at ignition cycling partially restored functionality. After initial defect, problem could be reproduced intermittently (all/some of the component listed above failed during course of normal operation of vehicle). Vehicle inspected by Mini/BMW dealer, root cause: interference on k-bus of one of the audio component, resulting in failure/malfunction of other components on the bus. Ultimately component (Mini I-pod interface) had to be removed -- part is available if needed. …
My 2004 Mini Cooper s, delivered in June of '04, having @ 20,000 miles on the odometer, is now on its third windshield all due to stress cracks. The cracks seem to be related to thermal instability. I.e. Cold outside/hot inside etc. I personally know of one 2003 Mini owner in ma who has now had 6 windshields replaced since purchase. The Mini community has determined that aftermarket us made glass by ppg does not have the propensity for such failures. I am reluctant to continue going to my dealer as this problem appears to be related to the foreign manufactured OEM glass. On the other hand I should not have to replace the windshield with a non OEM product, out of pocket to resolve the issue. …
On March 5, 2005, a 2 inch x 2 inch l shaped crack was first developed at the mid bottom section of the windshield of my 2004 Mini Cooper s. The short arm of the l originated from the bottom of the windshield. On the next day, after parking inside my garage overnight, the long arm of the l propagated another 2 inches. Today, while driving, the crack further extended another 1/4 inch. The problem is that the crack started with no obvious reasons. The only sensible explanation is due to design of the body struture or defect from Mini coopers, and subsequently causes stress to the windshield. It does not take long to learn from the internet message board that many similar complaints or recurring incidents were also reported. …
2003 Mini Cooper s. My wiper motor died in a heavy rainstorm, or so I thought. Driving without the wipers in hilo, hi where I live with 140" a year of rain can be deadly when wipers don't work. It is a well documented defect affecting all original 02-06 minis. See here for details. I repaired mine simply by grounding the wiper motor to anywhere else on the car. I had to drive 3 weeks without wipers before I could fix this. Dealers charge $600 to fix it and it is a design defect and the motor is not actually dead. It is a poor, and potentially deadly design. I guess I could have spent a couple thousand renting a car for that time, or just spent $600 right away and another $500 on the car to get it fixed. I took my chances, so will many others. There were plenty of times I couldn't see well and hoped for the best. Here is the site with lots of info about it. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Mini Cooper S years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (33), 2004 (12) and 2006 (11) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 15% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Mini Cooper S window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 19,000 miles; 79% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield (49 mentions), followed by the power window devices and controls (6).
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.