Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Mini Cooper owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On 2014 a Class Action Lawsuit was filed against BMW OF NORTH AMERICA for claims regarding MINI COOPER models. Answering your questions as follows: -The failing component was the timing chain tensioner -Yes, engine stalled at any speed -No, dealer did not acknowledge the real problem -No, dealer did not told me about the Class Action Lawsuit, did not advice me of any preventive repair or to install a new timing chain tensioner, when the component failed dealer told me that the problem was a jumping timing chain ; the same excuse as in the lawsuit. -There was only an engine light, not any other warning light There were two repairs, the first for $ 2,629.10 on 6/18/2016 the second for $ 3,354.93 on 1/13/2017 dealer had a two years parts and labor warranty that didn't honor and in 2016 the lawsuit was active and not of my knowledge. …
I was getting on interstate still on the on ramp when my Mini died and started smoking with no warning. Had to have it towed. Insurance stated it was an electrical wire fire so it isn't covered under insurance. Can Mini pay to have it fixed? The manufacturer should be held liable. I already had to get a new water pump last year that wasn't covered either. These aren't cheap vehicles yet they expect us to pay for the mistake that we did not cause! Paid $18K for this car and have put over $3K for repairs with less the 80K miles. Come on Mini Cooper this is terrible business! In my profession if I were to sell a defective part for an oil rig, I would have to replace it even years later. This goes for any profession!
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while at a standstill, the vehicle began to emit smoke from the engine compartment. The contact stated check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to local dealer schomp Mini (1001 plum valley ln, highlands ranch, co 80129 [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the thermal housing needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 18V248000 (engine and engine cooling) however the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,867.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Mini Cooper convertible. While parked in a parking lot, the vehicle caught fire. The contact stated that the front end sustained fire damage. Prior to the fire, there were no warning indicators illuminated. The fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was not inspected by an independent mechanic, dealer, or insurance company to determine the cause of the fire. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
Car started of fire as I was driving on the interstate. Fire started in the engine compartment on the passenger side. The brakes failed as I was trying to stop the car. Had to pull the e-brake to stop and by this time the car was engulfed in flames. Passenger had to crawl out the drivers side because of the flames on that side. Luck to have gotten out as the car was completely destroyed in 10 mins
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. …
Traveling with no warning, thermometer light came on, turned yellow to red almost immediately, pulled over and called dealership, advised there was recall on water pump for overheating, had car towed immediately; dealership replaced recalled water pump (exterior), but paid $600.00 for thermostat; left dealership and engine light came on within 30 minutes,had to have it towed again; now car ran hot again, no antifreeze in car, refilled and light went off, 1.5 days later same occurrence but engine smoking,very badly, towed again to dealership, now states it is water pump #2 (interior) , and timing change which was already supposedly performed on car, now stating I must pay for water pump, tensioner on timing change, valve sensor, and valve cover gaskets another $1000.00, all of which pertain to the same occurrences over and over and over and over again. …
My 2007 Mini Cooper started to overheat, displaying both the yellow and red indication light simultaneously. I stopped, looked at the manual and it suggested that I turn the car off and let it cool off. I let my Mini "cool down" and when I went to start my car it would not start up. My car immediately shut off, I called Mini Cooper which is 75 miles away and got my car towed. I was told my engine needs replacement for 11K. My Mini was checked less than one month ago and I received no warning that my engine was failing. My 2007 Mini only has 83,000 far from the expected over 100,000 life expectancy. I was told my engine failed due to low compression and the replacement of a thermostat; a thermostat that haven't been in stock for months. After googling this issue, I found hundreds of complaints for the same issue. BMW refuse to recall the thermostat or engine, and it's an outrage. …
Problem 1: clutch/transmission failed at 50,000 just after warranty. Unable to shift on highway, had to stay in low gear. Transmission was replaced. It failed a second time, was replaced at about 80,000. I believe it is failing again as the clutch is slipping in 1st and 2nd gears; Mini Cooper says they note no problem. Problem 2: timing chain. Parked, my car would not start easily; started on 3rd try. My car stalled, stopped on the highway as I was slowing down due to traffic. Restarted and continued. No engine light. Driving to Mini service, car stalled coming in; had to coast in. Found to be timing chain, valvetronic eccentric shaft, perhaps parts falling into oil pan. $2800 in repairs. When I asked about law suits or recalls over the last 3 years because I've had major performance issues, Mini Cooper stated no known suits even though there were. …
[redacted]. Mini Cooper 2007-2013: Recalls and TSB. My car is part of a recall under MINI Recall for Timing Chains. I understand now it was settled as part of a class action lawsuit that extended the warranty. I always take my car to a dealer and now after mileage they told me that they want me to pay out of my pocket. My car is a 2007 S. My mileage is 105,000K miles. The recall notice is for the year of my car and they are saying my car is too old and the mileage. This recall is for the year of my car so I am not understanding. Upon inspection by the dealer, it and needs to be replaced and cost $4,100.00. I don't have that kind of money. . My name is [redacted] ., [redacted] . Phone #[redacted]. The dealership is Mini Cooper 1660 E.Spring Street, Long Beach Ca 90806. …
Engine complaints in other Cooper years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2007 Mini Cooper?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2007 Mini Cooper, 34% of the model year's 124 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Mini Cooper engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2007 Mini Cooper, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Mini Cooper engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 5 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.