Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Mini Cooper owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while starting. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering and turning off intermittently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to pull to the side of the road each time the failure occurred. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered. The contact was able to drive to a nearby independent mechanic. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was overheating while starting, and that the vehicle was still running even after being turned off. The vehicle was being diagnosed but was not yet repaired. …
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH in the rain with the windows rolled down, the driver's side and passenger's side windows failed to roll up. No warning light illuminated. Additionally, the headlights, windows, and daytime running lights became inoperable. The contact was unsure if the taillights were affected. The contact stated that the vehicle had been garage-kept. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the footwell control module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired because there was no extended warranty coverage. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the rear taillights had stopped illuminating, the windows were not rolling up or down, and the driver's and passenger's side door buttons were not opening the door. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the turn signal, interior lights, hazard lights, fog lights, brake lights, windows, and exterior lights were inoperable. The Service Now warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electrical system became inoperable. The contact stated the turn signals and the lights were not functioning as intended. The contact also stated that the doors and the window power switches were inoperable. The contact stated that due to the electrical failure, the turn signals could not be used while driving which presented a safety hazard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the footwell control module had failed. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? THE AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF, AS WELL AS THE SEATBELT LIGHTS. IT CAN BE INSPECTED IF REQUESTED. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? IF THE AIRBAGS OR SEAT BELTS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY THIS COULD RESULT IN INJURY UP TO AND INCLUDING DEATH. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? IT KEEPS HAPPENING, NOT BEEN TO A DEALER YET THOUGH. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO INPSECTION HAS BEEN DONE. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? IT APPEARS THAT THE SUNROOF HAS BEEN LEAKING DOWN THE DASH ON THE PASSENEGER SIDE. …
The lighting and small system computer or FRM module. This module controls any features including safety features on the car. Also known as the footwell module. After having AAA install a new battery within days the widows would not go down my turn signals, hazard lights, dash lights, courtesy lights, tail lights, horn, high beam headlights and possibly airbags don't work. Mini will fix the problem if the car is ten years old or less, but any car that is older doesn't qualify. Mini goes by Manufacturing date of the car. My but It was not sold into service until 2011. They refuse to fix it and the repair cost was $1828.24. I have had other problems as well. Mini needs to acknowledge this problem issue a recall and refund those of us that have been victimized by not making this a recall issue. …
After receiving your notice regarding my MiniCooper (VIN [redacted] ), I contacted my local dealer, Motor City Mini (where I purchased the vehicle) to schedule the inspection, and repairs if necessary. I was informed that the earliest inspection would be in September and they would need to keep the vehicle for several weeks to do the inspection. If repairs are required, they would need to keep 'the vehicle 'for additional weeks or months to complete the work. Loaner vehicles would not be available. In your letter, you state, "If your MINI dealer is unable to remedy the defect ...within a reasonable period of time, you may notify the Administrator. .." . I consider weeks to inspect and month(s) to repair unreasonable. Please advise on how I should proceed.
The lighting and small system computer or FRM module. This module controls any features including safety features on the car. My turn signals, hazard lights, dash lights, courtesy lights, tail lights, windows, horn, high beam headlights and possibly airbags don't work. Mini will fix the problem if the car is ten years old or less, but any car that is older doesn't qualify. My car is a 2011 but I bought it new in 2012. They refuse to fix it and the repair cost is around $2000. I have had so many other problems with my car that have cost me several thousands of dollars and I feel like Mini should fix this problem considering these are safety features that could result in injury or death.
Related recalls
Electrical system
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky,…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024.
Electrical complaints in other Cooper years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2011 Mini Cooper?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Mini Cooper, 45% of the model year's 83 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Mini Cooper electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 23V-337 (electrical system, May 11, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Mini Cooper electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to electrical system 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.