2010 MINI COOPER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
142
Owner Complaints
2
Recalls
7
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2010 MINI COOPER
The 2010 MINI COOPER has received a total of 142 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. 7 technical service bulletins have been issued by BMW of North America, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (32 complaints), Electrical System (29 complaints), and Air Bags (21 complaints).
Recalls for the 2010 MINI COOPER
NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 2010 MINI COOPER, potentially affecting up to 98,138 vehicles.
Recall 23V337000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
| 97,933 vehicles affected
Defect: 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, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,...
Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
View full details →Recall 09V474000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 205 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 MINI COOPER AND COOPER S VEHICLES FOR FAILING COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH 17 INCH WHEELS, BUT THEIR LABEL STATES THAT THEY WERE EQUIPPED WITH 16 INCH WHEELS. ALSO THE TIRE PRESSURE STATED ON THE LABEL...
Consequence: ERRONEOUS TIRE INFORMATION COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER TIRE FITMENT AND INFLATION WHICH COULD AFFECT THE DURABILITY OF THE TIRE AND THE STABILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2010 MINI COOPER
142 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2010 MINI COOPER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
The dealer refused to perform the required FRM recall inspection and denied the recall without providing any of the federally required documentation. I was forced to pay out‑of‑pocket for the FRM module replacement even though my VIN is listed under the safety recall. MINI of Murray stated my FRM “failed,” but admitted they never opened the module, which is required to determine internal moisture intrusion. • The Service Manager stated they based their denial on “carpet and headliner moisture,” which is not part of the FRM recall inspection procedure. • I requested the FRM inspection report, photos, and the MINI Corporate denial code. I received none of these. • MINI Corporate Recall Team confirmed they had no documentation from the dealer and incorrectly stated that the module does not need to be opened. • Without a completed inspection uploaded to MINI Corporate, a denial code cannot be generated. • I was charged for the FRM replacement part, even though the recall should cover the repair if the module is affected. • The dealer only offered to waive a $149 programming fee. Safety Concern: The dealer failed to follow required recall procedures, failed to document the inspection, and denied federally mandated recall coverage without evidence. This violates recall protocol and leaves the safety defect unresolved. The module was replaced at my expense.
The dealer refused to perform the required FRM recall inspection and denied the recall without providing any of the federally required documentation. I was forced to pay out‑of‑pocket for the FRM module replacement even though my VIN is listed under the safety recall. MINI of Murray stated my FRM “failed,” but admitted they never opened the module, which is required to determine internal moisture intrusion. • The Service Manager stated they based their denial on “carpet and headliner moisture,” which is not part of the FRM recall inspection procedure. • I requested the FRM inspection report, photos, and the MINI Corporate denial code. I received none of these. • MINI Corporate Recall Team confirmed they had no documentation from the dealer and incorrectly stated that the module does not need to be opened. • Without a completed inspection uploaded to MINI Corporate, a denial code cannot be generated. • I was charged for the FRM replacement part, even though the recall should cover the repair if the module is affected. • The dealer only offered to waive a $149 programming fee. Safety Concern: The dealer failed to follow required recall procedures, failed to document the inspection, and denied federally mandated recall coverage without evidence. This violates recall protocol and leaves the safety defect unresolved. The module was replaced at my expense.
The dealer refused to perform the required FRM recall inspection and denied the recall without providing any of the federally required documentation. I was forced to pay out‑of‑pocket for the FRM module replacement even though my VIN is listed under the safety recall. MINI of Murray stated my FRM “failed,” but admitted they never opened the module, which is required to determine internal moisture intrusion. • The Service Manager stated they based their denial on “carpet and headliner moisture,” which is not part of the FRM recall inspection procedure. • I requested the FRM inspection report, photos, and the MINI Corporate denial code. I received none of these. • MINI Corporate Recall Team confirmed they had no documentation from the dealer and incorrectly stated that the module does not need to be opened. • Without a completed inspection uploaded to MINI Corporate, a denial code cannot be generated. • I was charged for the FRM replacement part, even though the recall should cover the repair if the module is affected. • The dealer only offered to waive a $149 programming fee. Safety Concern: The dealer failed to follow required recall procedures, failed to document the inspection, and denied federally mandated recall coverage without evidence. This violates recall protocol and leaves the safety defect unresolved. The module was replaced at my expense.
The vehicle is experiencing repeated failure of the Footwell module (FRM), a known defect acknowledged by MINI/BMW. During the two years I have owned the vehicle, the FRM has required four separate reflashes due to recurring malfunctions. The failure causes loss of proper power window operation, including the passenger window reversing or rolling down unexpectedly, and loss or malfunction of other body electrical functions controlled by the FRM. Headlamps will not turn off, resulting in a dead battery and electrical/intermittent dash light surges. The FRM failed again after a software reflash, which is a documented trigger for FRM internal memory corruption. MINI/BMW issued and Extended Limited Warranty for FRM failure, acknowledging this defect; however, I received the official notice after the warranty period had already expired, leaving no opportunity to repair the defect while covered. This failure affects safe operation of the vehicle, including the inability to properly secure windows and maintain normal electrical functionality. The issue is not due to wear or misuse, but an internal electronic defect recognized by the manufacturer. The repeated nature of the failure and reliance on reflashing demonstrate the defect was never fully resolved. I am reporting this issue to document the repeated failures, late manufacturer notification, and ongoing safety-related electrical system issues. I purchased the vehicle with 86,000 miles. It now has 100,000, well below the criteria for the LW. In the 14,000 miles and two years I have owned and driven it, it has required four FRM reflashings. Had I known about the Extended Limited Warranty, I would have had BMW repair it under said warranty. That wasn't possible because I received notice of the known failure after the ELW expired.
The vehicle is experiencing repeated failure of the Footwell module (FRM), a known defect acknowledged by MINI/BMW. During the two years I have owned the vehicle, the FRM has required four separate reflashes due to recurring malfunctions. The failure causes loss of proper power window operation, including the passenger window reversing or rolling down unexpectedly, and loss or malfunction of other body electrical functions controlled by the FRM. Headlamps will not turn off, resulting in a dead battery and electrical/intermittent dash light surges. The FRM failed again after a software reflash, which is a documented trigger for FRM internal memory corruption. MINI/BMW issued and Extended Limited Warranty for FRM failure, acknowledging this defect; however, I received the official notice after the warranty period had already expired, leaving no opportunity to repair the defect while covered. This failure affects safe operation of the vehicle, including the inability to properly secure windows and maintain normal electrical functionality. The issue is not due to wear or misuse, but an internal electronic defect recognized by the manufacturer. The repeated nature of the failure and reliance on reflashing demonstrate the defect was never fully resolved. I am reporting this issue to document the repeated failures, late manufacturer notification, and ongoing safety-related electrical system issues. I purchased the vehicle with 86,000 miles. It now has 100,000, well below the criteria for the LW. In the 14,000 miles and two years I have owned and driven it, it has required four FRM reflashings. Had I known about the Extended Limited Warranty, I would have had BMW repair it under said warranty. That wasn't possible because I received notice of the known failure after the ELW expired.
Safety Rating for the 2010 MINI COOPER
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2010 MINI COOPER in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2010 MINI COOPER
BMW of North America, LLC has issued 7 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2010 MINI COOPER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
M090115 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
New programming feature: Exclusion of Infotainment Control Units from Programming.
SIM-12-04-15 — ENGINE
MINI: SOME VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING SEVERAL ISSUES AS WHEN IDLING POWER IS LOSS, BEFORE ENGINE STARTS, EXTENDED CRANKING, CLUTCH PEDAL FAILS TO RETURN TO DISENGAGED POSITION, A HIGH PITCHED WHINE NOISE FROM LOWER AREA OF ENGINE. MODEL F55, 56 (COOPER, COOPER S, JCW). NO YEARS LISTED. *PE
M650313 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Basic SVS: Voice Recognition Inoperative After Programming. After programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.48.x, the voice recognition (Basic SVS) is inoperative. NOTE: The Basic SVS only includes voice recognition for phone functions. Error in the coding data of ISTA/P 2.48.x The voice recognition function is unintentionally deactivated.
SIM-17-09-12 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
MINI: INACCURATE ENGINE TEMPERATURE READING DUE TO POSSIBLE CORROSION FORMING IN ENGINE COOLANT SENSORS WHICH LEADS TO BRIDGING OF CONTACTS CAUSING DIFFICULT IN STARTING ENGINE OR ILLUMINATION SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP. MODELS R55, R56, R57, R58. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED ON 4/19/2013. *KB
SIM-17-05-12 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
MINI: DUE TO INTERNAL BRIDGING OF CONTACTS, INTERNAL CORROSION HAS FORM ON ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSORS GIVING INACCURATE OR FALSE TEMPERATURE READINGS FOR ENGINE. *PE UPDATED 10/17/12. *PE UPDATED 03/11/2013 *JS
SIM-12-06-12 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
MINI: ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR, NOW AN INDIVIDUAL COMPONENT DUE TO CHANGE IN WIRING HARNESS AND REPLACEMENT OF HARNESS HAS TWO SEPARATE TWO PIN CONNECTORS, WHERE ONE FOR COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND OTHER COOLANT THERMOSTAT. ALL MODELS BUILT UP TO 3/2012. *PE
SIM-12-06-12 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
MINI: ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR, NOW AN INDIVIDUAL COMPONENT DUE TO CHANGE IN WIRING HARNESS AND REPLACEMENT OF HARNESS HAS TWO SEPARATE TWO PIN CONNECTORS, WHERE ONE FOR COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND OTHER COOLANT THERMOSTAT. ALL MODELS BUILT UP TO 3/2012. *PE
NHTSA Investigations for the 2010 MINI COOPER
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the MINI COOPER
- 2005 MINI COOPER — 440 complaints
- 2006 MINI COOPER — 247 complaints
- 2007 MINI COOPER — 155 complaints
- 2008 MINI COOPER — 155 complaints
- 2009 MINI COOPER — 192 complaints
- 2010 MINI COOPER (current)
- 2011 MINI COOPER — 128 complaints
- 2012 MINI COOPER — 95 complaints
- 2013 MINI COOPER — 72 complaints
- 2014 MINI COOPER — 43 complaints
- 2015 MINI COOPER — 72 complaints
Other MINI Models
- MINI COOPER S — 2,176 total complaints
- MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE — 212 total complaints
- MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE — 180 total complaints
- MINI COOPER CLUBMAN — 171 total complaints
- MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN — 161 total complaints
- MINI COUNTRYMAN — 145 total complaints
- MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN — 119 total complaints
- MINI CLUBMAN — 92 total complaints