repaired · 2026 Q1
Electrical system
Risk. An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
2010 MINI Cooper SProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 59 owner complaints about the 2010 MINI Cooper S, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-337 the manufacturer reports only 19% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 20, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2010 MINI Cooper S has problems
59 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
37Engine2 crash/fire/injury
6Engine and engine cooling4 crash/fire/injury
6Air bags
6Fuel/propulsion system
5Power train
4Electrical system
2Suspension
1Seats
1Steering
44 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 37 | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 6 | 4 |
| Air bags | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 2 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2010 MINI Cooper S recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
no report yet
Gasoline: turbo/supercharger
Risk. THE CIRCUIT BOARD MAY SMOLDER WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
no report yet
Other: labels
Risk. 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,…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with MINI.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
65kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 31 engine complaints. 90% were reported before 100,000 miles.
1under 30k miles28under 100k miles3100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2010 vs. every other Cooper S year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Cooper S median. How we score
'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'19'20'21'22'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2010 MINI Cooper S safety ratings
2010 MINI Cooper S Convertible w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2010 MINI Cooper S, and the recalls they led to.
- Engine compartment fireLed to recall 12V-008
In owners' words
What Cooper S owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the…
THE CAR COMPLETELY QUITS RUNNING WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING IT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON BUT CAR HAS ALREADY DIED. HAVE TO COAST TO A STOP WITH NO POWER STEERING SINCE THE ENGINE HAS DIED. CAR WILL NOT ALWAYS RESTART. SOMETIMES IT WILL CRANK BUT NOT TURN OVER. SOMETIMES IT WILL RESTART. TODAY IT DIED…
MI VEHCULO MINI COOPER S 2010, ESTANDO ESTACIONADO EN EL GARAGE POR MS DE 12 HORAS Y SIN PRENDER EL MOTOR EN NINGN MOMENTO COMENZ A INCENDIARSE SIN NINGN MOTIVO. POR FORTUNA HABA PERSONAS QUE ALERTARAN DE LO OCURRIDO Y PUDE APAGAR EL FUEGO EN EL VEHCULO, AUNQUE YA HABA CONSUMIDO PARTES ELCTRICA, DE…
Own a 2010 Cooper S?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.