VehicleVerdict

2010 Mini Cooper S Convertible problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2010 Mini Cooper S Convertible — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

12

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Cooper S Convertible years?

Cooper S Convertible NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted72 complaints2005: 72 complaints2006: 53 complaints2007: 8 complaints2008: 12 complaints2009: 15 complaints2010: 12 complaints2011: 6 complaints2012: 3 complaints
Cooper S Convertible NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cooper S Convertible years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Mini Cooper S Convertible problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine433%
Other325%
Airbags217%
Electrical System18%
Steering18%
Transmission18%

Does the 2010 Mini Cooper S Convertible have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V008000EngineJanuary 11, 2012 · 90,368 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2011 MINI COOPER S, 2008-2011 MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 COOPER JCW CONVERTIBLE, AND 2011 COOPER S COUNTRYMAN PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 14, 2006, THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2011. THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP THAT COOLS THE TURBOCHARGER HAS AN ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CAN MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT.

Consequence

THE CIRCUIT BOARD MAY SMOLDER WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGANDURING FEBRUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-866-275-6464.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS DRIVING ON I 280 EAST AND NEWAR EXIT 8B THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED. THERE WAS LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY TIGHT. I ALMOST GOT HIT BY A TRACTOR. I GOT OUT OF THE EXIT (EXIT 7) AND GOT MYSELF TOWED. THE MECHANIC THINKS IT IS THE TIMING BELT THAT IS BROKEN. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 29, 2016

“I WAS DRIVING ON I 280 EAST AND NEWAR EXIT 8B THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED. THERE WAS LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY TIGHT. I ALMOST GOT HIT BY A TRACTOR. I GOT OUT OF THE EXIT (EXIT 7) AND GOT MYSELF TOWED. THE MECHANIC THINKS IT IS THE TIMING BELT THAT IS BROKEN. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 29, 2016

“The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper Convertible. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V205000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and it…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 2, 2023

“COMPLETE CLUTCH FAILURE WITH ONLY 3700 MILES ON CARL IT WAS REPLACED BY DEALER BUT "NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY" DEALER CLAIMS EXCESSIVE WEAR AND TEAR IN CAR THAT IS NOT ABUSED. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 18, 2009

“MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE 2006, LESS THAN 40K MILES. I WAS DRIVING FOR MAYBE 6 MILES AND WHILE I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN I FELT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY AND THE CAR WAS MOVING VERY ODDLY SO I PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY TO CHECK WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CAR. NOTICING THE SMOKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 15, 2010 · fire

2010 Mini Cooper S Convertible — common questions

Is the 2010 Mini Cooper S Convertible reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2010 Cooper S Convertible problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), other (3 complaints), airbags (2 complaints).

Does the 2010 Mini Cooper S Convertible have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2010 Mini Cooper S Convertible. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2010 Mini Cooper S Convertible under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mini Cooper S Convertible years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cooper S Convertible years to avoid are 2005, 2006. The cleanest record among Cooper S Convertible years belongs to 2012.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.