VehicleVerdict

2010 Mini Cooper S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 78 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median Cooper S year — the 2010 model ranks #9 of 22 Cooper S years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 55% of all reports (43 of 78), far ahead of airbags at 9.

78

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Cooper S years?

Cooper S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted383 complaints2002: 105 complaints2003: 258 complaints2004: 279 complaints2005: 383 complaints2006: 243 complaints2007: 300 complaints2008: 197 complaints2009: 151 complaints2010: 78 complaints2011: 46 complaints2012: 30 complaints2013: 32 complaints2014: 17 complaints2015: 20 complaints2016: 10 complaints2017: 8 complaints2019: 7 complaints2020: 8 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 1 complaints2024: 2 complaints2025: 6 complaints
Cooper S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cooper S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Mini Cooper S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4355%
Airbags912%
Fuel System68%
Transmission56%
Electrical System56%
Other34%
Suspension23%
Seats11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Brakes11%
Steering11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2010 Mini Cooper S have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V337000Electrical SystemMay 11, 2023 · 97,933 units

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, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.

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.

18V248000EngineApril 18, 2018 · 47,806 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

Consequence

If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

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.

09V474000OtherDecember 15, 2009 · 205 units

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 FOR THE COOPER S IS INCORRECT.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION WAS BEING TOWED BEHIND MY MOTOR HOME (WHICH I DO ALL THE TIME) WHEN ANOTHER DRIVER GOT MY ATTENTION TO SEE SMOKE COMING FROM MY CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER GRABBED MY FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND LIFTED THE HOOD AND PUT OUT THE FIRE, BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. 6…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 18, 2011 · fire

“AIRBAG AND SEATBELT WARNING LIGHTS COME ON FOR PASSENGER SEAT AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. IT INDICATES THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT ACTIVATE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT WITH AN OCCUPANT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. FRONT PASSENGER WILL NOT HAVE AIRBAG PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 20, 2018

“JUST HAD TO HAVE A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACED IN MY MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE AND HAD . I UNDERSTAND THAT ALL THE FUEL PUMPS IN THIS YEAR MAKE OF CAR WERE RECALLED EXCEPT THE ONE ON THE CONVERTIBLE?? PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHY THE FUEL PUMP IS ANY DIFFERENT? IT ACTUALLY WENT OUT ON AN INTERSTATE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 17, 2017

“MY DAUGHTER WAS IN TRAFFIC, DRIVING THE VEHICLE HOME FROM AN OIL CHANGE, WHEN THE TIMING CHANGE BROKE CAUSING HER TO LOSE POWER. THE LOSS OF POWER CREATED A DANGEROUS AND HAZARDOUS SITUATION. FORTUNATELY, SHE WAS ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE MAIN ROADS AND WE HAD IT TOWED BY AAA TO THE MINI DEALERSHIP.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 5, 2016

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 18, 2020 · fire

2010 Mini Cooper S — common questions

Is the 2010 Mini Cooper S reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 78 complaints put the 2010 model at #9 of 22 Cooper S years. It is one of the Cooper S years to avoid.

What are the most common 2010 Cooper S problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (43 complaints), airbags (9 complaints), fuel system (6 complaints).

Does the 2010 Mini Cooper S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 Mini Cooper S. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Mini Cooper S years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cooper S years to avoid are 2005, 2007, 2004, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2002, 2010. The cleanest record among Cooper S years belongs to 2021.

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.