2010 Mini Cooper
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 187 |
| 2003 | 320 |
| 2004 | 282 |
| 2005 | 372 |
| 2006 | 200 |
| 2007 | 117 |
| 2008 | 115 |
| 2009 | 151 |
| 2010 | 92 |
| 2011 | 83 |
| 2012 | 66 |
| 2013 | 47 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 56 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
35% of complaints: engine — 32 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
On Thursday I was driving my 2010 Mini Cooper S with 75,000 miles on it and there was a total and sudden power outage on the high way. I was able to get to the breakdown lane and had it towed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250512
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a rattling sound heard with a burning odor detected. The vehicle stalled without warning. The check engine light warning light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210729
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, TWO PASSENGERS SUSTAINED BURNS TO THEIR LEGS FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE WHILE PLACING AN ITEM IN THE TRUNK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120801
32% of complaints: electrical system — 29 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2010 Mini Cooper S Hartop. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH with the two sunroofs open, the vehicle caught fire. There were flames underneath the rear of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250225
The contact owned a 2010 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled a burning odor within the interior of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230719
25% of complaints: air bags — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front passenger and occupant classification.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110117
13% of complaints: exterior lighting — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing turn signal.
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I HAD JUST PARKED IN OUR GARAGE AND GOT OUT TO GET ITEMS OUT OF THE TRUNK OF THE CAR. MY LEG TOUCHED THE TAIL PIPE OF THE CAR AND THERE WAS IN INSTANT BURN TO THE CALF OF MY LEG. IT ONLY TOOK ONE SECOND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130808
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AND UNATTENDED FOR OVER 7 HOURS. IT WAS REPORTED TO THE METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER REPORT NUMBER 10-140-031. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED IT WAS MECHANICAL DEFECT. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20100926
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 AF
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
Campaign 09V474000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
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.
Campaign 23V337000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2010 Mini Cooper — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V474000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V337000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2010 Mini Cooper reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Mini Cooper is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Mini Cooper?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 Mini Cooper have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.