2010 MINI Cooper recalls and problems

The 2010 MINI Cooper has 2 safety recalls and 92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any MINI dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
92
Crashes / fires
3 / 7
Injuries / deaths
9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2010 MINI Cooper vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2010 MINI Cooper recalls

Recall 23V-337: Electrical System

Reported May 11, 2023 · 97,933 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Recall 09V-474: Equipment

Reported Dec 15, 2009 · 205 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Problem: 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.

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, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2010 MINI Cooper problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine32
Electrical System29
Air Bags23
Exterior Lighting12
Engine and Engine Cooling8
Unknown or Other8
Seats5
Seat Belts5
Service Brakes4
Power Train3
Structure2
Visibility/Wiper2

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 2
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Structure › Body › Hood — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
  • Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1
  • Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 51,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2010 MINI Cooper complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Jan 27, 2026
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…
Electrical System · reported Jan 7, 2026
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…
Electrical System · reported May 12, 2025
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. My mini certified garage ran the computer on it and the car started right up. It was due for an inspection so we did an oil and filter and put on some new tires. No issues were found and car was running well. We picked it up on Friday and Saturday morning after a short drive I was parking and smoke started pouring out from behind the steering wheel. I ran inside a coffee shop for help and they asked if…
Air Bags · reported Mar 21, 2025
The passenger airbag with seat belt icon is always indicating no one is in the seat or not buckled. The alert icon for the lighting is also on and we have replaced bulbs and still won’t work and the windows at times just randomly stops would have to unplug battery for it to reset for the windows only. I just bought this car and have registered since. Was told there was several recalls with the same issue I am experiencing. Please include my car for the proper recalls so I can have a safe reliable vehicle for my family.
Electrical System · at 130,000 miles · reported Feb 25, 2025
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. The contact opened the hood and threw baking soda on the flames but sustained burns to her hands and face, and medical attention was provided. The neighbors had used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The airbags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There was no crash. The vehicle was…

Other MINI Cooper years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 MINI Cooper have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2010 MINI Cooper: 23V-337 (electrical system), 09V-474 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 MINI Cooper?

Owners report engine problems most often (32 reports), followed by electrical system (29). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 51,000 miles.

Are MINI recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized MINI dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.