This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Turbo charger has systematically failed over the last year, with worsening effects. This causes the car to automatically go into "limp mode" and cuts power. This is dangerous for driving on the highway. This is a common complaint with MINICoopers with many, but not all years recalled.
Thermostat housing fault code came on while driving. 2014 MINICooper hardtop models have a recall. My VIN # does not. Please investigate this and initiate a recall for my VIN.
Drivetrain malfunction warning - appears and reduces speed at any time of driving - this could cause severe accidents due to loss of power/performance. This warning is engaged at anytime w/O warning. Software update for vehicle should be free of charge as this impacts loss of power. When taking it to auto mechanic, no codes are found and no engine light or fault code. Researching all F56 forum, seems like this has been common complaint. Even though the warning comes on and tells you to drive carefully (slow down). You are still in a high density traffic or freeway that does not allow you enough time to pull on the side. The software should be available to consumer as this impacts the speed of the current driving condition (which is not obvious to other drivers). If it was a flat tire, or smoke coming out of the hood.. this is visible. Mechanics cannot figure out the issue due to a "general / no details" to the specific issue. Therefore, the older software for this model and year should be considered a recall for hazardous driving. Furthermore, software updates should be notified to all consumers and detailing the items that the software will be changing. There is no communication or even on their website to show updates and needs for it. This is a problem if it has anything to do with engine and powertrain.
I have a 2014 MINICooper hardtop. I have had this car serviced at least 4 separate times for a recurring issue. Today was very different and unexplainable. I was driving to work on the freeway, my car reaches speeds of 80 at least, but I had slowed to a crawl before the toll plaza. Traffic was the usual heavy traffic. I must have been going 5-10 mph in stop and go traffic. Suddenly, th car started bucking, like it was having trouble downshifting. This is the typical bucking it makes right before the "drive train malfunction: Drive moderately." Warning comes on. The engine started ticking (to me that is indicating lack or no oil). "drive train malfunction: Drive moderately." And "drop in oil pressure. Slow to a stop " warnings both came on. I pulled over 3 lanes quickly to the side of the freeway, shut the car off and hoped I was in a safe spot. When the tow truck operator came, he told me oil was underneath my car. Why would a car just spill oil out while driving ? im pretty scared of what has happened to my engine. Car is at the dealer, and I'm really not confident in this car. I have not been confident since all of the problems I have had since purchase.
Driving on the freeway, car lost oil pressure suddenly, oil poured out of vehicle, smoking as warning lights indicated "drive train malfunction" and then, "loss of oil pressure: Stop vehicle". diagnosed as a failure of a welding on the oil pump housing. MINIreplaced part and returned car to me. Within 1 mile, "drive train malfunction" ignited again. A week later, they reported that there were metal shavings in the oil and the engine needed to be replace. I sold it back to MINIas a lemon.
- Petaluma, CA, USA
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While driving in the highway, the car suddenly started shaking and having loud clunking rattling noise. The exhaust was spewing heavy white smoke. The car suddenly slowed and then stopped with " drivetrain malfunction." We also got into an accident!
Oil filter housing failed during commute and lost all oil. Needed to have the car towed for repair. Received the car back next day. Failed part is currently subject of recall, but my car did not fall into the scope of the recall so I never received a notice. Two days after repair for the oil filter housing, the vanos system failed. Entire vanos system needed to be replaced, took a total of 6 days for repair.
This would be the second time in which I have had to visit nick alexander imports of downtown los angeles, due to the malfunctioning of my vehicle, specifically the engine. The first time, my car had stalled on the freeway during rush hour time. The service specialist at the dealership attributed my car stalling as a system update issue and found that their was a recall on a vehicle part (a nut that secures the spare tire to the car that could become loose during driving), which he replaced. This second time, which was on January 5th, 2015, my car started to warn me that the "engine oil pressure was too low" and to stop my engine immediately. After a few minutes of parking my car, I noticed that there was a puddle of oil gathering under the upper portion of my vehicle. Once I was able to have my car inspected by the dealer's service specialist, I was notified that there was another recall on a part. This time it was the oil filter housing that cracked because it was "too weak". the splash shield and oil deflector also needed to be replaced. In both incidents I was placed in life threatening situations and can no longer feel confident that my MINICooper is safe to drive.
On two occasions (7/19/14 and 7/29/14), the engine cut-off, putting the car in "accessory mode." On both occasions, I was driving on a flat road, at low speed. There was no ability to drive the vehicle without completely stopping, putting the car in park, and restarting the car. As a result of being in accessory mode, I had no power steering and was only able to glide over to the side of the road. A message appeared on the car's screen: "transmission not in park, vehicle may roll." I purchased this vehicle 3 months ago. I am very concerned, and I don't feel safe driving this car. If this were to happen on a highway, there would certainly be a serious accident, as I would not be able to get the car to the shoulder. As evidenced in the GM ignition switch cases, when a car is switched into accessory mode while driving, the airbags are deactivated as well. Should this happen on a busy roadway/highway, and there is an accident, there is the potential that it could be fatal.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- San Marcos, CA, USA