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.
On 2014 a Class Action Lawsuit was filed against BMW OF NORTH AMERICA for claims regarding MINI COOPER models. Answering your questions as follows: -The failing component was the timing chain tensioner -Yes, engine stalled at any speed -No, dealer did not acknowledge the real problem -No, dealer did not told me about the Class Action Lawsuit, did not advice me of any preventive repair or to install a new timing chain tensioner, when the component failed dealer told me that the problem was a jumping timing chain ; the same excuse as in the lawsuit. -There was only an engine light, not any other warning light There were two repairs, the first for $ $2,629.10 on 6/18/2016 the second for $ $3,354.93 on 1/13/2017 dealer had a two years parts and labor warranty that didn't honor and in 2016 the lawsuit was active and not of my knowledge. My question is: if the production numbers engraved on the timing chain tensioner cylinder face match or are part of the production batch from the factory for which the class action lawsuit took place ? Numbers top line: 7565868 80-02 Lower line: IV/ IS GERMANY 3 1 0 This is looks like half cero All components (parts) and the vehicle are available for inspection. Once engine is out of timing pistons will hit the valves (interference engine), in my engine broke at least one valve seat, pieces fell into combustion chamber getting stuck between pistons and cylinder walls scratching these, result lost of compression, engine die. Engine was beyond any repair, and still was charged for. Lawsuit for vehicles manufactured goes to April 2007 mine was February 2007 Neither the MINI COOPER dealer or BMW North America corporate offices paid any attention to my complaint.
The contact owns a 2007 MINICooper. The contact stated while at a standstill, the vehicle began to emit smoke from the engine compartment. The contact stated check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to local dealer schomp MINI1001 plum valley ln, highlands ranch, co 80129 (303) 872-5752) where it was diagnosed that the thermal housing needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 18V248000 (engine and engine cooling) however the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,867.
Vehicle was stationary in my driveway, was not started and was unattended, had not been started in over a week and keys were not in the vehicles. The vehicle spontaneously burst into flames which burned the engine bay and front end of the car before the fire dept. Arrived and extinguished the fire with foam. The car had been sitting unstarted for over a week. I am unsure of what caused the fire and because of the extensive damage to the engine bay I could not determine were the fire originated. Perhaps a professional fire examiner could determine that. I am blessed that this did not happen while parked in my garage but was scary. I just want this incident on record so that others which own this particular type of vehicle can be warned about the potential dangers. I have owned this vehicle since new and had a couple of updates done per BMW such as the tailpipes and timing chain in the engine. I was not aware of any additional recalls or updates but apparently there have been some incidences of fires such as mine which I learned about after searching the internet to see if similar issues had been documented. I will attach a few pictures for you to help with your assessment. Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope this information will be some help to others in preventing a similar situation. I thank god no one was injured or property damaged other than my car. The fire department made a report but it did not include investigating the cause just a response to a fire.
Thermostast housing replacement and water pipe. Cooling system needs to be flush. Engine rebuild due over heating. Oxygen sensor replacement. Timing chain replacement. Thermostast replacement.
- Seattle, WA, USA
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Problem 1: clutch/transmission failed at 50,000 just after warranty. Unable to shift on highway, had to stay in low gear. Transmission was replaced. It failed a second time, was replaced at about 80,000. I believe it is failing again as the clutch is slipping in 1st and 2nd gears; MINICooper says they note no problem. Problem 2: timing chain. Parked, my car would not start easily; started on 3rd try. My car stalled, stopped on the highway as I was slowing down due to traffic. Restarted and continued. No engine light. Driving to MINIservice, car stalled coming in; had to coast in. Found to be timing chain, valvetronic eccentric shaft, perhaps parts falling into oil pan. $2800 in repairs. When I asked about law suits or recalls over the last 3 years because I've had major performance issues, MINICooper stated no known suits even though there were. I find that there have been suits, and I "missed the window" for the timing chain.
The turbocharger had to be replaced, new turbo got hot and melted the valve cover. Then the turbocharger caught fire while in motion in a rural neighborhood. All within 6 months.
The contact owns a 2007 MINICooper S. the contact stated that there was a catastrophic engine failure without warning. The vehicle was unable to be driven and was towed to braman MINIof palm beach (2815 okeechobee blvd, West palm beach, fl 33409, (561) 257-4774). The dealer indicated that the manufacturer service campaign was only to address replacing the timing chain and that the replacement of the engine assembly was not included in the manufacturer's guidelines of the service campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was waiting for a response from the manufacturer to determine if they could approve the dealer replacing the timing chain and the engine assembly. The failure mileage was not available.
My vehicle is currently @ braman BMW wpb (5612423210) for a timing chain problem which was under recall. The service advisor called me and notified me that the timing chain broke inside the engine & completely destroyed the motor. Te timing chain job alone estimate is $3800, but theyve notified me that the engine is unrepairable & must be replaced! they also failed to acknowledge that this happen whilst driving on an interstate, almost causing a huge accident!! please help!! MINIapparently cares more about money than lives!!
There was a recall for the timing chain, so I had it replaced in the recall program that was offered through MINIcooper. Less then 2 years later, my timing chain broke again, and has damaged the motor of my car. It would not start
The contact owns a 2007 MINICooper convertible. While parked in a parking lot, the vehicle caught fire. The contact stated that the front end sustained fire damage. Prior to the fire, there were no warning indicators illuminated. The fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was not inspected by an independent mechanic, dealer, or insurance company to determine the cause of the fire. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
This car has been a consistent user of oil. It uses a quart at about 500 miles. This engine has a reputation for problems on MINICooper S models and the Peugeot models with that same engine. I've heard that later models don't burn oil. I'd like to know why BMW has not recalled them. First the timing chain, cooling system and high pressure fuel pump., they paid for the timing chain and the fuel pump.
MINICooper S - numerous issues found having purchased a used 2007 MINICooper S from a small dealer in tallahassee, Florida, we did our research up-front with a 'carfax report' which showed no issues, we also did a VIN database search for recalls and found no open recalls and assumed that it was safe to purchase which we did for just over $5,000. Now that we are nearing a year into our 4-year payment plan, on January 17, 2016, my wife was driving North on I-75 in Georgia and at approx. Mile marker 211, the engine seized and she required a tow off the interstate. Luckily, there was no accident or injury- but it seems that would have helped our case' upon attempting repairs, we find numerous issues with the engine (2007 R56/N16 4 cylinder turbocharged) including timing chain, water pump, vacuum pump, etc' below are photos of removed parts from the engine ' the vacuum pump seized and bent the metal components ' since this is connected to the 'exhaust camshaft', when it seized it seized the exhaust camshaft ' on the opposite end of this camshaft is a sprocket which connects the timing chain (another known issue with this vehicle) ' the bolt and sprocket dropped into the engine and timing chain area, creating a catastrophic failure which it appears we are going to be 'left holding the bag' for
Car started of fire as I was driving on the interstate. Fire started in the engine compartment on the passenger side. The brakes failed as I was trying to stop the car. Had to pull the E-brake to stop and by this time the car was engulfed in flames. Passenger had to crawl out the drivers side because of the flames on that side. Luck to have gotten out as the car was completely destroyed in 10 mins
We are a second owner of this MINIcooper had it about a year. Turn the car on and hear a rattle in motor. Worse when it's cold. Took it in to be checked it the timing tensioner. Apparently there has been an issue with this for sometime. Repair cost is around $2000. Car only has 76,000 miles this part should be provided under warranty. But when it breaks it affects the motor as well because it is metal it tears the motor up. Making a 10 dollar part cost thousands of dollars for repair. I don't feel like I am liable for the expense that MINIknew was a problem and never recalled.
Driving pa turnpike when my 2007 minicooper temp light came on, immediately followed the oil and engine light. As the lights appeared, the car was losing power. It lost power as I was pulling off the road. 3 minutes total. Smoke poured out. I opened the hold to see a 3 inch hole melted away. I closed the lid. Contacted MINIroadside service who would not honor the tow. Called aaa who did. Called MINIof pittsburgh, jason thompson, who only serviced my MINIfor 4 years and 35,000 miles when he first diagnosed needing a new engine. I asked manager chris lasko about any recalls" could it be a lemon" no this is unusual for a MINIwas the answer. Before authorizing repairs I asked about the electrical system and the effects of overheating. No electrical issues where found. They felt confident recommending replacing a new engine & parts. I okayed to put in all new starter, starter core, engine, engine core, engine harness, collar screw, ping sensor, intake manifold, core return gasket, ignition coils, collar screw, screw with washer, core return with heat pr, srp belt, and coolant, a water pump pulley, and few other 20 some parts to get it back on the road. A month later, I received a letter revealing a potential problem with the durability of a vapor recovery diagnostic pump on 07. Federal emissions defect warranty covers 10year or 120K miles. I called the dealer, they said that it did not pertain to my vehicle. 2015 deja vu at 64K miles. I was driving, commuting when the engine light came on again. I drove 2 miles to my MINIdealer. They said they could fix it by putting in a new engine. I had it towed home. I have called & left email's with BMW/MINIcustomer service. I have had zero reply from then. They claim to be the ultimate driving machine. As an advertising associate creative director, I think the more honest and real claim would be the ultimate farse machine.
My 2007 MINICooper started to overheat, displaying both the yellow and red indication light simultaneously. I stopped, looked at the manual and it suggested that I turn the car off and let it cool off. I let my MINIcool down" and when I went to start my car it would not start up. My car immediately shut off, I called MINICooper which is 75 miles away and got my car towed. I was told my engine needs replacement for 11K. My MINIwas checked less than one month ago and I received no warning that my engine was failing. My 2007 MINIonly has 83,000 far from the expected over 100,000 life expectancy. I was told my engine failed due to low compression and the replacement of a thermostat; a thermostat that haven't been in stock for months. After googling this issue, I found hundreds of complaints for the same issue. BMW refuse to recall the thermostat or engine, and it's an outrage. To make matters worst, a fair condition, running 2007 MINIw/83,000 miles and packages value is less than 5K, a clear sign of the worth of a MINISuper sad customer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Pawtucket, RI, USA