Engine seemed to be lacking power intermittently driving to work. Felt something was wrong, but no indicator lights displayed so I continued driving. Noticed heater began blowing cold air, yellow warning light came on indicating engine was beginning to overheat. Within 10 seconds, red warning light replaced the first light (engine overheating!). continued on until I could safely stop. Called wrecker to take to repair shop. Found coolant & oil had exploded from engine with visible crack in the plastic housing. Thankfully, car was still under warranty. MINIdealership honored the warranty. Stated the vacuum pump had failed causing catastrophic failure of the entire engine. Engine is being replaced.

- Springfield, MO, USA

Took my 2010 MINICooper S to a MINIdealership in ann arbor mi, where they had the car for 8 days and finally came back to me saying that its the timing chain that needs replacing, which is a fix with a total cost of around $1,500. I previously had a 2007 MINIcooper, which also had the same issue, where in that case the timing chain had actually broken. This issue seems to be widespread and MINIna needs to issue a recall on this particular part for the model years that this design defect has affected. Prior to this issue, I had only owned the vehicle for 6 weeks and was purchased from motor city MINIwhich is an official MINIdealer. This vehicle also went through an inspection before being sold to me.

- Royal Oak, MI, USA

Engine experience rapid oil loss which coated underside of vehicle including tires. When the brakes were applied the vehicle became unstable but I was able to avoid a crash. While pulling to the side of the highway the oil light came on. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic. He reported that a fastener on the cam chain tensioner had become loose which caused the leak. That part had never been modified or service. There was no leak when I began my commute. The problem occurred in only a few miles. Searching online forums indicates that this is not an isolated incident.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

The car has a recall for water pump, never done until the car engine stop. Now the engine is totally lost. I think the car has a previous recall the timing chain tensor but never was done.

- Aibonito, PR, USA

The contact owns a 2010 MINICooper. 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. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 5,600 and the current mileage was 5,732.

- Austin, TX, USA

Oil level is decreasing rapidly after each oil change. Dealer states it is normal for this car to burn one quart of oil every 800 miles. However, I disagree and believe this is due to a defect since cars should not burn this much oil, especially when new.

- Berkeley, CA, USA