Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 6,381 complaints for MINI
Incident date: Sep 19, 2022
When refueling, nozzle kept shutting off, a gallon was pumped after nine attempts, also fuel erupted as the fill tube was filled with gas. reluctant to drive this car not knowing how much gas is in the tank. The needle shows less than 1/4 and miles remaining fluctuates between 80 and 110 miles. We are told that this problem exists in many mini automobiles, dealer has replacement gas tanks, but sam... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2022
When refueling, nozzle kept shutting off, a gallon was pumped after nine attempts, also fuel erupted as the fill tube was filled with gas. reluctant to drive this car not knowing how much gas is in the tank. The needle shows less than 1/4 and miles remaining fluctuates between 80 and 110 miles. We are told that this problem exists in many mini automobiles, dealer has replacement gas tanks, but sam... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2022
I had several repairs recently that I found that were part of a recall after the fact. This includes the Electric Auxilillary Water Pump and Timing Chair replacement and repair of damaged parts. They refused to reimburse me for the water pump repair that should have been covered. Secondly, when the timing chain fails as it did in my case can cause $2000- $5000+ in damages. My shop is stating this ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2022
I had several repairs recently that I found that were part of a recall after the fact. This includes the Electric Auxilillary Water Pump and Timing Chair replacement and repair of damaged parts. They refused to reimburse me for the water pump repair that should have been covered. Secondly, when the timing chain fails as it did in my case can cause $2000- $5000+ in damages. My shop is stating this ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2022
I had several repairs recently that I found that were part of a recall after the fact. This includes the Electric Auxilillary Water Pump and Timing Chair replacement and repair of damaged parts. They refused to reimburse me for the water pump repair that should have been covered. Secondly, when the timing chain fails as it did in my case can cause $2000- $5000+ in damages. My shop is stating this ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2022
The proportioning value that controls brake function had a catastrophic failure and caused the brake calipers especially the left front to lock suddenly. The caused the left front wheel to lock and caused the car to pull hard to left and become difficult if not impossible to control. The car pulled hard left and risked the car moving uncontrollably into on coming traffic. The failed part was sav... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2022
The proportioning value that controls brake function had a catastrophic failure and caused the brake calipers especially the left front to lock suddenly. The caused the left front wheel to lock and caused the car to pull hard to left and become difficult if not impossible to control. The car pulled hard left and risked the car moving uncontrollably into on coming traffic. The failed part was sav... Read more
MINI
COOPER CONVERTIBLE
(2009) - ENGINE
Sep 9, 2022
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
While driving the car the engine stalls due to timing chain issues . These timing chain issues were part of a safety recall but this car's vin number doesn't qualify! The car will stall at full speed
Incident date: Sep 2, 2022
The driver door latching mechanism failed this past week. For days, I was unable to latch the door closed -- all attempts to close the door would result in the door simply bouncing off the body of the car. I spent hours unsuccessfully trying to get the latching mechanism to work again, e.g. by repeatedly attempting to close the door, holding the door closed and trying to lock all doors. To drive t... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2020
Foul odor coming from vents when starting up AC, and after turning off for 10 - 15 minutes.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2022
Center console phone charger Center console is and enclosed component and when a cell phone is placed in the console and used for Bluetooth navigation and or phone calls it shuts down the system. The phone heats to such a temp that all phone operations and interaction with the vehicle system freeze or shut down and the phone continues to heat. I have spoken to the dealership and have been told it... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2022
Front Upper Arm Bushing on both the Driver’s and Passenger sides needed to be replace after less than 25,000 miles. Bushing failure causes upper arms of suspension to whack against the body and greatly effect handling, could lead to accidents.
MINI
COOPER CONVERTIBLE
(2006) - STEERING
Aug 23, 2022
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
Power steering pump went out while driving the car. Car was extremely hard to steer. Almost hit a guard rail. Had the car towed home and then to a garage. This is a known problem with Mini Coopers from year 2002 to 2006. Websites and Mini Cooper Forums are loaded with Power Steering Pumps failing. No warning. Pump was confirmed to be the problem by an independent garage that only services high e... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
Tire model is: Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z 225/35R18 87Y. Failure started when vehicle turned the "CHECK TIRE PRESSURE" alert on while driving. Pressure started to drop from 32 lbs to 16 lbs in about 15 minutes. Worth to note: no pot hole or any other object was hit during the day of the incident; or even previous days. After stopping, I noticed that the failure occurred in the inner face of the tir... Read more
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Aug 15, 2022
Incident date: Jul 31, 2022
On 3/24/22 I was driving on the highway at approximately 1:30am my car made a loud noise and dropped down a bit on the front passenger side. At the same there was a cloud of smoke that came up from the same side. I pulled my car slowly off into the breakdown lane. Got out of my car to see what happened. The passenger tire was blown out. Had the car towed to Bedford, NH mini. They determined the Ri... Read more
Fire
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2017) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 15, 2022
Incident date: Jul 31, 2022
On 3/24/22 I was driving on the highway at approximately 1:30am my car made a loud noise and dropped down a bit on the front passenger side. At the same there was a cloud of smoke that came up from the same side. I pulled my car slowly off into the breakdown lane. Got out of my car to see what happened. The passenger tire was blown out. Had the car towed to Bedford, NH mini. They determined the Ri... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 2, 2022
On display I am getting warning " secure vehicle with parking brake when stationary" whereas my car is in park position with hand brake applied. The warning still shows up. The gearbox works fine the car drives fine. Its the warning that doesn't seem to go away. On diagnostics is shows code "420106" . DEFECTIVE GEAR SHIFT LEVER SPRING
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
On July 12 early morning hours I left Maryland drove to Augusta GA and continued on to Decatur GA totaling 704 Miles. Within an hour of me arriving to Atlanta, I attempted to leave the house again and the car would not crank. I had it towed to Global Mini there in Chamblee, GA. The key stopped communicating with the car, and I was asked to give them my spare key-I did not travel with my spare ke... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that the vehicle previously had the fuel carbon filter replaced; however, the failure recurred while attempting to refuel the vehicle. The fuel tank dispersed the gasoline outward, spilling on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. T... Read more
MINI
COOPER COUNTRYMAN
(2012) - SEAT BELTS
Jul 30, 2022
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
I was driving down the road when a light popped onto my dash, it was the airbag/seatbelt light after some research. From what I've read, this will prevent the airbags from activating in case of a crash, and after talking to other MINI owners it is extremely common.
MINI
COOPER COUNTRYMAN
(2012) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 27, 2022
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
timing chain failure which caused engine shut down. this is a known problem with other models. It was not recalled but BMW lost a class action lawsuit for the same problem in the same car, different years. They have not updated or repaired the issue. very expensive repair.
MINI
COOPER COUNTRYMAN
(2012) - ENGINE
Jul 27, 2022
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
timing chain failure which caused engine shut down. this is a known problem with other models. It was not recalled but BMW lost a class action lawsuit for the same problem in the same car, different years. They have not updated or repaired the issue. very expensive repair.
MINI
COOPER COUNTRYMAN
(2012) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 27, 2022
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
timing chain failure which caused engine shut down. this is a known problem with other models. It was not recalled but BMW lost a class action lawsuit for the same problem in the same car, different years. They have not updated or repaired the issue. very expensive repair.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The left brake light in the bumper intermittently fails. A warning is issued in the dashboard display. Switching bulbs with the properly lighting adjoining bumper tail lamp corrects the issue temporarily. The brake light will operate properly and the dash warning will reset. At some point, the fault reoccurs.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2022
Transmission: secure vehicle against rolling. Warning is showing up. The battery died, and I put the car into neutral to roll it. Now this warning is showing up every time I put the car in park and turn it off.
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 22, 2022
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
Phev Charging cord that came w vehicle from Grayson BMW dealership in Knoxville. Bought car used w 15339 miles during pandemic (site unseen via internet had shipped to Maryland). Cord that came w car is an official mini OEM charging cord (see attached pics- mini cord 61440003082- number etched on portable EV charger)Have had charging issues w cord brought to mini Towson 3* for cord issues- overhea... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2022
During driving failure of the shift cable linkage was disconnected When investigated, the joint between the cable and the transmission shifter was disconnected due to a failure of the bushing on the cable side This caused a situation where the car was stuck in a single gear and not possible to be shifted into neutral or another gear
Incident date: Feb 1, 2019
SRS warning light on. Intermittent at first. Passenger seat occupancy light on and off intermittently, occupied or not. SRS code reader indicates the problem is the passenger seat occupancy sensor. Mini dealer states the repair is not covered under warrantee. I fear for the safety of my front seat passenger if airbag does not deploy and/or the safety of a smaller child if it does deploy.
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2017) - LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Jul 13, 2022
Incident date: Apr 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Mini Cooper Countryman. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side door latch failed to latch as designed. The contact stated that he taped the door closed while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the failure as a defective latch. The contact stated that the door lock actuator and the striker were replaced. The contact stated that a month l... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, there was smoke detected from the vehicle. The vehicle caught fire without warning. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or crash. The fire department distinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
The airbag occupancy detection switch in the passenger seat is defective. This is occurring so often on Mini Coopers (R56 models from 2007-2013) that a passenger occupancy defeat switch is being openly sold and YouTube videos are available showing how to fit this device. This disables the occupancy detector switch, causing grave danger of death to infants or children seated in the passenger seat d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
The airbag occupancy detection switch in the passenger seat is defective. This is occurring so often on Mini Coopers (R56 models from 2007-2013) that a passenger occupancy defeat switch is being openly sold and YouTube videos are available showing how to fit this device. This disables the occupancy detector switch, causing grave danger of death to infants or children seated in the passenger seat d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact re... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Hello, An airbag sensor recall was issued in 2015 and Mini Cooper refuses to fix this safety issue. They are saying this recall is expired, but it has not been 10 years and the car only has 54,000 miles. This is a known defect. Car is currently broken. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15355121/bmw-recalls-91800-mini-coopers-for-airbag-sensors/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/bmw-recalls-9... Read more
MINI
COOPER CLUBMAN
(2009) - AIR BAGS
Jun 24, 2022
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
The passenger-side airbag is not recognized when a passenger is in the vehicle. Mechanic says this is a known recall for Mini's and has repaired several but my model is not covered under the recall. There has not been an incident or accident to report at this time. I have reached out to Mini and asked them about the recall and they originally said they would fix it bc it was under recall. When I b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
SEAT BACK MECHANISM FAILED. COULD NOT LATCH IN PLACE. FAILED WITH NO WARNING WHILE DRIVING. MOTOR MOUNT BROKEN WITH MILAGE ONLY AT 56,000 MILES.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
SEAT BACK MECHANISM FAILED. COULD NOT LATCH IN PLACE. FAILED WITH NO WARNING WHILE DRIVING. MOTOR MOUNT BROKEN WITH MILAGE ONLY AT 56,000 MILES.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2016
The engine drive belt has been replaced twice. The ignition coils have been replaced twice.there have been recurrent problems with oil leaks beginning in 2016. The “water pipe” was replaced due to leak. The thermostat assembly was leaking and that was replaced. The front sway bar links and bushings were also replaced. This car has been nothing but trouble. Currently it needs a new catalyt... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Tire was found flat after being parked. Car towed in for repair to Mini Cooper dealership. I was informed tire could not be repaired. Sidewall damage. Appeared sidewall ruptured in two places. No scuff marks. Retired NY State Trooper could not see any scuff marks. Cracks and rupture in two locations approximately 9 to 10 inches apart. This tire had 272 miles on it. Tire size is 205/45R17 mounted o... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2022
Left side headlight has needed to be replaced three different times at a cost of $1400 each time.
Incident date: May 2, 2022
Footwell module is not working due to rear left blinker is not signaling only the front light does work when turning left.
Incident date: May 2, 2022
Footwell module is not working due to rear left blinker is not signaling only the front light does work when turning left.
MINI
COOPER CONVERTIBLE
(2009) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 1, 2022
Incident date: Apr 10, 2022
1.Electronic power steering gearbox. Connections almost caught on fire. And yes it is available for inspection upon request. 2. If it would’ve caught on fire. the whole vehicle would’ve torched. I noticed there’s a lot of Mini Cooper engine fires. 3. No it has not been confirmed by dealer. 4. No it has not been inspected by the manufacturer. I didn’t feel it was safe to drive the vehicle.... Read more
MINI
COOPER CONVERTIBLE
(2009) - STEERING
May 1, 2022
Incident date: Apr 10, 2022
1.Electronic power steering gearbox. Connections almost caught on fire. And yes it is available for inspection upon request. 2. If it would’ve caught on fire. the whole vehicle would’ve torched. I noticed there’s a lot of Mini Cooper engine fires. 3. No it has not been confirmed by dealer. 4. No it has not been inspected by the manufacturer. I didn’t feel it was safe to drive the vehicle.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2022
Mini felt like it was getting pushed by the wind . Realized wasn't wind Mini loss of completely all functions of steering wheel. On super busy highway. Devine intervention Was in far left car went left to right lanes then hit median gaurd rail spun around Finally got it to stop. Never Hitting and hurting anyone around me. Nobody hit me. Car is totalled ! Still at tow place. I saw my life flash... Read more
Crash
MINI
COOPER S COUNTRYMAN
(2012) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 24, 2022
Incident date: Feb 22, 2022
Fire observed starting in the engine compartment from a red hot glowing spot on the auxiliary water pump, an electric powered pump on the front of the engine. The purpose of the auxiliary water pump is to continue to pump coolant through the turbocharger even after the engine was shut off. The vehicle was totaled by the insurance company after the inspection by the dealer created an estimate too... Read more
Fire
MINI
COOPER S COUNTRYMAN
(2011) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Apr 19, 2022
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated while parked there was white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the battery and CS module needed to be replaced. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified... Read more
MINI
COOPER S COUNTRYMAN
(2011) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Apr 19, 2022
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated while parked there was white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the battery and CS module needed to be replaced. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Mini Coop S. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the passenger’s side seat occupancy mat had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not a... Read more