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Research · Minicompact Cars

2010 MINI CooperRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 102 owner complaints for the 2010 MINI Cooper. Most complaints involve engine (36) and electrical system (30). The EPA rates it 28–32 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
28–32mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest May 2023
Owner complaints
102
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported May 11, 2023NHTSA 23V337000

Equipment: labels

Free remedy

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.

EquipmentReported Dec 15, 2009NHTSA 09V474000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

102 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2010 – Jan 2026
  1. Engine36
  2. Electrical system30
  3. Air bags23
  4. Exterior lighting11
  5. Engine and engine cooling8
  6. Seat belts5
  7. Seats5
  8. Service brakes4
  9. Power train4

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Cooper model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20016
2002269
2003537
2004529
2005843
2006413
2007383
2008284
2009152
2010102
2011110
201274
201347
201434
201556
201639
201718
20186
201910
20206
20221
20235
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
8
Injuries reported
9
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

36 reports3 fires
“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 there were flames. I went back out and opened the car door and there was loud noise and the hood was in flames. The entire dash was melted, the hood had a hole burned in it and with the fire rescue interventions the car was a total loss. No one was injured.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 12, 2025Steering, Electrical system, EngineFire reportedODI 11660568

Electrical system

30 reports4 fires
“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 inspection report, photos, and the MINI Corporate denial code. I received none of these. • MINI Corporate Recall Team confirmed they had no documentation from the dealer and incorrectly stated that the module does not need to be opened. • Without a completed inspection uploaded to MINI Corporate, a denial code cannot be generated. • I was charged for the FRM replacement part, even though the recall should cover the repair if the module is affected. • The dealer only offered to waive a $149 programming fee. Safety Concern: The dealer failed to follow required recall procedures, failed to…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 27, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherODI 11713743

Air bags

23 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 21, 2025Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bagsODI 11649639
All 2010 Cooper problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Minicompact Cars
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 6-spd · Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cooper
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
283732$2,500278
Cooper Convertible
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
283631$2,550287
Cooper
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
253328$2,850317
Cooper Convertible
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
253328$2,850317
  • Cooper
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    28 city · 37 hwy · $2,500/yr
    32
    mpg comb.
  • Cooper Convertible
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    28 city · 36 hwy · $2,550/yr
    31
    mpg comb.
  • Cooper
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    25 city · 33 hwy · $2,850/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • Cooper Convertible
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    25 city · 33 hwy · $2,850/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 MINI Cooper as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 5608Vehicle 5607
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2010 Cooper questions

How many recalls does the 2010 MINI Cooper have?

2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2010 MINI Cooper problems?

Owners filed 102 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (36), electrical system (30), air bags (23). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2010 MINI Cooper get?

The EPA rates the 2010 MINI Cooper at 28–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026