2010 MINI Cooper S: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2010 MINI Cooper S: 4 recalls, 59 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.

Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Vehicle recall #09V474000 · 2009 · 205 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Erroneous tire information could lead to improper tire fitment and inflation which could affect the durability of the tire and the stability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The recall began on March 4, 2010.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #12V008000 · 2012 · 90,368 vehicles
What's wrong: The electric auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger has an electronic circuit board that can malfunction and overheat.
Why it matters: The circuit board May smolder which could result in a vehicle fire.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump free of charge. The safety recall beganduring February 2012.
Engine & cooling, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #18V248000 · 2018 · 47,806 vehicles
What's wrong: The electric auxiliary water pump May fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Why it matters: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive…
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V337000 · 2023 · 97,933 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and frm and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (37): the most common themes are noise or vibration (9), stalls / loses power (9), warning light on (7).
- Airbags (6): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Engine & cooling (6): the most common themes are fire / smoke (3).
- Fuel & propulsion (6): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
The 2010 MINI Cooper S has 59 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 22 Cooper S model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 81). Complaints peaked in 2016 (11 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 62,635 miles. Neighboring years: 2009 (119 complaints, 3 recalls), 2011 (31 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 | Premium |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2010 MINI Cooper S.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2010 MINI Cooper S have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2010 MINI Cooper S. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2010 MINI Cooper S problems?
Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (37), airbags (6), engine & cooling (6).
What gas mileage does the 2010 MINI Cooper S get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2010 MINI Cooper S repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.