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Visibility & wipers

Mini Cooper Visibility problems by year

145 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Mini Cooper's visibility & wipers. Windshields, wipers, defrosters, mirrors, backup cameras and glare.

Visibility complaints by model year

YearVisibility complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20201000
20172000
20154000
20103000
20092010
20082000
20075000
200612010
20056120
200419000
200358000
200231000

Latest Cooper visibility complaints

2007 Mini CooperElectrical systemLightsVisibility & wipers

An authorized manufacturer dealership performed an official safety recall remedy regarding the Footwell Module (FRM) under Campaign 610523 (Repair Order #922462) on a 2007 Mini Cooper. The vehicle was subsequently returned to the consumer in a completely non-compliant, unroadworthy, and highly hazardous condition with primary vehicle electronics and safety lighting disabled. Specifically, the low-beam headlights, passenger-side high-beam headlight, all rear tail lights, and the vehicle's electrical sunroof system...

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are entirely non-functional, leaving only a single driver-side high-beam operational. The technician's service invoices explicitly document a control module programming failure that was bypassed without verifying physical lighting or electronic circuit operations. Due to an administrative records error by the service center, the facility contacted local law enforcement to execute an unannounced welfare check at the consumer's secure residence, actively disrupting a highly sensitive personal safety perimeter involving a domestic violence restraining order. Following the forced immediate pickup of the vehicle, the consumer was subjected to a highly dangerous, 130-mile interstate drive entirely after dark with zero operational front or rear outline safety illumination, creating an extreme and life-threatening physical hazard to the vehicle occupants and surrounding traffic. The service facility has failed to provide a functional or compliant recall remedy and closed out the safety recall electronically despite the critical safety components remaining disabled.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11774272
2015 Mini CooperElectrical systemVisibility & wipers

On my 2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 Door (VIN: [[redacted]]), the driver's side halogen headlight suddenly stopped working. When I attempted to replace the bulb, I discovered that the headlight connector/pig tail had melted on one side, one of the electrical wires had burned completely through, and there was a strong odor coming from the rear of the headlight assembly. This was not simply a burned-out bulb. The connector and wiring sustained heat damage that appears to have resulted from an electrical failure....

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Because of the melted connector, burned wiring, and strong burning small, I believe this created a potential fire hazard. It must be noted that there have not been any changes to the lighting or electrical system since purchasing my car and I am the first and only owner. I contacted my mini dealership and was informed that the connector is not available separately for my year, make, and model for my car and the only option is the purchase the entire headlight assembly. The cost for the assembly is $615 and while the exact charge for labor is not known at this time, from my experience, it will be between $200-$500. After researching his issue. I found reports from other MINI owners describing similar failures involved melted headlight connector and burned wiring on vehicles with halogen headlights. Based on these reports and my own experience, I am cornered this may represent a recurring safety-related defect rather than normal wear and tear. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether this issue warrants investigation. I have photographs documenting the melted connector, burned wiring, and resulting damage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11749756
2005 Mini CooperElectrical systemVisibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that there was water accumulated on the passenger's side front floorboard. The contact stated that the heater was causing some undisclosed issues. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the sunroof drain...

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tubes were clogged, the drain tubes were cleared, and an undisclosed reprogramming was completed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 172,843.

Filed Incident Electrical system · VisibilityNHTSA 11654543
2015 Mini CooperVisibility & wipers

While driving the rear view mirror suddenly tilted downward (drooped). What happened, was that the tension ring popped off. As it turns out, this is a known issue per internet Mini Cooper pages. On hot days the ring loosens and, since the design does not include anything to prevent the ring from sliding off, it does slide off, resulting in the rear view mirror drooping. I reinstalled the ring. This occurred again the next day. I ended up uninstalling the rear view mirror, reinstalling the ring and gluing it in place. Thus far this has held.

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 11606822
2015 Mini CooperVisibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2015 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear convertible glass suddenly separated from the convertible compartment and fell on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The contact stated that while searching online, he became aware that the failure had been a very well-known failure since 2017 with similar vehicles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 11594817
2003 Mini CooperSteeringElectrical systemVisibility & wipers

No air or blower or heat to defog windshield. Water in driver-side foot well. Power steering intermittent fault. Engine continues running and panel gauge lights remain on with ignition off and key removed.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11562847
2010 Mini CooperElectrical systemLightsVisibility & wipers

While driving home one night the following items failed to work: Head lights; turn signals, front windows (so no hand signals); Hazard lights; interior lights; and speedometer dash light. This occurred shortly after a battery change. I am not sure if tail of brake lights function at this time. Driving the vehicle in this condition presents a unacceptable safety concern. During daily light hours I had already noticed the turn signal issue and just thought maybe a relay was bad and had not had time to...

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investigate. Investigation revealed the failed part is the FOOTWELL MODULE, and that this is a KNOWN ISSUE by Mini Cooper. Rather than issue a recall and fix the parts, they offered an extended warranty that lasted 10 years (which expired 13 months ago for my car). As a safety issue, this should have been a recall for all vehicles, not a wait til people have a fail to fix. This issue affects newer models as well.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11425630
2010 Mini CooperBrakesEngine & coolingVisibility & wipers

I have made several attempts to reach out to dealer. The check engine light came on the same day I purchased car. I brought the car back, the dealer said they would replace it, but couldn't do the work that day. They provided me with a false inspection report. They never followed up with me after several months had gone by and several phone calls had been made with them refusing to return my call. The car turns off on its on while driving. The brakes are also not good on the car. I had to get an oil change, wiping...

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blades after a month of having the car. The AC fan is also not functioning. I would like to escalate this issue, because I am unable to pass my state inspection as well as feeling unsafe to drive a car that can turn off anytime on the road while driving. I waited to take to inspection because I was waiting on the dealer to communicate when they will replace the part. after several months of refusing to respond to my phone calls and emails. I have decided to report their intentional negligence. I also purchased a warranty. through this company EPOVO auto group. I have not received a follow document certifying my warranty purchase through them. Uncertain of legitimacy of this warranty as well. I have filed a complaint with BBB and Federal Trade Commission. I have not received a response. The following failed inspection codes: P0014, P0015, MIL Command.

Filed Incident Service brakes · Engine · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11418450
2020 Mini CooperVisibility & wipers

Tl* the contact owns a 2020 mini cooper. The contact stated the while driving at 55 to 60 mph, the vehicle sunroof glass exploded without impact. No injuries were sustained. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be inspected. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was not available. The vin was not available.

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 11327954
2005 Mini CooperAirbagsEngine & coolingVisibility & wipersCrash2 injuries1 death

2005 Mini cooper s was traveling 50mph when it hit icy bridge spun around and rolled 3 times driver was wearing a seatbelt and passenger was not and got ejected and died.No airbags deployed. Hwy 299.*Dt *js

Filed Incident Air bags · Engine · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11155233
2015 Mini CooperVisibility & wipers

The rear view mirrors on the doors are both mounted too low for over half of the seat height adjustments. You can not see cars approaching as mirror is blocked by the door for anyone under 5ft 9inches or so.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11073367
2017 Mini CooperVisibility & wipers

A stress fracture from top of windshield mid way along driver side, down about six inches then turn towards rear view mirror.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11004029
2009 Mini CooperVisibility & wipers

Shocked to find an 8-inch hairline crack to the upper right portion of my windshield (right above my eyes on driver's side). The windshield glass spontaneously cracked on the exterior, with zero evidence of impact, harsh weather or temperature changes. It's been 60 degrees for weeks now and my mini had been safely parked, outside of my home. I researched this issue and found multiple complaints from mini customers with the same problem. I will be taking legal action against mini for their disregard for my own and...

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public safety. Shame on the nhtsa for settling with mini on charges of sub-par glass installed in mini cooper hatchback models until 2008, a few months before my '09 mini was produced.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 10983208
2017 Mini CooperElectrical systemLightsVisibility & wipers

I recently test drove a mini cooper clubman s. I did not like the vehicle, and one of the reasons is the way the lighting (front and rear) is designed. The rear of the car has very large lights that go across the 'barn doors' that appear to be brake lights. When I was at the dealership I noticed another clubman in the parking lot being parked wasn't lighting up the large lights as it slowly backed into a parking space. Upon further examination I realized the large lights on the rear doors actually do not light up...

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when braking. Instead there are very small lights at the absolute bottom of the bumper that indicate braking. Not only are the lights in an inappropriate location but they are so small you don't even notice them. When you expect you are looking at brake lights and someone in front of you brakes, you would never know that actually you have to look down almost to the ground to see their indicator light up. These brake lights are extremely dangerous. Why would the large lights on the barn doors in your line of sight that are probably 70% of the width of the car not be the brake lights? It is dangerous and bmw-mini should be forced to recall and/or stop selling these vehicles until this issue is corrected. I would not put myself or my family in jeopardy driving one of these poorly designed vehicles. Please see the link to a website where other people express their concern too. Https://m.Reddit.Com/r/cars/comments/3mj3xe/2016_mini_clubman_has_the_stupidest_brake_lights/?Utm_source=mweb_redirect&compact=false

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 10874574
2003 Mini CooperSteeringLightsVisibility & wipers

Night driving in colorado mtns. Lights began to flicker and power steering failed. Found safe place to pull over and turned off lights and engine. Restarted and turned lights back on to resume driving within a few minuets lights flickered and power steering failed again. Had to continue for several miles until it was safe to pull over again. Attempted to turn off head lights and use fog lights on county dirt road, still lights flickered/dimmed and power steering failed. Currently vehicle is parked and we are...

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attempting to research recall matters with this malfunction. Superior driving skill is required to operate this vehicle with nonfunctional power steering. Average operators will have great difficulty maintaining safe operation of the automobile. This issue will lead to loss of life if not addressed. Nearest dealer for mini is 130 miles distant. *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · Exterior lighting · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 10661056

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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