Mini Hardtop Mini Hardtop

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Mini Hardtop repairs by problem area

Engine (47%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (5%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (11%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (17%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (9%)

Other (6%)

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Chart based on 1642 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Mini Hardtop.

Mini Hardtop electrical repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (13%)

$500 - $999 (7%)

$100 - $499 (25%)

< $100 (54%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 216 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2020 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 189hp 2.0L I4 7-speed automated manual FWD

14500 mi Infotainment update to fix known issue with iPhone 11 swiching between devices. 

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2019 Mini Hardtop 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 134hp 1.5L I3 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

30230 mi Clunking noise coming from front of car. A/C line was loose and causing vibration and noise issue. Dealer reattached A/C lines. Wasn't actually the cause of the clunk, though. 

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2019 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 189hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

19000 mi Battery died; replaced under warranty 
30000 mi

US $300
replaced battery 

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2017 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 228hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

17243 mi Kept getting cruise control malfunction message. They ordered new module and replaced under warranty. 

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2016 Mini Hardtop 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 189hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

16000 mi Driver side mirror fold feature inop 
43000 mi

US $1200
Battery replacement 

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2016 Mini Hardtop 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 134hp 1.5L I3 6-speed manual FWD

14300 mi Passenger side airbag reported itself non-functional. Airbag sensor replaced 

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2015 Mini Hardtop 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 189hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

4500 mi Cleaned evaporator and replaced cabin filter 
8400 mi A/C odor. Cleaned and removed odor. It was a temporary fix. 
10000 mi A/C odor continued. Dealer received approval to replace the evaporator 
12000 mi There was a technical bulletin on the vent issue where the vent stepper motor gets stuck. Mine would get stuck in heat mode even when I turn down the temp to 60 degrees. The repair was not successful. After I brought it back, the dealer said the car's software had to be updated as well. The problem was resolved after the software update. 
12000 mi A/C stopped working. Dealer replaced A/C controller unit and compressor. Still not working. Dealer replaced control unit again and solved the issue as original replacement was bad. Good thing they offer loaner cars. 

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2015 Mini Hardtop 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 189hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

7000 mi Side mirror motor on left side making a noise when retracted. Requires replacement which was not available at service time. Attempted lubrication failed. 

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2015 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 189hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

59000 mi

US $400
Needed new battery 

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2015 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 189hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

9400 mi Heads Up Display would not always project information on the transparent pane that pops out of the dash (about 50/50). Dealer replaced the whole HUD unit under warranty at no cost. 
3500 mi Moldy smell in AC system. There is a tech. svce. bulletin for this issue. 
10 mi 2nd time car has returned for a dealer service for mildew smell in the a.c. system. 

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2015 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 134hp 1.5L I3 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

5000 mi Well known problem with evaporator stinking. 
5000 mi Rain sensor gel pack leaking for the second time. It's a bad design. I'm pretty sure I'll have to revisit then when they have an updated part. 
5600 mi odor fix # 
7000 mi Rain sensor gel pack leaking again and again after replacement. There seems to be no fix for this. 
32 mi Key FOB malfunction...had to wait for key to be ordered...was provided with a loaner vehicle...everything was covered by extended warranty. 
32000 mi

US $35
Gel Pack for rain sensor was leaking. Dealership confirmed the pack was leaking and replaced pack under warranty. They did mention that the gel pack seems to be an engineering problem and it will probably leak again. Regardless, the auto-wipers didn't seem to have any negative effects while the pack was leaking. 
34000 mi Steering wheel was making a groaning noise at low temperatures. Dealership replaced clock spring (updated part #) and added additional grease. Steering wheel has been fine since. Repaired under warranty. 
16000 mi AC filter needed to be replaced due to a foul smell at start up. Parts replaced but issue not fixed. 

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2015 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 134hp 1.5L I3 6-speed manual FWD

9000 mi Service message said car was not charging fully. Took to dealer, they said computer needed reflashing as it was giving false information.rnWorking properly after reflash. 8700 miles. 

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2014.5 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 114hp 1.5L I3 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD

4000 mi Sub port replaced 

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2014 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 189hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

26000 mi Battery was showing some weakness, so dealer replaced under warranty. I paid for oil change on same visit. 
39100 mi Bad smell from AC vent on startup. This is apparently a known issue. Dealer fixed it for no charge and provided a loaner. 
47000 mi The rain sensor in the rear view mirror started to leak some thick fluid down the inside of the windshield. Dealer replaced the mirror assembly. 
50000 mi Parking Lamp Malfunction error on Tach. Had to replace the parking lamp and was covered in full by warranty. Took about 30 minutes - had to remove the wheel to access the panel to replace the fog/running bulbs. Shortly thereafter the same, passenger-side fog lamp went and I need to take it back in. 

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2013 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 211hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

12300 mi Right fuel level sensor was faulty, replaced under warranty 
15000 mi

US $120
Stereo exhibited occasional problems connecting to phone for music via bluetooth, sometimes blanked out. On dealer test drive, stereo blanked out completely. 

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2013 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 208hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

40300 mi

C $120
Battery needed replacing. 

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2013 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 181hp 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

60000 mi

US $180
A/C stopped working, blowing hot air. Shop checked, system pressure OK, compressor OK, found Relay not getting power. ECU showing error stating cooling fan tripped, reset, checked all electrical systems, A/C now working properly. 

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2013 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 181hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

12000 mi Battery failed load test. Battery replaced and registered to MINI under vehicle warranty at no cost to me. 
27100 mi Radio wouldn't turn off even with the car physically off until resetting the battery.rnrnTook two trips as when I first brought it in 'they couldn't replicate it'. Second time I drove it there with the issue and they replaced the head unit 
52000 mi

US $321
Original battery was still functional, but getting old @ 5 years and 52k miles. 

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2013 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

121-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

24000 mi 1 of the right rear brake lights was out. Per dealer it wasn't a bulb issue and they replaced entire taillight unit under warranty. 
34000 mi radio died/bluetooth problem. replaced under warranty 
31200 mi Seven exterior lamps not working 
28000 mi USB port began to fail. 
35000 mi speaker was failing 
78000 mi

US $1900
Line had slow leak - replaced and recharged system. 

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2013 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

121-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

18300 mi Remote key stopped working to unlock - remote receiver in rear view mirror replaced 

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2012 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 208hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

31620 mi

$140
Battery replacement as car wasnt used for quite some time. 

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2012 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 181hp 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

18000 mi Battery was dead. Dealer diagnosed and replaced battery 
43000 mi

US $145
The dealer had previously replaced the original dead battery with a VERY small 330CCA capacity battery. When the temperature here in NJ dipped to -10F, 330CCA wasn't enough to get even a MINI engine cranking. Advance Auto Parts offered a 770CCA in a slightly larger battery that fit with no changes. Perfect result. 

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2012 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

121-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

125000 mi

US $80
New high beam lamps. It was found incidentally at a routine tune up. 

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2012 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

121-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

21700 mi Car would not start - battery would not hold charge. Defective battery replaced under warranty. 

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2012 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

62000 mi

US $725
XM would not receive signal. "Acquiring Satellites" displayed with no XM Audio. FM/AM worked fine. Replace satellite radio antenna base. 

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2011 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 208hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

48360 mi Battery not holding charge properly. Dealer tested it, it failed, was replaced under warranty. 
48560 mi AC stopped blowing cold. Dealer inspected and found faulty relay inside module. Replaced module. Still no good. Replaced corroded ground wire. Still no good. Replaced compressor and recharged system. Works great now. 
63860 mi

C $300
AC lost its charge. Left it at dealership for several days, but they could not find any leaks... 
64000 mi

US $71
Short in fog light would cause the radio to turn on and drain battery 
30000 mi Drivers side window regulator failed 

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2011 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 181hp 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

24000 mi Bulb out indicator lit. When I went to change the bulb, I discovered the stop lamp socket was melted. Dealer replaced left tail lamp assembly. 

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2011 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 181hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

34300 mi Humming noise with AC turned on. Dealer added a Vibration dampener as part of a TSB. 
43500 mi

US $175
Replaced aging battery 
11000 mi Excessive noise/vibration when A/C engaged. TSB: vibration damper installed on on A/C suction line. (TSB SI M64 01 10) 
6100 mi Vibration noise during AC operation 
18300 mi AC line damaged 
20500 mi

US $800
Repaired broken AC line 
23000 mi Software required flash- was incorrectly reporting worn brakes. 
35000 mi Passenger side window kept falling 1-2 inches after vehicle had been parked a while. Problem eventually resolved itself after about three weeks. 
55000 mi

US $1700
Window regulator failed. 
65000 mi

US $110
Engine would not start. Sub-Freezing tempuratures. Battery was replaced 
96000 mi

US $1600
A/C Compressor 
61000 mi

US $50
Occupant sensor on passenger seat was faulty. 
71000 mi

US $295
The Module that controls the turn signal and fog light was faulty. It Killed the battery as well. Warranty covered the module. Dealer made me pay for the battery and programing. 

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2011 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

121-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

43297 mi

US $1638
Instrument panel lights not coming on at night. They couldn't duplicate the problem so couldn't fix it. Fog light is intermittent. They could not duplicate so no repair done. License plate light out. Replaced both. No charge for labor. Microfilter replaced. 
46000 mi

US $40
Replaced left parking light which had been intermittent for years. Part was $12 and labor was $28. 
71000 mi New battery installed, but ECU would not accept it. Lights, blinkers, radio wouldn't work. It was a flaw in the programming. Reflashed the ECU under factory recall. Fixed the problem. 
88000 mi

US $15
oil change; also checked out noise. Noise determined to be air conditioning compressor, no need for repair Replaced burned out headlight bulb 

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2011 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

121-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

54000 mi

US $1000
Passenger seat airbag sensor replaced 
2500 mi When dealer reprogrammed the car for the rough idle, the radio failed/shorted and had to be replaced. Sound quality was notably better after replacement. 
10000 mi Window regulator on drivers side broke. 

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2010 Mini Hardtop

Engine not specified

4000 mi stereo would only "remember" previous settings about 50% of the time. told it was just the way MINI's are.  

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2010 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

53500 mi

US $168
REPLACED BAT 
110000 mi

US $150
Rt side fog lamp will not turn off even with all switched off and key removed , then dead battery 
139000 mi

US $200
Needed foot well module / lamp module. Was damaged due to water leak / water damage to module.  

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2010 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

7900 mi USB port dead, module replaced same day 
12400 mi noisy ac compressor, fixed by adding a part per TSB 
79000 mi Replaced battery due to not holding a charge 
10000 mi Rear hatch release did not function. Part replaced. New part works, but required painting. New paint is poor match for body. Bluetooth speakerphone is useless above 60mph. No one can hear me during call. Dealer attempted to improve the problem with minor mod to microphone. No improvement. 
18000 mi Bluetooth speakerphone is useless at highway speeds. People can't hear me clearly over background noise. 

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2010 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

118-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

19300 mi stepper motor for blend door was making a ratcheting sound. Lubrication seems to have resolved the problem. Covered by warranty 
29000 mi Loose connection on the iPod connector. It's okay when it's not moved but touching the iPod while it's on creates static through speakers. They replaced the cable but that didn't help. 
3000 mi Unable to unlock driver side door 

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2010 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

118-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

49000 mi Express "up" feature quit working on drivers window 
49000 mi Express up feature quit working after 3rd repair. 
38000 mi There was a whining noise (or a growl) whenever the ac was on. The noise fluctuated with the engine rpm's. There was a TSB service bulletin out for this year model mini, which involved adding a vibration damper to the compressor. Noise gone. 
48000 mi wire harness was moved due to rubbing toghether, causing a fault code. 

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2009 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 208hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

36000 mi

US $55
Rear hatch actuator replaced 
26000 mi Passenger air bag failed. Dealer had to order a replacement part. 
46000 mi

US $400
Dead battery 
94000 mi

US $800
Replaced HID aftermarket lights that had a dead ballast with LED conversion generation 8 JDMASTAR. No where near as bright as HID but this is the only one adjustable for focus and is nearly identical to stock halogen brightness and the pattern with sharp cutoff (better for oncoming drivers? probably need to use fogs full time however). 
97000 mi

US $1200
replaced HID harness 

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2009 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

56274 mi

US $1100
The A/C condenser was damaged. Cost to repair was $1,100. 
49000 mi Battery died, replaced under warranty 

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2009 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

51000 mi Rear wiper motor failure 
50000 mi One of the tones to the horn went out. Dealer fixed. 
62000 mi

US $1000
Navigation DVD drive failed 
23000 mi Driver side lock actuator was faulty. Could not lock doors. When exiting car, windows would roll down, sunroof would vent and could lock car. 
54200 mi

US $200
The LCD screen of radio was broken. 
44000 mi Airbag sensor in drivers seat malfunction. Indicator light on dash stayed lit and chime tone inadvertantly rang. Sensor needed to be replaced. 
54000 mi

US $1921
Clutch failed. Total price for replacement of clutch-pack, which is mandatory as per BMW's rules, was almost $4000. The dealership allowed me to buy the extended maintenance warranty instead for a total of $1920. 

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2009 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

118-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

147000 mi Rear door unlocks on it's own. I read about simular problems in forumn . ( after rain aggravates it) Car's lighter socket is also not working. Seems like the ghost of high mileage is making an appearence. Fuse replaced on lighter and all is fine. Liftgate has been locked and seems to do job, no repair done yet. 

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2009 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

118-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

13000 mi window closing position erratic 
19000 mi one-touch window function not working...software problem 
57000 mi

US $50
Passenger airbag occupancy sensor works intermittently; most shops will not fix since it requires upholstery, Mini dealer wants $1500. We were able to find a new seat bottom on ebay to replace it with that matched the car. 
45000 mi

C $350
The stupid Thermostat stopped working. No heat at all. The part is and all in one piece worth 250$+ Poorly manufactured. 
24000 mi Fan speed display LEDs out. Part ordered. Dealer will call when part comes in. 
24800 mi heater / ac control panel replaced 
100000 mi

US $1600
Condenser was leaking refrigerant. 
61000 mi

US $115
Highbeam head lamp light went out. 
17436 mi TPM and battery CELs were coming on intermittently. No faults were found to explain them. Driver window would not roll all the way up and would return to half open position. Replaced car software to remind the computer it's OK for the window to roll all the way up and it should not bounce back down. 
20945 mi Car alarm interior ultrasonic sensor is defective causing random alarms, even while driving. Ordered replacement sensor because none in stock. 
49200 mi

US $134
Keyless entry unlocked doors but door would not open--handle did not mechanically work. Yet another electrical problem they "could not replicate" even though I had video evidence. Cruise buttons on steering wheel started incrementing and decrementing speed by 2mph intervals instead of one. More computer glitches strike again! Asked them to double-check why the door would not open even though the keyless entry worked to unlock the door last month. Nothing done, problem not replicated (of course). 
50000 mi Replaced the right rear TPMS transmitter in the fender. 
50000 mi Computer lost date and time but battery was never disconnected to account for it. More electrical gremlins. Also, alarm started sounding for no reason, which was repaired two years ago. But the false alarms returned. 
17980 mi Drivers window would not stop at top. It would bump off the top and go back down 
6200 mi TRUNK HATCH OPENED UNEXPECTANTLY & FEREQUENTLY-ON ROAD OR PARKED. ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS HAD TO BE ENGAGED AS SOON AS YOU ENTERED THE CAR OR THE TRUNK POPPED OPEN. MOISTURE PROBLEM IN HANDLE-PARTS ORDERED TRUNK HATCH & ELECTRONICS HARNESS REPLACED- NO FUTHER PROBLEMS TO DATE 
64480 mi

C $1200
Internal fan failed-Replaced along with relay Cost = $600 

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2008 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

97000 mi Replace HID headlight bulb. 
89000 mi

US $1700
Replace alternator Dead, normal wear and tear, original battery from 2008 
67500 mi

US $300
Replaced car antenna. 
14000 mi

US $110
Door handle began to malfunction requiring multiple attempts to open door. The door handle is the comfort access with the keyless entry radio transmitter. The part was ordered and was in within 3 days. 
15000 mi window motor quit working, rolled window half way down when rolled all the way up, auto window close did not work. software flash resolved. 
10000 mi Windows incorrectly dropping for anti-pinch protection. Footwell module ordered. 
11000 mi Replaced footwell module to solve window problem. 
81700 mi

US $200
Drivers side tail light had a short in the backup light socket. Tried replacing the bulb, but still didn't work, so I replaced both tail light housings with after market LED versions (so they matched). 

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2008 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

118-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

122200 mi Driver's window would not consistently close or open and did not "dip" when the door was opened. Dealer updated vehicle SW and then re-initialized windows. Problem solved. Rear window defroster inoperative. Problem discovered to be fault inside of rear window itself. Dealer replaced window. Note this was noticed after used car purchase but within first 30 days. 

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2008 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

118-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

19000 mi Minor problem with windows not closing correctly - no auto-up on passenger's window, and sometimes required a few tries to get it closed even manually. 
32000 mi Gas gauge reading sometimes inaccurate. Repaired even though they couldn't see it happen. 
45000 mi Window auto-close function broken again. 
52000 mi

US $250
Computer had to have software updated or reinstalled to fix a problem with the passenger window rolling up but not staying up: It immediately would Goode 6" 
9000 mi Passenger air bag light illuminates, meaning the air bag has been disabled in spite of there being a fullgrown passenger of sufficient weight seated properly.  Driver's side window malfunction - window was "possessed" and opened halfway automatically when driver tried to close the window.  
10000 mi Window malfunction - auto up failed and when closed using switch, window would automatically open halfway.  
11000 mi submitted lemon-law paperwork; dealer could not replicate for our 2008 MINI, but the service manager and head mechanic did witness this problem when we test drove a dealer-buyback 2009 to replace the 2008 
14000 mi passenger window wouldn't automatically go up. 
26800 mi Airbag warning light on. Diagnosed as a faulty sensor in the driver's seat that controls the rate of airbag inflation. 
3162 mi Warranty repair - drivers door window not operating correctly - required computer reinitialization 
7440 mi Known problem with window computer - computer loses track of the window position and does not roll up or down properly. Fixed by recoding the computer module. 
70000 mi

US $150
Remote control in key stopped working 

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2007 Mini Hardtop

Engine not specified

83000 mi

US $1200
I seem to have worn out the key fob and had to switch to the spare. The mechanic could not reproduce the problem but suggested that I use old key fob to see if that corrected the problem. It did and now it works great. 

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2007 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

91000 mi

US $500
Battery replaced. 

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2007 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

32000 mi Sending unit in fuel tank replaced. 
20000 mi replaced worn out seatbelt 
29000 mi Replaced electrical module to fix: warning light that wouldn’t go off, consistently pulling to the right when braking and starting up (anti slip feature), turn signal wouldn't cancel, and the windshield washers turned on and off as if by poltergeists. 
140000 mi

US $200
Resistor and blower motor failed. 
59000 mi

US $100
Replaced rear hatch release switch. Switch was an integral part of the licence plate light housing. Not a difficult repair but electric switch should have lasted more than 7 years in my opinion. 
88000 mi

US $82
Had to replace a Zenon headlight bulb. I purchased 2 new bulbs online from a reputable supplier and replaced them myself. 
78000 mi

US $800
Airbag light came on, dealer ran scan and determined that drivers frontal airbag was defective. 

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2007 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

118-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

115500 mi

US $80
The A/C system was blowing hot and smelly air, and needed to be cleaned out and recharged. 
40000 mi

US $60
Replaced headlights & rear license plate lights which failed shortly after 36,000 mi warranty. 

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2007 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

118-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

68000 mi

US $20
Replaced antenna mast due to wear and damage 
169000 mi Alternator failed, repaired at shop. Alternator failed again within 2 weeks. Shop repaired again at no cost. Bottom line, anything on the serpentine belt is very expensive to repair, ~$800. 

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2006 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

supercharged 207hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

89000 mi

US $160
AC not blowing cold, Recharge and dye refrigerant - no leak found 

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2006 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

supercharged 168hp 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

72000 mi had lost freon, may have a tiny leak someplace, added dye and am doing a follow up to see if we can find it. No change in performance of the AC was noticed by me. Found doing regular maintenance and check of AC/Cooling system. 
91200 mi Heard a grinding noise, reported in August 09. Dealer aligned front tires. griding noise continued sporadic, isolated to AC. Fixed under warrenty. 
44020 mi Electrical issue. The rear hatch kept opening once the rear button control was moist. Replaced entire rear hatch handle (electronic control section). 
41000 mi

US $80
One D2S Xenon headlight bulb died replaced both to keep the color the same. Replacing the bulbs is a bitch, up in the hood at a 40 degree angle. Bulb wants to fall out. Finally laying on my back on the engine to do it 2 hrs. 
55500 mi

US $1700
air bag sensor failed 

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2006 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

supercharged 168hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

55500 mi Dealer performed OC3 Mat Recall related to intermittent malfunction of passenger air bag sensor and light. 
57500 mi

US $1300
HVAC compressor and 
65000 mi

US $150
Horn fuse was blowing every week. Replaced both high and low horn and the issue went away. 
49000 mi

US $250
The air conditioner was struggling to cool the car. It needed a recharge. 
52200 mi

US $70
Air conditioner was not pumping cold air. Mechanic's inspection indicated low freon. System was recharged. 
84000 mi recall for passenger seat air bag sensor 
86000 mi starter was replaced under warranty from previous repair. Its been very hot this summer and at extreme temps the starter would not engage. 
120000 mi

US $1000
AC/Heater coolant tank leaking fluid replaced tank. Also did preventive maintenance on rear strut busings, oil change/full service 
41000 mi

US $600
Replaced A/C pump & condenser, drained & recharged system. 
48300 mi

US $150
A/C pressure regulator valve blew out all the refrigerant. 

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2006 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD

44000 mi

US $36
Horns would not work. ordered horns. 

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2005.5 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD

42160 mi left window motor and window lift stopped working and had to be replaced with new components. Known issue with mini 1e Gen. 
50220 mi

€1000
Airco compressor and Airco condensor replaced 
52700 mi

€560
window regulator driverside didn't open window again. Regulator and Motor had to replaced after three years again. 

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2005 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

supercharged 207hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

73000 mi

US $1752
Reverse lights - previous mechanic left unplugged 
84000 mi

US $380
Pass seat weight sensor pad (airbag sensor) bad. This is the 3rd needing replacement since car was purchased new 
87000 mi

US $350
Replaced alternator because bad pulley bearing making noise. Also replaced serpentine belt. Replaced alternator, bad pulley bearing. Also replaced serpentine belt 

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2005 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

supercharged 168hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

76000 mi

US $1200
Dash lights would not shut off regardless of headlight or ignition position. Dealer diagnosed internally shorted control module and replaced - $750. Remote locks also would not work, replaced receiver - $450 Dash lights would not shut off regardless of headlight or ignition position. Dealer diagnosed internally shorted control module and replaced - $750. Remote locks also would not work, replaced receiver - $450 
137000 mi

US $800
A/C leak. Recharged and diagnostic fluid added. Cruise control not working. Bad clutch sensor. 
23200 mi

US $250
Same fault as before. Shop realized battery was the original 7 year old one. Replaced it. 
34000 mi Had to replace passenger seat air-bag sensor, light was on.  
60000 mi

US $800
AC leak, not working 
45260 mi Dome light shorted out. 
114700 mi Passenger side power window motor failure. Ran diagnostics, checked fuses and nothing wrong indicated. Fixed using the "Fonzie method". A couple of good hard bangs on the door panel where the motor was mounted. 
50000 mi Air conditioning fan motor squealed at moderate to high speed. 
77000 mi

US $200
Passengers side door lock actuator failed. replaced under extended warranty. 
78000 mi

US $1200
Airbag sensor in passenger seat went bad. Replaced seat bottom. 
80000 mi

US $400
Alternator failed. 
100000 mi

US $139
Battery died and replaced it. 
122000 mi Had airbag sensor replaced in the passenger seat under recall. It didn't didn't always recognize that there was a person in the seat. 
84000 mi

US $1100
Driver door would not open from inside, key fob didn't unlock driver door, and window rolled up/down badly. Replaced whole door latch assembly. 
15000 mi Defective car alarm system replaced. 
20600 mi Front driver seat replaced; seat heater was overheating seat temperature to 160 degrees F. 
100000 mi

US $306
Replaced Head lamp and head lamp ignitor 
91300 mi

US $750
Replaced dead Battery. 
71100 mi

US $900
broken connection at rear of fuse box 
81000 mi

US $160
alternator failed. replaced with new timing belt 

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2005 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD

26040 mi

C $1200
air bag light on as weight sensor on passenger seat not working replaced wieght sensor 

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2005 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD

42780 mi gas and temp. meter was not reading 
44640 mi

C $150
switch to open hatch, took water or humidity, had a short, unable to open 
85000 mi

US $500
Reset tire pressure warning sensor light, cleaned reset swithch for same. 
88000 mi

US $50
purchased tire pressure monitor reset switch at dealer, replaced myself 

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2004 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

supercharged 163hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

133100 mi

US $200
Passenger window regulator failed 
134000 mi

US $30
Simple A/C recharge 
154000 mi

US $200
Bearing noise on the alternator (continued to work). Replaced the alternator, and the idler pulley (not the idler pulley assy). Replacement SuperCharger, and Waterpump was bought - not installed. 
124200 mi

US $500
Alternator quit 
138000 mi

US $1600
New compressor. Replaced dryer and condensor also. 

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2004 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD

108500 mi

US $265
Refilled freon, fixed short that was preventing compressor from turning on. 
118000 mi

US $1200
Car would not start. Solenoid in starter failed. 
152000 mi Had the alternator replaced but the ground came loose for the second time making it charge only sporadically. 
57000 mi radio amplifier burned out, $1,000 to fix 

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2003 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

supercharged 163hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

62000 mi

US $400
Short in the starter which caused the car to start repeatedly while running 
69700 mi

US $80
Airbag control unit had a hardware failure, replaced it with a used one. Found out I can't use a used control unit if the VIN from the donor car is too far from my own. Now need to purchase a new OEM part. 
120000 mi

US $153
Side marker bulb apparently overheated and melted the plastic at the socket. The socket broke off the lamp housing and was dangling by its harness. There were no signs of external damage. Replaced side marker lamp assembly. 
102000 mi

US $235
left HID Headlight ballast, and HID Bulb needed to be replaced under original warranty, at 45,000 miles Right HID Headlight ballast, and HID Bulb needed to be replaced under extended warranty, at 65,000 miles CD player needed to be replaced with newer OEM model, 2003 version's LCD display would pixelize in temps under 20 degrees. Known issue when I brought it to dealer, and they replaced it with newer build date CD player Rear hatch license plate light socket disintegrated. Metal tabs for bulbs totally corroded away - had to replace entire rear hatch handle assembly, and have it painted, since it only comes primed. 90,000 miles 
107000 mi

US $235
alternator died 
100700 mi

US $115
AC compressor pulley clutch 
117300 mi Leaking battery, checked regulator and all is ok. 
122000 mi

US $335
"Lifetime" Xenon headlight bulb replaced, passenger side only. 
37000 mi Power lock on driver side required new actuator 
35869 mi Front and rear brake pad replacement, Xenon headlight replacement, passenger side window motor replacement, sunroof shade re-attachment, ABS fluid repaclement. All covered by warranty. 
29000 mi

US $1900
Electrical, other than above, repair 
65100 mi

C $500
Alternator seized, replaced it as well as supercharger oil, thermostat, belt and idler pulley. 
70680 mi

C $150
Replaced battery 
Window inoperative. 
84000 mi

US $180
Battery was down to five functioning cells. Replaced battery to fix. 
113000 mi Got back from a week long trip and the AC compressor would no longer run 

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2003 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD

47000 mi

US $730
new starter 
16868 mi Stereo head unit replaced under warranty. 
61200 mi

US $2220
Radiator fan assembly failed due to short. A/C compressor also failed and receiver dryer was leaking. Mechanic determined that the A/C compressor may have caused the short. 
90300 mi Passenger Side window .. Motor drive broke.. second time.. The Window lift cables and the regulators jamed the window after it was down. 
103900 mi

US $270
Starter Failed 

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2003 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD

2000 mi warranty covered squeaky speaker grill in passenger door and loose lens on rpm gauge on dashboard 
59200 mi Driver door lock no longer controlled by key fob 
65000 mi Driver door lock no longer controlled by key fob 
40300 mi

C $160
Battery died, replaced. Battery was original from 2003. 
58200 mi

US $1300
Switch for raising and lowering windows is not working well...have to apply lots of pressure to the toggle. Was told the unit needed to be replaced. The cost was not worth it to me, as the issue is a minor nuissance. 
82000 mi

US $17
Headlight replaced. 
89000 mi

US $17
Twice, I've had to replace the same headlight! Also one lower "custom light" is out but haven't replaced it yet. 
107000 mi

US $45
Third time in 2 1/2 yrs that I've had to replace low beam headlight. Attempted to replace it myself but it still wouldn't work. Took it to a shop and discovered I was sold a burned out bulb! Still, it's worth noting frequency of this repair. 
115804 mi

US $423
Replaced AC compressor, expansion valve. 
94600 mi

US $250
Driver's side window motor died. Replaced rotor. 
136000 mi Compressor failure 

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2002 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD

99200 mi

C $12000
Electrical sending unit in tachometer failed. New tach unit required 
105397 mi

C $1642
repair A/C unit recharge system check for leaks replace battery 

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2002 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD

34390 mi Passenger Front Door Speaker Buzzes - Ordered speaker - Warranty Reverse gear is difficult to engage when cold - The reverse gear is a non synchronized gear - Warranty 
62000 mi Passenger Belt Pretensioner had a bad crimp in the electrical connector. Covered under extended 10yr MINI warranty. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Hatchbacks
See TrueDelta's information for all Mini models.

Mini Hardtop Electrical Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Mini Hardtop problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.