2010 MINI Cooper S Convertible Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2010 MINI Cooper S Convertible has a complaint index of 71, ranking 3rd-worst out of 8 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 10 complaints, 1 recall, and 1 fire report, with engine problems making up 40% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 71/100
- #3 of 8 Cooper S Convertible years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 10
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 28
- 25 city / 33 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2010 MINI Cooper S Convertible problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine4 (40%)
- Other3 (30%)
- Airbags2 (20%)
- Electrical System1 (10%)
- Steering1 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (10%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine develops knocking or timing chain/tensioner noise, in some cases leading to sudden stalling in traffic.
- Steering can feel unresponsive or overly tight, with one report describing smoke from the hood after a steering issue.
- Clutch failure occurred at low mileage, with the dealer declining warranty coverage citing wear and tear.
- Passenger airbag warning light illuminates intermittently, later tied to a faulty occupant detection sensor.
- Trunk latch has released while driving, risking cargo falling onto the road.
2010 MINI Cooper S Convertible recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 12V008000Jan 11, 2012Engine90,368 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 mini cooper s, 2008-2011 mini cooper s clubman, 2009-2011 mini cooper s convertible, 2009-2011 mini cooper jcw, 2009-2011 mini cooper jcw clubman, 2009-2011 cooper jcw convertible, and 2011 cooper s countryman passenger cars manufactured from november 14, 2006, through january 18, 2011. The electric auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger has an electronic circuit board that can malfunction and overheat.
Risk: The circuit board may smolder which could result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump free of charge. The safety recall beganduring february 2012. Owners may contact bmw at 1-866-275-6464.
2010 MINI Cooper S Convertible fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 33 MPG
- Combined
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,850
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2010 compared with other Cooper S Convertible years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 MINI Cooper S Convertible reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010 model has a complaint index of 71 and ranks 3rd-worst of 8 model years for this line, earning a Caution verdict.
- What is the top problem area for the 2010 MINI Cooper S Convertible?
- Engine complaints lead, accounting for 40% of all reported issues, with a median mileage at failure of 30,000 miles.
- Does the 2010 MINI Cooper S Convertible have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for this year, covering the engine water pump; it was not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2010 model compare to other MINI Cooper S Convertible years?
- The 2010 model's complaint index of 71 is worse than the 2007 (29), 2008 (57), and 2009 (43) model years, though better than the 2005 (100) and 2006 (86) model years.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2010 MINI Cooper S Convertible?
- EPA rates it at 28 mpg combined (25 city / 33 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,850.