2017 Mini Cooper S

6 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

1. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Sep 13, 2023Ridgeland, MSService brakes

   I am reporting a severe safety hazard regarding unprompted, sudden, and uneven vehicle braking that occurs exclusively when the windshield wipers are turned on. While driving in wet conditions with the windshield wipers active, the vehicle intermittently and violently applies the brakes on its own without any input on the brake pedal. This creates a sudden deceleration and causes the vehicle to pull erratically, posing an immediate risk of a rear-end collision or a loss of vehicle control.Research into the vehicle's engineering reveals that this is a severe malfunction of the Automated Brake Drying / Dry Braking feature embedded in the ABS/DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) module logic. While the system is supposed to lightly skim the rotors to clear water film when the wipers are on, a software loop or internal hydraulic pump glitch is causing the system to overcompensate and aggressively lock the brakes instead. The hazard resolves immediately if the wipers are turned completely off, proving a direct electronic link between the wiper switch and the dangerous braking event. BMW/MINI has recalled 2023–2025 models for similar integrated braking malfunctions, but this identical safety defect is actively impacting older models like my 2017 MINI Cooper without a recall solution.

   NHTSA complaint 11766469
2. Filed Mar 9, 2026Failure Mar 9, 2026101,000 milesWest End, NCEngine

   The contact owns a 2017 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was vibrating abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the passenger’s side engine mount needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the passenger’s side engine mount had been replaced five years ago, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11723036
3. Filed Mar 27, 2025Failure Mar 15, 2025Oakland, CAUnknown or other

   Hi, the component is the water seals around the trunk lid of the rear boot; this results in water intrusion. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. Water has been collecting on the interior car body, including electrical components related to rear lights (brakes, turn signal, reverse) as well as resulting mold growth. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by Weatherford BMW, and despite there being a service bulletin open (MINI TSB SI M51 05 16) for a design flaw, BMW/MINI is refusing to fix the issue outside of warranty. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Only by the manufacturer. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Water intrusion caused the left taillight to short, and I received a warning light for this.

   NHTSA complaint 11651162
4. Filed Sep 18, 2024Failure May 17, 2024Ridgeland, MSElectrical system, Automatic emergency braking, Service brakes

   While driving in the rain, the ABS engages, slowing the front right tire dramatically causing the car to skid and lurch to the right. After some internet research, it appears that this is not an isolated incident. Mini Cooper owners also discovered that when driving in dry conditions and the windshield wiper is turned on, the front right tire slows, causing the car to skid and lurch to the right. European Automotive verified that this was the case on my vehicle. This started without any warning and was terrifying. I told both the local mechanic and the dealer that I would not drive the car until it was repaired. There were no warning lights. The local mechanic and the dealer were unable to find any fault codes. The dealer is 3 hours away. Before we knew what the problem was, I towed the car to the dealership and they were unable to replicate the problem. All test drives were done in dry conditions. They replaced the cruise control sensor and the steering wheel and then delivered the car to me saying it was repaired. While driving the car back from out of town, it began to rain, when the windshield wipers came on, the front tire slowed dramatically, lurching the car to the right. This is a terrifying experience, especially in the rain. It seems this is not an isolated incident and may have already caused serious accidents. The car is less than 50,000 miles old and has been used for work only. I have not driven the car out of fear of an accident and have parked it in my driveway waiting for some type of resolution with the dealer.

   NHTSA complaint 11615276
5. Filed May 24, 2019Failure May 23, 201915,000 milesBellmore, NYEngine, Vehicle speed control

   TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FREEPORT MINI COOPER (280 SUNRISE HWY, FREEPORT, NY 11520, (516) 665-1246) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND HAD A SPECIALIST EXAMINE THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11209703
6. Filed Jan 10, 2018Failure Jan 9, 201817,200 milesLexington, KYAir bagsCrash1 injured

   I WAS HIT HEAD ON LAST NIGHT AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAD SLOWED TO APPROX 10 MPH WHILE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS TRAVELING APPROX 20-30MPH. VEHICLE THE HIT ME WAS A MID 200'S TRAIL BLAZER. *BF *TR

   NHTSA complaint 11061571