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2003 Mini Cooper Transmission Continuous Variable Transmission

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MINI 2003 MINI Cooper Automatic Transmission Consumer Complaints

Complaint Number:
10628948
Incident Date:
August 27, 2014
Date Added to File:
August 27, 2014
Description of the Complaint:
The contact owns a 2003 MINI cooper. The contact stated that the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the entire transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,000.

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Complaint Number:
10423062
Incident Date:
August 25, 2011
Date Added to File:
September 2, 2011
Description of the Complaint:
We purchased a 2003 MINI cooper just weeks ago from a private party. Almost instantly the power steering went out while my daughter was driving. Luckily she wasn't in heavy traffic on the la freeway. We were told by the service center that we needed a new power steering pump. We purchased this and had it installed for approx.$1200.00. However the electric power steering pump fan still would not shut off when the engine was turned off, so this issue was still not resolved. Immediately following this repair my daughter was driving on the freeway at 60 mph when the car suddenly jerked and slowed to a stop. Luckily my daughter was in the right hand lane and could pull over on to the side of the busy freeway.(still no power steering working)the car was towed to the MINI dealer. They diagnosed that the cvt transmission needs to be replaced, at a cost of $7150 approx. And this is before they can even diagnose the steering fan electrical problem. From all the complaints on this website about both of these problems, MINI needs to take responsibility! We don't know what to do, as the repairs are much more than the cars value and the MINI service manager states that the new cvt transmission only has a 2 year warranty. If this is a defective transmission, why should we pay for another one. As of today my daughter has to walk/bus to school and the MINI sits.We are interested in the class action suit.

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Complaint Number:
10419705
Incident Date:
October 6, 2009
Date Added to File:
August 16, 2011
Description of the Complaint:
The contact owns a 2003 MINI cooper. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnostics, where the technicians stated that the transmission had an internal defect and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 77,648.

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Complaint Number:
10407890
Incident Date:
April 27, 2011
Date Added to File:
June 16, 2011
Description of the Complaint:
2003 MINI cooper. Consumer states problem with vehicle transmission *tgw the consumer stated her daughter was driving on the los angeles freeway when the transmission abruptly and suddenly failed. The vehicle had to be towed and various repair shops stated it would cost $ 9,3000 to repair because MINI didn't sell the cvt transmission anymore because they were defective and prone to failure. The consumer has since donated the vehicle.

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Complaint Number:
10392840
Incident Date:
November 19, 2010
Date Added to File:
March 25, 2011
Description of the Complaint:
My 2003 MINI cooper has had total transmission failure (cvt transmission) at only 46,129 miles. Failure was total and sudden and vehicle is undriveable without new transmission. The dealer quoted me a cost of $10,055.44 (parts $6,943.28, labor $2,700 + tax). This cost is more that the vehicles' current value. I have been told that only a new cvt transmission can replace the faulty one, and even then that transmission may again fail as they are such terrible transmissions. The car will not take any other transmission option. The dealer basically laughed and said, "I don't suppose you have an extra $10,000 laying around," when he told me the cost of the repair. The dealer has offered no assistance in lowering the cost, but basically said "tough luck" and taken no responsibility. The car is useless and unfixable at this cost. A recall should be done as consumers have been sold a failed transmission, and the safety of this car's transmission is totally faulty.

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Complaint Number:
10383299
Incident Date:
February 18, 2011
Date Added to File:
February 18, 2011
Description of the Complaint:
I own a 2003 MINI cooper with a cvt automatic transmission, transmission and front differential filed at 58000 miles lucky for me I was not on the interstate or busy traffic as a serious accident could have occurred. MINI usa are totally aware of the problem and stopped putting this defective part in newer model vehicles. They will also not stand behind their product and are unwilling to rectify it. There are hundreds of people with this same issue concerning this transmission but for whatever reason there is still no safety recall. I hope it is not going to take someone to be killed or seriously injured before anything is done. Also the bushings on the drivers side a frame are bad wch in my opinion is a serious fault and could be extremely dangerous. Cost of replacement is 7,000+ these cars are rolling death traps in my opinion and someone needs to be held accountable.

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Complaint Number:
10342117
Incident Date:
June 5, 2010
Date Added to File:
July 8, 2010
Description of the Complaint:
Transmission failure and power steering failure on 2003 MINI cooper (automatic) at 43,000 miles. Original owner, no psp problems until a month ago when suddenly locked up while driving. Once restarted the problem stopped. Just tried to sell the car back to the dealer who then opted out of the sale after inspection as they said it needed a new transmission ($7,000+). Both of these issues seem common when I searched on the net; both should be recall issues.

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Complaint Number:
10335358
Incident Date:
June 7, 2010
Date Added to File:
June 8, 2010
Description of the Complaint:
The cvt transmission on my 2003 MINI cooper has failed rendering the car not drivable. The transmission has always been quirky, but I was assured by the dealer that it was working properly. The transmission slips drastically and makes a very audible whirring sound. The only option for repair is a complete new part install at the dealer cost of $8,800. I have read hundreds and hundreds of identical stories about the cvts on MINI coopers as well as the power steering pump. It seems from research that this part commonly fails and replacing with a defective part at a cost near nine thousand dollars is absurd and disgusting. It is cost prohibitive to keep my car operating and I feel as though I have, as well as thousands of other MINI owners have been sold a defective product worthy of recall.

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Complaint Number:
10334175
Incident Date:
May 13, 2010
Date Added to File:
June 1, 2010
Description of the Complaint:
Mi MINI cooper 2003 got transmission problems ,need a part that they call ,actuator motor,,is no way to find that piece ,need a new transmission for 8000 $ dollars. Many MINI coopers have the same problem nobody can do a recall to BMW.

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Complaint Number:
10331271
Incident Date:
May 12, 2010
Date Added to File:
May 19, 2010
Description of the Complaint:
2003 MINI cooper with failing cvt transmission. This transmission was discontinued by MINI and subsequently is failing at less than 100k miles. The transmission failure is abrupt and can possibly leave the passenger/s stranded in oncoming traffic. Consulted with MINI of greenville , sc this week and they stated that they are not responsible for the failing transmissions and cost to replace is approximately $8000. When asked if they would accept the vehicle for a trade they stated they would only give $1000 for the vehicle on a trade. I have read multiple posts from irate owners who are having to deal with the premature failed transmissions. With the increased focus on vehicle safety MINI should be held accountable for these premature failures.

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Complaint Number:
10312680
Incident Date:
October 15, 2008
Date Added to File:
February 22, 2010
Description of the Complaint:
My 2003 MINI cooper's cvt transmission stopped working about 1 year ago. The MINI has 75k miles (all highway miles). Towed the car to the MINI dealership. Had the modular unit replaced; however that wasn't the problem. The problem is that the cvt transmission needs to be replaced. The cost to replace it is too much. It cost the true value of the car...Over $8,000 to replace it. BMW/MINI cooper will not take any part of responsibility to their mechanical problems on these types of cars. Due to the high cost of repairs the broken down MINI is being stored in a garage basically rotting away.

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Complaint Number:
10310385
Incident Date:
February 10, 2010
Date Added to File:
February 14, 2010
Description of the Complaint:
Sudden and unexpected failure of automatic transmission on 2003 MINI cooper.

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Complaint Number:
10302031
Incident Date:
December 1, 2009
Date Added to File:
January 23, 2010
Description of the Complaint:
Transmission cvt failure.

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Complaint Number:
10301992
Incident Date:
October 10, 2008
Date Added to File:
January 23, 2010
Description of the Complaint:
2003 MINI cooper transmission failed while driving on highway. Car just stopped while going 60 mph. Manufacturer/dealer would not cover repairs (85,000 miles out of warranty). Estimate to replace: $9,000. Sold car as is at auction.

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Complaint Number:
10292084
Incident Date:
November 6, 2009
Date Added to File:
November 13, 2009
Description of the Complaint:
The contact owns a 2003 MINI cooper. While driving approximately 25 mph the transmission began to slip gears. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The failure was related to the transmission which required replacement. The transmission can only be replaced by an authorized dealer, but there are no authorized dealerships in the state. The mechanic estimated the replacement cost of the transmission between $8,000-$9,000. The vehicle has not been repaired for the malfunction. The failure and current mileages were 76,500. The vin was unavailable. Updated 01/12/10 *bf uddated 01/14/10.

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Complaint Number:
10289738
Incident Date:
October 22, 2009
Date Added to File:
October 25, 2009
Description of the Complaint:
Transmission failed on 2003 MINI cooper while driving on highway.

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Complaint Number:
10285009
Incident Date:
September 19, 2009
Date Added to File:
September 23, 2009
Description of the Complaint:
The contact owns a 2003 MINI cooper. The contact stated that the transmission will shift into the drive gear. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility, and a technician concluded that he needed to replace the cvt transmission, at an expense of $ 8,300.00. No repairs were made. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was provided. The failure and current mileages were 88,000. Updated 10/21/09. *lj the repair shop discovered the cvt drive belt had shredded which sent metal through the transmission. There were no parts available, the only option was full transmission replacement. Updated 10/20/09

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Complaint Number:
10284591
Incident Date:
August 20, 2009
Date Added to File:
September 19, 2009
Description of the Complaint:
My car will suddenly only go about 5 mph. This has happened several times. We have taken it to the mechanic and he thinks he has it fixed and then it happens again. Now they are saying it needs a new transmission for $8,400. They can't rebuild one, they can't buy a rebuilt one. The car has low miles and the transmission shouldn't be going out. I believe MINI coopers have a flawed transmission and the company continues to put more flawed transmissions into cars and we the customers are getting '!@#$%.

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Complaint Number:
10284244
Incident Date:
July 29, 2009
Date Added to File:
September 17, 2009
Description of the Complaint:
Our MINI cooper repeatedly stalled while in heavy traffic resulting in several near death experiences. No fault code or check-engine light ever appeared. Upon taking the car into the dealership, while under warranty, the problem and our concerns were dismissed without remedy. Finally, after being in the mountains on windy roads a clicking noise began. Since no fault or check-engine light appeared, we assumed the cause of the noise to be from something minor and opted to drive the car to the nearest mechanic, a five mile drive. Shortly before arriving to the mechanic, the MINI unexpectedly became quite difficult to control. Luckily we were able to get off the freeway, upon which the transmission completely stopped working ' requiring the car to be pushed to the mechanic. Again, no check-engine light came on as a warning and no fault codes were stored. BMW's MINI cooper cvt transmission poses a significant safety hazard to drivers. Research indicates BMW is aware of the defective transmission, which explains why BMW opted to no longer use the cvt transmission in later models. Thank you for taking the time to rectify the situation to keep MINI owners & other drivers safe. Ours is just one of many similar experiences we've recently learned of while researching the dismal track record of BMW's cvt transmissions in early MINI coopers.

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Complaint Number:
10283768
Incident Date:
August 13, 2009
Date Added to File:
September 12, 2009
Description of the Complaint:
I have a 2003 MINI cooper with automatic cvt transmission and have had recurring problems with the cvt since I purchased the vehicle. Below is a summary of service visits, replacement of the cvt in 2007, and the current status of the cvt as inoperable. I have all invoices detailing work done. 10/9/02 - I purchased a new 2003 MINI cooper with automatic cvt transmission from baron BMW in merriam, ks. 12/02 - MINI usa sent me letter re: chassis #te13495 that some automatic cvt transmissions had been filled with the incorrect transmission oil and to schedule an appointment to have it flushed and replaced asap. 12/27/02 - baron flushed and replaced fluid. I also complained that the car had died two times and ran rough. Mileage 1,760. 7/2/03-I took MINI in complaining "when going from reverse to drive car has a hard lurch" and baron's invoice states "test drove car and found it was very harsh going into gear and lurched when it was cold". 2nd auto trans concern was "car has almost died at low idles a few times". Baron reprogrammed the car under warranty. Mileage 6,465. 7/23/07-customer goodwill provided by baron MINI and replaced the transmission at no cost although warranty was up. Mileage 49,512. 9/11/07-I took MINI in again complaining of rough idle and car wants to die at stops. Mileage 51,167. 8/13/09- MINI was having a hard time shifting out of 1st gear. It would only drive 15-20 mph at up to 3,000 rpms. I called baron and was told the current transmission had a two year warranty (which made this complaint 2 years and a few weeks past warranty) but it was possible MINI would cover repair/replacement. They did not. Baron flushed and filled the transmission fluid and said it runs better but it is not fixed. They recommend replacing the cvt again. I have not had the cvt replaced (for the 2nd time). Mileage 75,558.

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Complaint Number:
10278440
Incident Date:
May 8, 2009
Date Added to File:
July 27, 2009
Description of the Complaint:
Transmission failed with no warning or symptoms.

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Complaint Number:
10269118
Incident Date:
May 14, 2008
Date Added to File:
May 18, 2009
Description of the Complaint:
Cvt transmission failure.

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Complaint Number:
10266021
Incident Date:
April 12, 2009
Date Added to File:
April 19, 2009
Description of the Complaint:
Automatic transmission on my 2003 MINI cooper blew out without any warning. The car would not move. The car had just about 37,000 miles on it and was regularly maintained at the dealers shop.

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Complaint Number:
10262922
Incident Date:
March 1, 2009
Date Added to File:
March 24, 2009
Description of the Complaint:
2003 MINI cooper transmission failure. Replacement cost approx 7500.00 this is a known defect and there is a multitude of problems associated with this. I bought mine used. No disclosure of it during the sale. It should be at least be flagged for the consumers protection. Dealers, manufactures will not even discuss it. It is a horrible situation to be in.

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Complaint Number:
10255379
Incident Date:
January 10, 2007
Date Added to File:
January 16, 2009
Description of the Complaint:
My 2003 MINI cooper has transmission failure it fell to pieces at 61,000 miles after impeccable engine maintenance for no apparent reason then I found online that many MINI owners had similar problems at the same time approximately 4 yrs after buying the MINI scam that they sell this faulty car just glad it didn't cause an accident.

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Complaint Number:
10255090
Incident Date:
June 1, 2006
Date Added to File:
January 14, 2009
Description of the Complaint:
I have a 2003 MINI cooper. The transmission (cvt transmission) first failed at around 40,000 miles and the dealer was able to replace it under the warranty. Since then every few months the transmission will fail and so far it's been the 4th time that the dealer tried to replace the transmission and still fails. It seems like the problem cannot be fixed once and for all, now my car has 81,000 miles on it and I feel bad to sell the car knowing I am just passing the problem on to someone else. I can have it fixed at no charge as I am covered by warranty however if I sell it, the next buyer will not be protected and will face endless fix and money to waste, not to mention that it's $8000 each time to replace a transmission.

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Complaint Number:
10253125
Incident Date:
December 26, 2008
Date Added to File:
December 29, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
My automatic transmission (cvt) broke while pulling away from a stop sign. Car was well maintained, dealer service only. Mileage was only 54k.

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Complaint Number:
10251553
Incident Date:
December 4, 2008
Date Added to File:
December 12, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
I own a 2003 MINI cooper with a cvt automatic transmission. The car has 80000 miles on it and the cvt failed completely. There is no alternative but to get a new replacement with an "updated" 2005 model which I have been quoted from 2 places $8000 for parts and labor. This is my complaint. If they know there is a problem with the cvt why have they not contacted me? Please contact if you need further details.

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Complaint Number:
10247388
Incident Date:
April 18, 2004
Date Added to File:
October 31, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
The contact owns a 2003 MINI cooper. The contact had the transmission replaced three times. In addition, the brackets that support the muffler have rotted. Underneath the hood, the brackets that support the horn have also rotted. The contact will take the vehicle to the dealer again for another repair. The failure and current mileages were 68,600.

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Complaint Number:
10246675
Incident Date:
October 15, 2008
Date Added to File:
October 24, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
The cvt failed in my 2003 MINI cooper at 67,000 miles. The repair cost offered by dealer started at 7400 then when told I had read about numerous others having the same problem the cost became 5900. Also found out the company stopped using this transmission in 07 models due to problems. Need re-call and or reimbursements.

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Complaint Number:
10245497
Incident Date:
February 20, 2006
Date Added to File:
October 15, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
Failed cvt transmission in the middle of an intersection. Car had to be pushed to the side of the road as entire system was locked and engine died; could not manually move shift out of drive. Mileage was around 12,000 above warranty. Dealership quoted $7200 to replace transmission - no coverage under warranty. I could not afford the repair, so turned the car back to manufacturer as a voluntary repo. This was devastating. Car was in excellent condition otherwise.

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Complaint Number:
10242948
Incident Date:
September 19, 2008
Date Added to File:
September 19, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
Cvt transmission on 2003 MINI copper failed at 87,000 miles. The cost to replace is quoted by the dealer at $7400. Come to find out that this is a recurring issue with this transmission to the point that it should be considered a recall issue.

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Complaint Number:
10241893
Incident Date:
September 11, 2008
Date Added to File:
September 11, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
2003 MINI cooper, 66,000 miles and the transmission needs replaced. The cost is going to be 8,500.00.

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Complaint Number:
10241119
Incident Date:
May 7, 2006
Date Added to File:
September 5, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
Bought the car in 2003 brand new and had complained to the service dept when in for repairs that the transmission felt odd. It would jerk at low speeds, between 5 and 10. They said this was normal for the cvt and it should go away once the transmission was accustomed to the way I drive. In 2006 my husband was giving blood in manchester, nh and while he was doing that I went to the mall for a few hours. As I was returning to pick him up I came to a yellow light that I could not make it through. I stopped the car, like normal not a hard stop, and heard a clank noise almost as if I had hit something in the road. The light turned green and I pressed on the accelerator to go and nothing would happen except my rpms would go up. I was on a slight hill and began to coast but I wasn't sure if I was coasting or if the car was just going really slow, until I started in an uphill and the car stopped. I tried to turn of the car and turn it back on, crazy logic that sometimes does the trick, and there was no change. I pushed the car into a driveway as I was on a 2 lane road and blocking traffic and called aaa to have the car towed. The car was towed to MINI of peabody. When they called on monday they said that the cvt had failed, they found the chain and links in the oil pan and that it would have to be replaced. I asked how much the replacement would be and they told me parts and labor would be $7700. When I was told that I talked to the sa about the other people that had problems with they're cvt's at 60k miles. He said he would talk to the manager and call back. He called back and said that he talked to the manager and spoke with MINI usa and they would come half the cost of the replacement bringing it to $3850. I went to pick it up and it felt like a completely different car. There is no jerkiness at slow speeds so I'm convinced that I had a dud transmission all along.

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Complaint Number:
10240758
Incident Date:
September 2, 2008
Date Added to File:
September 3, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
On 9/2/08 I brought my 2003 MINI cooper to the dealer for service. I was hearing a noise from the front that clocked at low speed. I thought it was a bad cv joint and asked the service writer to verify and give me a estimate. When they were done it was determined the noise was coming from the transmission and it would need to be replaced. The estimate was $7613.00 plus tax. I drove home and spent some time researching the cvt transmission in the MINI coopers and found what appears to be a high failure rate. A look at several forums for MINI's shows postings of problems similar to mine in cooper models with mileages from 34,000 to 113,000 all with cvt transmissions. The replacement costs were similar too. There were many comments from forum users to avoid buying a used MINI cooper with a cvt, "avoid it like the plague" was one comment. MINI no longer uses this transmission. Maybe the failures made them look to another source, I do not know. I also contacted a person who is gathering names, 50 so far, to file a class action lawsuit against MINI to try and recoup the money spent repairing a faulty transmission. That is just 50 people who knew how to contact her to be added to the list. As of right now these people are still looking for an attorney to represent them. There must be more, and 50 transmissions is alot of money. If a investigation is done by the NHTSA and a recall is initiated then maybe these people can be reimbursed by MINI. I find it unusual that a transmission should fail in a vehicle with 81,500 miles and most complaints I have read have a average failure mileage at 60,000. Minis warranty expires at 50,000 miles. This is unacceptable. The MINI dealer has made a effort to share the expense with me and in good faith will replace the transmission for 1/2 price. As of this writing I have not made a decision yet. The vehicle has a trade-in value of $10,000, so spending almost $4000.00 to repair a obviously defective part is crazy.

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Complaint Number:
10239848
Incident Date:
August 25, 2008
Date Added to File:
August 26, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
Automatic transmission (cvt) failed. It will cost $8000 (MINI/BMW dealer quote) to replace. I noticed there were many complaints of this problem on the internet many recommended to file a complaint on the NHTSA website.

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Complaint Number:
10236567
Incident Date:
July 14, 2008
Date Added to File:
July 31, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
I own a 2003 MINI cooper with 67k miles ( out of warranty). Two weeks ago while driving up a hill to my home, the transmission would not go into gear. I could barely make it up the hill and had to change to the slow lane and pull off the road. After doing much searching on the internet, I found that many were having this problem. This is a major drive chain component that shouldn't go out at 67k. The cvt transmission seems to be flawed and acknowledged by the manufacturer as they do not put these transmissions into the newer models. Also it seems, even out of warranty MINI's get transmissions replaced; with the owner only having to pay for labor if the owner causes a "stink" or alludes to making problems for MINI. If the manufacturer really believed the cvt transmission were not faulty, I believe they would stick to their position with all customers, instead of making exceptions. MINI should be ordered to recall cars with the cvt transmission.

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Complaint Number:
10234914
Incident Date:
July 15, 2007
Date Added to File:
July 19, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
Purchased 2003 MINI cooper in 3/03 at MINI sterling in va. Moved to pa, servicing car under warranty at the nearest dealership, otto's MINI in west chester (50 mi away). Minor issues corrected under warranty, which expired in late 2005. In july 2007, at 78,000 miles, while driving on local expressway car suddenly lost ability to drive in gear and I pulled over (luckily safe - traffic was moving at 60-70 mph). Engine ran but car would not go into gear. All signs pointed to major transmission problem. Car towed to transmission shop in york (nearest recommended shop) who confirmed transmission issue. Called MINI of towson (nearest dealer) for quote on replacing transmission - it was $7800! Car was only worth $12,000-$13,000 at that time - repair was over 50% of car value. Local shop tried fix it with rebuilt transmission. Turned into 7 month nightmare as multiple rebuilt transmissions didn't work due to computer code issues, so car towed to MINI of towson twice to see if they could correct issues, but each time dealer only offered to fix with new transmission from them at $7800. Tried trading car to them for new MINI, but they only offered me $4000 for the car, saying their cost to fix was still $6000. Local shop finally gave up, refunding my deposit and returning car with rebuilt transmission that will only drives in low gear at 20 mph. Now have MINI in my garage (with balance on car loan) that should be worth $10,000 but is unusable. MINI is refusing to do anything about this design flaw (new cars have different transmission), which is unsafe at any speed, as they say. Netscape should order recall of these cars and repair at mine's cost. I have informed my congressman brother about this issue (he sits on house transportation committee) - he is awaiting word on how netscape and MINI respond to my complaint (obviously shared my many others). Thank you.

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Complaint Number:
10234912
Incident Date:
July 15, 2007
Date Added to File:
July 19, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
Purchased 2002 MINI cooper in 3/03 at MINI sterling in va. Moved to pa, servicing car under warranty at the nearest dealership, otto's MINI in west chester (50 mi away). Minor issues corrected under warranty, which expired in late 2005. In july 2007, at 78,000 miles, while driving on local expressway car suddenly lost ability to drive in gear and I pulled over (luckily safe - traffic was moving at 60-70 mph). Engine ran but car would not go into gear. All signs pointed to major transmission problem. Car towed to transmission shop in york (nearest recommended shop) who confirmed transmission issue. Called MINI of towson (nearest dealer) for quote on replacing transmission - it was $7800! Car was only worth $12,000-$13,000 at that time - repair was over 50% of car value. Local shop tried fix it with rebuilt transmission. Turned into 7 month nightmare as multiple rebuilt transmissions didn't work due to computer code issues, so car towed to MINI of towson twice to see if they could correct issues, but each time dealer only offered to fix with new transmission from them at $7800. Tried trading car to them for new MINI, but they only offered me $4000 for the car, saying their cost to fix was still $6000. Local shop finally gave up, refunding my deposit and returning car with rebuilt transmission that will only drives in low gear at 20 mph. Now have MINI in my garage (with balance on car loan) that should be worth $10,000 but is unusable. MINI is refusing to do anything about this design flaw (new cars have different transmission), which is unsafe at any speed, as they say. Ntsb should order recall of these cars and repair at MINI's cost. I have informed my congressman brother about this issue (he sits on house transpiration committee) - he is awaiting word on how ntsb and MINI respond to my complaint (obviously shared my many others). Thank you.

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Complaint Number:
10234816
Incident Date:
June 30, 2008
Date Added to File:
July 18, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
2003 MINI cooper, transmission problems. Dealers states it would cost seven thousand dollars to replace and fix. With the car only worth double than that it is an shameful act on MINI for doing this to customers. Sounds of rattling and transmission slipping, dealer states it is a regular problem with the cooper but there is no recall of any sort.

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Complaint Number:
10231622
Incident Date:
May 1, 2008
Date Added to File:
June 19, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
Cvt (continuously variable transmission) failure.

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Complaint Number:
10228872
Incident Date:
May 7, 2008
Date Added to File:
May 25, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
I was driving home from work and the MINI cooper would not accelerate any longer. Fortunately, I was about a mile away from home and called for help. We had to push the car all the way home. Come to find out, many people have been having the same problem with the MINI cooper transmission. They noted something about the cvt transmission that MINI tried experimenting with. I've read many stories where MINI cars just stopped in the middle of the highway. Many MINI transmissions have been giving out around 70,000 to 80,000 miles which is unorthodox for a transmission. The cost to replace the transmission was approx 8,000.

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Complaint Number:
10228252
Incident Date:
May 19, 2008
Date Added to File:
May 20, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
My cvt in my 2003 MINI cooper failed at 85000 miles.. Suddenly and it seems a rarer large percent are failing. With an average replacement price of $7000.. For a car that cost $21,000.. Never had a transmission fail like this.!! Car was towed to dealer.. Appro 1.4 miles away and we were given a lift home... Approx 24 miles away. We are waiting to hear what the repair cost will be but research gave me the number already of $7000. To be honest.. I cant afford that !!!

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Complaint Number:
10226573
Incident Date:
May 3, 2008
Date Added to File:
May 3, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
Cvt failure at 37,000 miles dealer estimates cost at $8,400 to replace (there is no repair option).

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Complaint Number:
10224836
Incident Date:
April 10, 2008
Date Added to File:
April 17, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
Driving to work one morning and the engine response seemed sluggish. Called a mechanic friend, he said it's either the spark plugs or transmission problem. Book appointment for service. Several days later, complete transmission failure at 83,000km. MINI cooper has said that I need a completely new transmission, being just off warranty by 3,000km I was quoted approximately $9,000 for repairs.

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Complaint Number:
10222135
Incident Date:
March 14, 2008
Date Added to File:
March 24, 2008
Description of the Complaint:
My 2003 MINI cooper uses a cvt transmission system and the transmission has failed after only 75,000 miles. I was fortunate to get the vehicle to the dealer for repair before the transmission actually failed but I was told by the dealers service center that the car was unsafe to drive as the transmission could go out at any time. I never would have expected a transmission to give out with so few miles on it and only took it to the dealer because it was making a strange sound. Had I not taken it in I could have lost the transmission while driving. I have heard from other owners of vehicles like mine and it appears this is not an isolated incident. The transmission system used in these cars is unreliable (I believe the manufacturer stopped using it after 2004 or 2005). There could potentially be a large number of these cars on the road with transmissions that are about to fail at any time whose owners are unaware of the problem.

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Complaint Number:
10205854
Incident Date:
October 9, 2007
Date Added to File:
October 16, 2007
Description of the Complaint:
2003 MINI cooper transmission failure at 70,000 miles, 4 years. MINI usa and BMW of north america, llc have a long history of this failure and refuse to take accountability for their defective parts, claiming it's a characteristic of the car. Smells of deceptive trade practices to me. Not to mention a monopoly-- there are only two dealership in dallas/fort worth that service MINI coopers, both tell me that the cost will be between $6k-9k to replace w/labor costs. Pep boys and other independents won't or cannot touch it because it's a MINI cooper and only MINI authorized dealers supposedly have specialty software/parts to perform job. This is a racket, MINI and BMW need to step up and stop selling defective transmissions and replace this at their cost and stand by their product and faulty and defective manufacturing. This is a problem for many first generation MINI's as I have learned from my recent on-line research. BMW/MINI has changed the transmissions on the MINI 2007 model -- wonder why?? They advertise that this car is a safe, dependable and long lasting car, but to the contrary, look at the list of problems people are reporting with them. God help them.

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Complaint Number:
10205481
Incident Date:
August 17, 2007
Date Added to File:
October 12, 2007
Description of the Complaint:
My 2003 MINI cooper with the cvt transmission began making a ratcheting noise from the transmission. The car was towed back to town, and after talking to the dealer, it was driven to the dealer. I was told it needed a new transmission: $7,200.00. No rebuild available. It had just turned 90,000 miles, driven by myself (retired) and my wife; very easy driving. This was over half the value of the car, so we drove it to a transmission shop that we were aware of for a second opinion. On the test drive at that shop, the transmission "blew up" and locked up everything on the street. The steel belt in the transmission had come apart, destroying everything internally. Had this happened on the freeway or a busy street, it could have been disastrous. Upon researching this transmission, I find that this problem is not at all uncommon. I believe MINI should be doing something about these early model cvt transmissions, which obviously have some mechanical defects built into them.

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Complaint Number:
10202093
Incident Date:
September 4, 2007
Date Added to File:
September 6, 2007
Description of the Complaint:
I need a new transmission at only 58,000 miles for my 03 MINI cooper. The manufacturer has offered to pay for the transmission, but I'm being asked to pay $2,500 for labor. I've never heard of a transmission crashing at 60,000 and I'm surprised that BMW and MINI aren't doing more to keep me as a loyal customer.

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Complaint Number:
10196298
Incident Date:
June 25, 2007
Date Added to File:
July 13, 2007
Description of the Complaint:
The contact owns a 2003 MINI cooper. While driving 50 mph, the rpms increase and the transmission makes noises when shifting gears. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who stated that the cvt transmission needed to be replaced. The current mileage is 91,991 and failure mileage was 89,000.

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Complaint Number:
10173779
Incident Date:
November 7, 2006
Date Added to File:
November 17, 2006
Description of the Complaint:
2003 MINI cooper cvt transmission died @ 83000 miles. I purchased vehicle from northwest MINI in tacoma, wa on 10-18-05 with 49000 miles and one year later the tranny is toast. Nw MINI wants $7200 to replace with same 'questionable cvt transmission'. Ironic that MINI has abandoned the cvt transmission for the 2007 models...They know it's a dog. I'm stuck, with many others, holding the bill!

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Source: https://www.aboutautomobile.com/Consumer-Complaint/2003/MINI/Cooper/Automatic-Transmission

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