Federal investigators with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is trying to determine if the Mini Cooper sport coupes are literally hot cars.

NHTSA says its Office of Defect Investigations has received a dozen complaints of engine compartment fires in Mini Cooper S models from the 2007 and 2008 model years, including the Clubman and Convertible models. Eight of the complaints allege the engine fires occurred with the engine off. Five of the engine fire incidents resulted in a total loss of the vehicle.

None of the owners were injured in the reported incidents. However, the ODI notes a rising number of complaints of Mini Cooper engine fires have prompted the agency to take a closer look at the issue. After further investigation, NHTSA will determine if a broader recall of the approximately 36,000 Mini Cooper S cars are warranted.

If you have a safety issue with your car, check out How to write a NHTSA complaint—and make it useful before you head over to the NHTSA's website (www.SaferCar.gov) and file your vehicle safety issue with the ODI.

Investigation: 2007-2008 Mini Cooper - Engine and Cooling NHTSA Action # PE11036 [NHTSA]
Safety regulators checking into Mini engine fires [Associated Press via Google News]