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2002-2025 · 22 model years

Mini Cooper S Problems by year

Owners have filed 730 complaints about the Mini Cooper S across 22 model years, and it has 23 recalls. The 2004 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (529), while 2022, 2024 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the steering, followed by the engine & cooling.

Most complaints for its age2004529 complaints · 2 recallsSee the 2004
Complaints
730
Recalls
23
Crashes
18
Fires
23
Injuries
13
Deaths
1

Cooper S complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20254300BrakesF
20241000Engine & coolingA
20221000Electrical systemA
20210200-C
20205210Engine & coolingF
20194100Electrical systemC
20174310AirbagsD
20160300-C
201571432Engine & coolingF
20140400-C
20130100-A
20120200-B
20110300-C
201059415Engine & coolingF
200936300Engine & coolingF
200816402AirbagsF
20070400-C
20060100-A
20050200-B
200452921214SteeringF
20030200-B
20020100-A

Most common Cooper S problems

Mini Cooper S recalls 23

Seat belts

21V55400021,537 vehicles affected

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1...

Structure

19V634000683 vehicles affected

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and JCW vehicles. The rear side trim panels may have been assembled without a crash pad. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal...

Engine

18V4650005,309 vehicles affected

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a...

Engine and engine cooling: turbo / supercharger

18V24800047,806 vehicles affected

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible...

Air bags

16V9140003,506 vehicles affected

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman...

Latest Cooper S complaints

2025 Mini Cooper SAcceleration & cruise control

Two things I noticed. 1. Going from a complete stop such as when waiting at a red light or stop sign, and then pressing the accelerator intermittently causes the vehicle to not respond. I see the power gauge max out but the car does not move and worse if on a hill will roll backwards before lurching forward. 2. When on the highway going 40-50 mph, I want to change lanes or pass someone, I press the accelerator and the car slows down/disengages before lurching forward. This makes tighter timing impossible and puts...

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my safety at risk if I begin the lane change not anticipating the drop in speed/power from the car. I have taken the car to the service dept at Mini several times for this issue as it has been occuring since I purchased the vehicle. I was told no error codes were found.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11767951
2024 Mini Cooper SEngine & coolingVisibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2024 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that a brake pad failure message was illuminated on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the brake fluid service issue. The brake fluid flush was completed, and a complimentary oil change was provided. Two days after doing so, approximately two days later, the Oil Light illuminated, advising to add a quart of oil. The vehicle was returned and inspected. It was assumed the cap was not on tight enough. The air conditioner failed...

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shortly after. The vehicle was returned, and it was diagnosed that the AC motor had failed. The motor was replaced, and 2 days later, the Oil Light advising for 1 quart of oil illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed an oil leak but had not identified where. They added 2 quarts of oil and advised returning to the dealer. The dealer confirmed an oil leak and provided the contact with a loaner. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the issues. The failure mileage was 12,625.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · VisibilityNHTSA 11737574
2015 Mini Cooper SBody, doors & structure

The rear windshield fell out of the top of my convertible. There was no accident or foul play involved. The glue that bonds the window to the top became unglued. This happened at 70,000 miles. The top is made of fabric and the window is made out of glass. Have to you replace the entire top to repair it. Not sure why this is not a recall. It is a well-known problem for the car.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11708598
2015 Mini Cooper SFuel system

The fuel filling nozzle turns off repeatedly (as if already full) while filling the fuel tank. About 1/4 to 1/3 of a gallon of fuel will go in before it turns off, backs up, and the gas overflows onto the outside of the car and onto the concrete. It happens regardless of the pump being used. It started happening occasionally a few months ago if the tank was refilled when a quarter full. It now happens consistently, no matter the fuel level. I had the car put on a lift and the system diagnosed today. The mechanic said the cause is a faulty service valve within the fuel tank assembly. They also said it is a known issue with F56 Mini Coopers.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11692422
2019 Mini Cooper SVisibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2019 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that a rock had hit the driver's side of the windshield due to construction work on a local highway. The contact stated that the passenger's side of the windshield was also hit by a rock while driving. The contact stated that the driver's side of the windshield sustained a minor fracture; however, the passenger's side of the windshield was severely damaged. An unknown dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,485. The VIN was not available.

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 11679180
2015 Mini Cooper SBody, doors & structure

The back window comes unglued to the convertible top when the car is parked outside in warm weather. Ive seen this in several other mini cooper roadsters within the past few weeks. This causes the car to have a hole in the convertible top and leaves the glass hanging from the sensor. To fix it you need to buy a whole new top. This HAS to be a design defect.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11677078

Questions about the Mini Cooper S

Which Mini Cooper S years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2004 (529), 2015 (71), 2010 (59). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2004 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Mini Cooper S years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2022, 2002, 2006 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other Cooper S years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Mini Cooper S problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the steering (456), engine & cooling (100), electrical system (58) most often.

How many recalls does the Mini Cooper S have?

NHTSA lists 23 recalls across all Mini Cooper S model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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