MINI Cooper problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 376 owner complaints and 22 recalls on file for the MINI Cooper (2005–2026). The 2010 Cooper has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.

Complaints
376
Recalls
22
Model years
22
Worst year
2010

Complaints by model year

920051027200719322009445120112829201353120152817201751020197720216720231120252
NHTSA complaints per MINI Cooper model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst MINI Cooper years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2010 MINI Cooper — 44 complaints, 4 fires; top problem: Electrical System
  2. 2016 MINI Cooper — 28 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Engine
  3. 2011 MINI Cooper — 51 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Electrical System
  4. 2009 MINI Cooper — 32 complaints, 2 fires; top problem: Electrical System
  5. 2012 MINI Cooper — 28 complaints, 2 fires; top problem: Electrical System

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2018 (5 complaints).

Every MINI Cooper model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2026 Cooper20001Electrical System
2025 Cooper10003Engine
2024 Cooper10000Brakes
2023 Cooper71100Wheels & Tires
2022 Cooper61010Body & Structure
2021 Cooper71122Electrical System
2020 Cooper73022Airbags
2019 Cooper100002Electrical System
2018 Cooper50000Electrical System
2017 Cooper171003Transmission & Drivetrain
2016 Cooper282041Engine
2015 Cooper310006Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2014 Cooper50107Electrical System
2013 Cooper290001Electrical System
2012 Cooper280201Electrical System
2011 Cooper511011Electrical System
2010 Cooper440411Electrical System
2009 Cooper320231Electrical System
2008 Cooper190001Airbags
2007 Cooper270201Electrical System
2006 Cooper101211Steering
2005 Cooper90202Steering

Most common MINI Cooper problem areas (all years)

  • Electrical System
    161 complaints
  • Airbags
    82 complaints
  • Engine
    57 complaints
  • Lighting
    38 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    32 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    29 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    28 complaints
  • Steering
    21 complaints
  • Brakes
    17 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    10 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the MINI Cooper received by NHTSA each month.

MINI Cooper recalls

  • Recall 25V616000Sep 17, 20251,571 vehiclesModel years 2025–2026

    Risk: A damaged seat belt retractor may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 24V697000Sep 18, 2024309 vehiclesModel years 2025

    Risk: A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V104000Feb 12, 2024266,716 vehiclesModel years 2025

    Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V337000May 11, 202397,933 vehiclesModel years 2007–2013

    Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 21V554000Jul 21, 202121,537 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.

  • Recall 20V283000May 20, 202076 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021

    Risk: If the safety systems do not deploy as intended in a roll over crash, it may increase the risk of injury.

  • Recall 19V634000Aug 28, 2019683 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: Without a crash pad, rear seat passengers would have an increased risk of injury in the event of a side impact crash.

  • Recall 19V601000Aug 14, 201932 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: A broken steering tie rod would lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 18V465000Jul 11, 20185,309 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 17V222000Mar 31, 201716,883 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: If the brake light does not illuminate when a turn signal is activated, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 16V914000Dec 20, 20163,506 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 16V747000Oct 17, 201615,455 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: In the event of a crash where heavy braking is applied, the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) may activate when the occupant is more forward in the seat, possibly increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 15V739000Nov 9, 201538 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: Inappropriate air bag activation/deactivation can increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a vehicle crash.

  • Recall 15V660000Oct 15, 201586,018 vehiclesModel years 2005

    Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

  • Recall 15V628000Oct 7, 20156,073 vehiclesModel years 2014–2016

    Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, an air bag that does not deploy properly increases the risk of injury to the front seat passenger.

  • Recall 15V450000Jul 17, 201530,456 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: If the side impact performance requirements are not met, rear seat passengers may be at a higher risk of injury during a crash.

  • Recall 15V205000Apr 6, 201591,800 vehiclesModel years 2005–2006

    Risk: An improperly functioning mat may cause the passenger frontal air bag to be inactive when the seat is occupied, and in the event of a crash, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the passenger's risk of injury.

  • Recall 15V034000Jan 26, 201513,130 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: The maximum weight listed on the label is incorrect (too low) and therefore does not comply with Federal Regulations.

  • Recall 14V789000Dec 15, 20141,928 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being in Park, the vehicle could roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

  • Recall 14V721000Nov 10, 2014846 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: If the seatback adjustment mechanism is not fully engaged, the seatback may fold during a rear impact collision, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

  • Recall 14V619000Oct 3, 20145,805 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: Vibrations from driving may cause the nut to loosen, allowing the wheel to separate from the car. If the spare wheel separates from the vehicle, it could become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V422000Jul 14, 201427 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: If the air bag deploys improperly in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the air bags, the seat occupant may be at an increased risk of injury.

Other MINI models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology