MINI Cooper S problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 110 owner complaints and 19 recalls on file for the MINI Cooper S (2005–2025).

Complaints: 110
Recalls: 19
Model years: 19
Worst year: —

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per MINI Cooper S 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.

Every MINI Cooper S model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2025 Cooper S	4	0	0	0	3	Brakes
2024 Cooper S	1	0	0	0	0	Visibility & Wipers
2022 Cooper S	1	0	0	0	0	Electrical System
2021 Cooper S	0	0	0	0	2	—
2020 Cooper S	4	1	0	1	2	Engine
2019 Cooper S	4	0	0	0	1	Electrical System
2017 Cooper S	4	0	0	0	3	Brakes
2016 Cooper S	5	0	1	0	3	Engine
2015 Cooper S	10	0	0	0	4	Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2014 Cooper S	2	0	0	0	4	Transmission & Drivetrain
2013 Cooper S	14	0	0	2	1	Electrical System
2012 Cooper S	14	0	0	0	2	Electrical System
2011 Cooper S	13	0	0	0	3	Electrical System
2010 Cooper S	4	0	1	0	3	Engine
2009 Cooper S	12	0	0	0	3	Electrical System
2008 Cooper S	7	0	1	0	3	Airbags
2007 Cooper S	4	0	1	0	3	Electrical System
2006 Cooper S	3	0	0	0	1	Airbags
2005 Cooper S	4	0	0	0	2	Steering

Most common MINI Cooper S problem areas (all years)

Electrical System
54 complaints
Engine
25 complaints
Airbags
13 complaints
Brakes
8 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
8 complaints
Lighting
7 complaints
Steering
7 complaints
Body & Structure
4 complaints
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
4 complaints
Seats & Seat Belts
4 complaints

Complaint trend

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

MINI Cooper S recalls

Recall 26V422000Jul 1, 2026428 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 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 18V465000Jul 11, 20185,309 vehiclesModel years 2019
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 18V248000Apr 18, 201847,806 vehiclesModel years 2007–2012
Risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Recall 17V222000Mar 31, 201716,883 vehiclesModel years 2016–2017
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 2016–2017
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 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 12V008000Jan 11, 201290,368 vehiclesModel years 2007–2011
Risk: The circuit board may smolder which could result in a vehicle fire.

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