MINI Cooper S Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 1,777 consumer complaints across the 18 model years of the MINI Cooper S (2002–2020) that have at least 5 complaints. 2005 has the most, with 314. Across all years, the part named most often is steering (669 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
Best and worst Cooper S years →
All Cooper S model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | 4,714 | 2 | 68 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 5 | 40,830 | 1 | 144 | — | Not enough data |
| 2017 | 6 | 17,200 | 3 | 226 | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 10 | 42,000 | 3 | 338 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 18 | 33,810 | 4 | 376 | — | Rising |
| 2014 | 13 | 25,000 | 4 | 426 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 24 | 49,400 | 1 | 140 | — | Rising |
| 2012 | 23 | 86,000 | 2 | 152 | — | Rising |
| 2011 | 31 | 65,008 | 3 | 152 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2010 | 59 | 62,635 | 4 | 140 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 119 | 52,062 | 3 | 115 | 53 · Typical | Rising |
| 2008 | 168 | 53,600 | 4 | 111 | 72 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 249 | 52,000 | 4 | 114 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 186 | 55,000 | 1 | 49 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 314 | 66,000 | 2 | 43 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 247 | 74,000 | 2 | 41 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 217 | 70,000 | 2 | 39 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 83 | 75,415 | 1 | 37 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Steering669 36%
- Engine339 18%
- Air bags260 14%
- Engine cooling185 9.9%
- Electrical system172 9.2%
- Transmission and drivetrain115 6.2%
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)69 3.7%
- Fuel system55 3.0%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2005: “When adjusting the driver and passenger seats, the airbag light illuminated. After researching online, I conducted troubleshooting. I verified that the wiring harnesses and connectors for the airbag sensors under both seats had come loose, and certain wires de-pinned. The car was running, and parked when this occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #11186059, filed 2019-03, 62,527 miles2008: “To the best of my knowledge the airbag system is off line. The passenger airbags do not turn on when a passenger is seated. The passenger airbag indicator light shows that it is not turning on with or without a passenger. Also the drivers side airbag indicator light comes on the dashboard and the tachometer when I start the vehicle. This problem began while the vehicle was parked and stationary.”
NHTSA complaint #11361883, filed 2020-09, 90,000 miles2009: “Passenger side airbag sensor. Light does not go off. Dealer advises this is a known problem and they extended warranty on it for 10 yrs but did not recall even though they know it's a defect. We purchased our 2009 Mini in oct 2008 so not covered by their extension. Shouldn't it be since they acknowledge problem?”
NHTSA complaint #11242477, filed 2019-08, 35,000 milesOther MINI models
2,232 complaintsMINI Cooper Convertible
170 complaintsMINI Cooper S Convertible
131 complaintsMINI Cooper Clubman
112 complaintsMINI Cooper Countryman
107 complaintsMINI Countryman
97 complaintsMINI Cooper S Clubman
88 complaintsMINI Clubman
75 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology