MINI Cooper S years to avoid (and the best years)
167 NHTSA owner complaints and 8 recalls across 6 model years, 2010 to 2015. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 167complaints
- 8recalls
- 3reported crashes
- 14reported fires
- 8reported injuries
Which MINI Cooper S years should you avoid?
No MINI Cooper S model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical MINI Cooper S year has 23 complaints on file. The busiest year is the 2010 (59).
What are the best MINI Cooper S years?
The MINI Cooper S years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2014 (13), 2015 (18) and 2013 (23). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 18 | 0.8× | 4 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2014 | 13 | 0.6× | 4 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2013 | 23 | 1.0× | 1 | 1 | 3 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2012 | 23 | 1.0× | 2 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2011 | 31 | 1.3× | 3 | 0 | 2 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2010 | 59 | 2.6× | 4 | 1 | 3 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 90 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain67 (74%)
- Electrical & infotainment11 (12%)
- Airbags & seat belts9 (10%)
- Brakes1 (1%)
- Steering, suspension & tires1 (1%)
Recalls (8)
Electrical system · 23V337000 · May 2023 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Engine · 18V248000 · Apr 2018 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Safety · 15V739000 · Nov 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
Inappropriate air bag activation/deactivation can increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a vehicle crash.
Airbags · 15V628000 · Oct 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
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.
Structure · 15V450000 · Jul 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
If the side impact performance requirements are not met, rear seat passengers may be at a higher risk of injury during a crash.
Transmission · 14V789000 · Dec 2014 · model years 2014, 2015
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.
Engine · 12V008000 · Jan 2012 · model years 2010, 2011
THE CIRCUIT BOARD MAY SMOLDER WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Safety · 09V474000 · Dec 2009 · model year 2010
ERRONEOUS TIRE INFORMATION COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER TIRE FITMENT AND INFLATION WHICH COULD AFFECT THE DURABILITY OF THE TIRE AND THE STABILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.