MINI Cooper S problems by year
1,720 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 19 MINI Cooper S model years. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 3 | — | |
| 2020 Fewer complaints | 5 | 2 | — | |
| 2019 Fewer complaints | 5 | 1 | — | |
| 2017 Fewer complaints | 5 | 3 | — | |
| 2016 Fewer complaints | 9 | 3 | — | |
| 2015 | 18 | 4 | — | |
| 2014 | 13 | 4 | — | |
| 2013 | 24 | 1 | Electrical System | |
| 2012 | 23 | 2 | Electrical System | |
| 2011 | 31 | 3 | Electrical System | |
| 2010 | 59 | 4 | Engine | |
| 2009 | 119 | 3 | Engine | |
| 2008 | 168 | 4 | Engine | |
| 2007 Most complained | 249 | 4 | Engine | |
| 2006 | 186 | 1 | Air Bags | |
| 2005 Most complained | 314 | 2 | Steering | |
| 2004 Most complained | 247 | 2 | Steering | |
| 2003 Most complained | 217 | 2 | Steering | |
| 2002 | 83 | 1 | Steering |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with MINI.