Are MINI Coopers Reliable?

The reliability of a MINI Cooper ranks similar to Tesla reliability in terms of the novelty of the vehicle and how it compares to your average compact car or hatchback. While the MINI Cooper rates average for fuel efficiency, safety ratings, and dependability, it struggles with average repair costs and cost of ownership. However, though the MINI Cooper pales in reliability ratings compared to the average Honda or Toyota, it’s a good car overall. 

Measuring the reliability of a vehicle can present a challenge, especially as each vehicle is its own entity. While reliability ultimately depends on how well the car is made and how well it’s treated, the following sources can also offer insight into how reliable a vehicle may or may not be: 

• Safety ratings from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 
• Reliability ratings and reported problems from RepairPal
• Kelley Blue Book’s (KBB) 5-Year Cost to Own
• Dependability awards from J.D. Power 
• Fuel efficiency ratings from The U.S. Department of Energy’s FuelEconomy.gov

The following exploration of the MINI Cooper’s reliability draws from these resources to paint a more transparent, objective picture. Read on to explore the MINI Cooper’s reliability and how well it stacks up against the competition. 

Determining the MINI Cooper’s reliability rating (or a Volkswagen’s reliability rating or any other vehicle rating, for that matter) requires a deep look into the safety features and ratings, average repair costs, dependability, cost of ownership, and fuel efficiency ratings. The following sections break down these components individually for the MINI Cooper. 

1. Safety ratings and features 

The 2022 and 2023 MINI Cooper variants have yet to be rated by the NHTSA. However, the NHTSA’s website lists four complaints concerning the engine, tires, electrical system, and air recirculation system. While no recalls have been announced, the manufacturer has posted seven communications. 

However, the IIHS did perform tests on the 2023 Hardtop 2 Door and 4 Door variants. The 2 Door model received a “Good” rating in all categories but only an “Acceptable” rating for the headlights. The LATCH ease of use test also yielded a “Marginal” result. The 4 Door version has no crashworthiness ratings, but again, the headlights scored “Acceptable.” 

2. Average repair costs

A MINI Cooper's average annual maintenance cost is $854, over $200 more than the industry average of $652 in yearly repair costs. RepairPal ranks reliability 3 out of 5 for this British icon, putting it at 25 out of 32 car brands. MINIs also visit the shop an average of 0.6 times annually, compared to 0.4 times on average for all car brands. The brand suffers from a 13% chance of severe repairs, just one percent higher than the industry standard. 

3. Cost of ownership

Car depreciation can hit a vehicle hard, which is the case with the MINI Cooper Hardtop in two- and four-door configurations. Though both rank high in the sporty compact car segment and the two-door ranks first in compact car and electric vehicle (EV) segments, depreciation hovers between $17,000 and $20,000. That’s about two-thirds of the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the 2024 MINI Electric Hardtop, which is $30,900. 

Owning a 2023 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door costs $33,813, while the Hardtop 4 Door tips the scales at $42,882. Second and third place in the sporty compact cars segment are the 2023 Honda Civic and 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI. The Civic only depreciates just over $13,000, while the GTI rivals the Hardtop 4 Door’s cost of ownership at $42,488. 

4. Dependability 

J.D. Power awarded the MINI Cooper Hardtop an 81 out of 100 points overall. While the car scored well in quality and reliability, driving experience, and dealership experience, resale value dipped slightly at 73 out of 100. However, J.D. Power also ranked the MINI Cooper Hardtop first out of many compact sporty cars, including the Mazda Miata, Subaru BRZ, and Toyota GR86. 

5. Fuel efficiency

FuelEconomy.gov holds the answer to the question of efficiency when it comes to the MINI Cooper. Of the most fuel-efficient cars of 2024, the MINI Cooper convertible ranks first in the minicompacts class. In the subcompacts category, the Hardtop 2 Door and 4 Door rival the Audi A3. 

MINI also posts the following numbers for the corresponding models: 

• 2023 MINI Cooper SE Hardtop 2 Door: 119 city and 100 highway MPGe (110 combined) 
• 2024 MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door: 28 city and 38 highway MPG (31 combined) 
• 2023 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible: 24 city and 33 highway MPG (27 combined)
• 2023 MINI CooperCountryman: 26 city and 32 highway MPG (28 combined)

The MINI Cooper’s diminutive size helps it remain fuel-efficient in gas-powered versions alone. While the electric version obviously beats out the gas-powered models, it represents MINI’s venture into the EV segment, allowing it to compete with FIAT’s electric model, the 500e. The low center of gravity created by the electric battery may also help it corner better if there’s ever a sequel to The Italian Job. 

Many of the MINI Cooper repair problems below stem from complaints received by RepairPal. Watch for these issues if you want to purchase a used or new car.  

1. Front radiator placement

Unfortunately, BMW called out the radiator supports on the MINI Coopers to be plastic. With such low ground clearance, the lower height puts those plastic supports at greater risk of cracking, shearing, or otherwise failing. The coolant hoses nearby can also sustain damage going over higher bumps and obstructions. 

2. Transmission failure

The first MINI Cooper generations suffered so much from transmission failures that BMW announced warranty coverage for repairs. Common symptoms included shakiness or delayed shifting. The manufacturer advises avoiding changing the transmission fluid until you’re at an interval when it’s recommended. 

3. Water pump and thermostat housing leaks 

The first two MINI generations also suffered from plastic thermostat housings that often succumbed to weathering. Water pump failure could lead to engine overheating if not replaced at 50,000 miles. Bad core plugs could also cause leakage. 

4. Loss of power steering

BMW issued a recall for the loss of power steering on MINI Coopers. The first generations were notorious for this issue, which was mainly caused by low power steering fluid or failure of the electric cooling fan. 

5. Clutch failure

Premature clutch failure plagued the first three generations with a manual transmission. While the culprit was often hard driving, some MINI Coopers required a new clutch before the specified interval. 

6. Excessive oil consumption 

The first and third-generation MINI Coopers were prone to oil leaks, sometimes internal, that resulted in excessive oil consumption. Current MINI Cooper owners advise performing oil changes more frequently than the owner’s manual specifies. In some cases, the oil pump solenoid valve requires replacement to avoid engine problems due to a lack of oil. 

MINI Cooper models include the MINI Countryman, Hardtop 2 Door and 4 Door, Convertible, and Clubman. You can also find various special editions, John Cooper Works variants, and new electric models aplenty. Below are some of the most reliable MINI Cooper models available. 

2010 MINI Cooper Hardtop and convertible models 

MINI Coopers produced in 2010 had a lot going for them, especially in the safety department. A wealth of safety features complemented the fuel economy of this generation, even in the base model. Suspension tuning also made this MINI Cooper model a hoot to drive. 

2016 Hardtop 2 Door, 4 Door, and convertible models 

Driving down the interstate in a cute little compact hatchback couldn’t be better if you have the 2016 MINI Cooper Hardtop convertible or Hardtop models. The quiet interior in the enclosed versions could be your safe space, but the sharp handling was best experienced with the top down. Fuel economy also grew in this model year. 

2020 MINI Cooper models

One of the most recent generations of the MINI Cooper incorporates a peppier engine and refined interior materials. However, the styling can’t overcome a smaller cargo area and cramped rear seats dampen the mood somewhat until you round some corners in this nimble hatchback.  

MINI Coopers can be reliable and fun cars if you take good care of them. While the MINI Cooper performs on par with most brands in several categories, it does lose points for the high cost and frequency of maintenance and repairs. The BMW engine and transmission require premium gas and synthetic oil for proper functioning. A lack of extensive repair shop or dealership networks can make finding brand-name repairs more challenging and expensive.