2007 Mini Cooper S

◆ Worse than typical
2007 Mini Cooper S
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
249
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2007

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

38% of complaints

Complaints per year

2002: 83 complaints 2002 2003: 217 complaints 2004: 247 complaints 2005: 314 complaints 2006: 186 complaints 2007: 249 complaints 2007 249 2008: 168 complaints 2009: 119 complaints 2010: 59 complaints 2011: 31 complaints 2011 2012: 23 complaints 2013: 24 complaints 2014: 13 complaints 2014 2015: 18 complaints 2016: 9 complaints 2017: 6 complaints 2017 2019: 5 complaints 2020: 5 complaints 2021: 0 complaints 2021 2022: 1 complaint 2024: 1 complaint 2025: 4 complaints 2025
2002: 83 complaints 2002 2003: 217 complaints 2004: 247 complaints 2004 2005: 314 complaints 2006: 186 complaints 2007: 249 complaints 2007 249 2008: 168 complaints 2009: 119 complaints 2010: 59 complaints 2010 2011: 31 complaints 2012: 23 complaints 2012 2013: 24 complaints 2014: 13 complaints 2014 2015: 18 complaints 2016: 9 complaints 2016 2017: 6 complaints 2019: 5 complaints 2019 2020: 5 complaints 2021: 0 complaints 2021 2022: 1 complaint 2024: 1 complaint 2024 2025: 4 complaints
2002: 83 complaints 2002 2003: 217 complaints 2003 2004: 247 complaints 2004 2005: 314 complaints 2005 2006: 186 complaints 2006 2007: 249 complaints 2007 249 2008: 168 complaints 2008 2009: 119 complaints 2009 2010: 59 complaints 2010 2011: 31 complaints 2011 2012: 23 complaints 2012 2013: 24 complaints 2013 2014: 13 complaints 2014 2015: 18 complaints 2015 2016: 9 complaints 2016 2017: 6 complaints 2017 2019: 5 complaints 2019 2020: 5 complaints 2020 2021: 0 complaints 2021 2022: 1 complaint 2022 2024: 1 complaint 2024 2025: 4 complaints 2025

2007: 249 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200283
2003217
2004247
2005314
2006186
2007249
2008168
2009119
201059
201131
201223
201324
201413
201518
20169
20176
20195
20205
20210
20221
20241
20254

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

38% · 94 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The turbocharger had to be replaced, new turbo got hot and melted the valve cover. Then the turbocharger caught fire while in motion in a rural neighborhood. All within 6 months.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-02-25

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Mini Cooper S. While driving approximately 35 MPH the contact noticed a burning odor. The contact stopped the vehicle on the shoulder and noticed small flames and smoke coming from under the hood.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-24

Engine and engine cooling

33% · 81 reports

Most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Mini Cooper S. While driving 15 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact called the fire department who was able to extinguish the fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-19

Lower leg sustained burn resulting in scaring as result of coming into contact with edge of rear exhaust pipe(S). Exhaust pipes extend too far beyond rear bumper creating exposure to a person accessing trunk.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-05-13

The center pillar heat rises to an extremely high temperature in my car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-02-28

Air bags

11% · 28 reports

Most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Mini Mini Cooper S. The contact was traveling 55 MPH when the contact traveled over a slick area in the asphalt. The contact lost control of the vehicle, rolled over and crashed into a ditch upside down.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-11

Power train

10% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.

FIRE

Electrical system

5% · 13 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle was stationary in my driveway, was not started and was unattended, had not been started in over a week and keys were not in the vehicles.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-05-05

Also filed under Structure

The contact owns a 2007 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that water was entering the vehicle through the sunroof.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-05-05

The contact owns a 2007 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-12-30

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2007Complaint volume 249 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2008-04-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-08-29 Exhaust pipe burns
  3. I
    2008-08-29Engineering analysisClosed 2009-01-02 Exhaust pipe burns
  4. R
    2009-01-15Engine and engine cooling08V657000 BMW is recalling 28,450 my 2007-2008 Mini Cooper S vehicles. The centrally located tailpipe extension protrudes slightly beyond the rear bumper. It is possible for inadvertent contact to occur…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the tailpipe with a new shorter tailpipe free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2009. Owners may contact BMW at 1-866-275-6464.

  5. I
    2011-10-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-06-11 Engine compartment fire
  6. R
    2012-02-29Engine and engine cooling12V008000 BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Mini Cooper S, 2008-2011 Mini Cooper S Clubman, 2009-2011 Mini Cooper S Convertible, 2009-2011 Mini Cooper jcw, 2009-2011 Mini Cooper jcw clubman…

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump free of charge. The safety recall beganduring February 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-866-275-6464.

  7. R
    2018-06-15Engine and engine cooling18V248000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S...

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time.

  8. R
    2024-05-13Electrical system23V337000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska,...

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024.

Buy-smart checklist

2007 Mini Cooper S — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 94 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 81 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 28 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 08V657000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 12V008000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 18V248000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 23V337000 · Electrical system

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2007 Mini Cooper S reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2007 Mini Cooper S is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Mini Cooper S?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2007 Mini Cooper S have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.