Is the 2011 Mini Cooper S reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Mini Cooper S is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Mini Cooper S?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 Mini Cooper S have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 Mini Cooper S

▲ Better than typical

2011 Mini Cooper S
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:49.274Z

This year had at least 30% fewer 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 31
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2011: 31 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2002	83
2003	217
2004	247
2005	314
2006	186
2007	249
2008	168
2009	119
2010	59
2011	31
2012	23
2013	24
2014	13
2015	18
2016	10
2017	6
2019	5
2020	5
2021	0
2022	1
2024	1
2025	4

Known problem areas

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

Engine

52% · 16 reports

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

My Mini Cooper was parked in my garage for over two weeks. On August 10, 2017 I moved it out of the garage to get to some things in my garage. When I backed it back in, I heard a pop and within minutes I saw smoke coming from the hood.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-07

Also filed under Electrical system

After coming home from a routine drive. I parked my car in the drive way. About 30 minutes later I smelt something burning and noticed my hood of my car smoking. I immediately ran outside and started housing of the bubbling hood with a garden hose.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-12-28

Also filed under Structure

Electrical system

52% · 16 reports

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I owned a 2011 Mini Cooper S ("Mini") vehicle that caused a fire and injuries at our home. The fire was discovered while the Mini was parked in our garage with the ignition off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-19

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-22

The contact owns a 2011 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. The local dealer was contacted.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-04

Air bags

16% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing front passenger and occupant classification.

Vehicle speed control

3% · 1 report

Structure

3% · 1 report

Most commonly citing body.

FIRE

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

I
2011-10-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-06-11 Engine compartment fire
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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Mini Cooper S — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 16 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 16 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

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 2011 Mini Cooper S reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Mini Cooper S is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Mini Cooper S?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Mini Cooper S have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.