2020 Mini Cooper S
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 9 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 5 total reports mention: engine.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was pulling into a parking spot slowly and all of the sudden the car took off and took off and I couldnât stop and when I tried to sped hard on the break it wouldnât work and I lost control and my car wouldnât stop until it crashed into...
NHTSA ODI report, 20250625
DURING A RAIN SHOWER, DROVE AT ABOUT 15MPH INTO ROUGHLY 4" OF WATER GATHERED ON THE SHOULDER OF AN ACCESS ROAD ADJACENT TO THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE STALLED. WOULD NOT RESTART.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200623
1 of 5 total reports mentions: wheels.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN SITTING IN DRIVERS SEAT ( I AM 5FT. 1 IN TALL) AND THE CONVERTIBLE TOP IS OPEN, I CAN NOT SEE THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRA BECAUSE THE CONVERTIBLE TOP FOLDED IS BLOCKING MY VISION. MY SEAT IS AT HIGHEST POSITION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191219
1 of 5 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was pulling into a parking spot slowly and all of the sudden the car took off and took off and I couldnât stop and when I tried to sped hard on the break it wouldnât work and I lost control and my car wouldnât stop until it crashed into...
NHTSA ODI report, 20250625
1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering.
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and JCW vehicles. The rear side trim panels may have been assembled without a crash pad.
Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and MINI dealers will install crash pads, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Campaign 19V634000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X1 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i and X2 sDrive28i, 2020 MINI Clubman Cooper S All4, 2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and Cooper S E) and MINI Hardtop 4...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Campaign 20V283000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Mini Cooper S — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V634000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V283000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2020 Mini Cooper S reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mini Cooper S?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mini Cooper S have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.