2011 Mini Cooper
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 187 |
| 2003 | 320 |
| 2004 | 282 |
| 2005 | 372 |
| 2006 | 200 |
| 2007 | 115 |
| 2008 | 115 |
| 2009 | 150 |
| 2010 | 92 |
| 2011 | 82 |
| 2012 | 65 |
| 2013 | 47 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 54 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
44% of complaints: electrical system — 36 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Footwell Control Module - (FRM) was dead after battery dead. It had a safety recall repot 23V-337 on the same model and year of my vehicle BUT mine is not on the list?
NHTSA ODI report, 20231023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MINI COOPER. WHILE DRIVING, A BURNING ODOR ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181113
21% of complaints: air bags — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The passenger seat occupancy sensor has malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to believe that there is an infant car seat in the front passenger seat. This puts front passengers at risk because the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240625
No incident yet. The airbag passenger side sensor keeps coming on constantly and I don't know if it is going to deploy or what. No one is sitting in seat but sensor constantly ringing.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230906
15% of complaints: engine — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MINI COOPER. WHILE DRIVING, A BURNING ODOR ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181113
11% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE NEW MINI COOPER THAT I LEASED STARTED TO HAVE ACCELERATION PROBLEMS AROUND 6500 MILES. WHAT HAPPENS IS A HESITATION IN THE ACCELERATION OF THE MINI FROM A START OR AT LOW RPMS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110817
11% of complaints: exterior lighting — 9 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 23V337000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Mini Cooper — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (36 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V337000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 Mini Cooper reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Mini Cooper is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Mini Cooper?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Mini Cooper have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.