Carlexica

2011 Mini Cooper S: problems, recalls and reliability

3 recalls and 35 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (49% of complaints).

Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2023

3
recalls
35
owner complaints
6
fire reports
60,016
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Weak spot: electrical system (49%)6 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)49% · 17 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)34% · 12 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)9% · 3 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)3% · 1 complaint
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)3% · 1 complaint
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)3% · 1 complaint
My mini after the shop installed a new battery, the power windows don't work( can not roll up or down) as well as the lightning. I saw there is a recall for the footwell module for model 2007-2014 but when I call Mini, the agent told me that my car is not covered. This is a very expensive and important part to replace so please help me the best that you can. ThanksOwner report · Electrical System · Mar 2025
The car was on BMW-MINI recall list and after I made a complaint of non-compliance with the recall, BMW removed my particular vehicle from the recall list without remedying the problem.Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2024
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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated erroneously. Additionally, the door locks were locking and unlocking independently. The contact also stated that the sunroof was opening or closing without driver and passenger input. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. Parts distribution disconnect.Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2024
Show 7 more owner reports
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. The contacts daughter called the dealer but could not identify which dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electric System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper Convertible. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the electronics operated erratically and had limited functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the electronic control module inside the footwell had shorted out due to a water leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 66,000.Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2023
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. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.Owner report · Electrical System · May 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V248000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2021
On 05/06/2021, I purchased a used 2011 mini cooper s turbo. Two days later, I went to start the car, and immediately smelled something electrical burning. When I lifted up hood, I could see smoke coming from inside the engine. I immediately unhooked the two battery cables. I called the car lot that I purchased the vehicle, and was told that that year mini had issues with a computer board overheating pand sometimes even starting fires even when the car isn't running. I have a mehanic scheduled for monday to repair the car.Owner report · Electrical System · May 2021
The passenger airbag warning light indicating the passenger side airbag is disabled even if passenger is seated. Our mechanic tells us the on-board computer system no longer recognizes the passenger front airbag sensor. Consequentially, the airbags are being disabled on both passenger and driver side of the car.Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2019

When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 3 campaigns

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM23V337000 · May 2023

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, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.

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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER12V008000 · Jan 2012

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, 2009-2011 COOPER JCW CONVERTIBLE, AND 2011 COOPER S COUNTRYMAN PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 14, 2006, THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2011. THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP THAT COOLS THE TURBOCHARGER HAS AN ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CAN MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT.

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER18V248000 · Apr 2018

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 Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

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. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

How other years compare

Check your exact Cooper S by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Mini Cooper S reliable?

NHTSA has 35 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Mini Cooper S. The most complained-about area is electrical system (49% of complaints).

At what mileage do 2011 Mini Cooper S problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 60,016 miles or less.

Does the 2011 Mini Cooper S have open recalls?

3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.