2013 Mini Cooper S: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine; the 2014 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Water apparantly was going thru the sunroof and clogging the drains-- No water seeped into the car or from the roof-- It went through the interior of the car nor did it ever get into the vehicle floor so no way to even be aware of car accumlating water- This interior water damage nd destroyed the electronic system of the vehicle- Insured driver - my daughter was driving when car alarm and back door released while driving-- Windshield wipers stopped working and beeping noises continuelly came on! Damage to car 8K-- The same two door model and same year was in fact recalled for the same issue this year-”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2025
“Water leakage from the sunroof drains corroded the FRM module. Car is not driveable as the doors will not latch, lighting issues, windows don't function etc.. There is a recall for this but not for this vin #?”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2025
“Body control module (footwell module) controls the windows and blinkers. Recall was issued May 12, 2023 have filed with NHTSA several weeks ago with no response. This part has stopped working can't put windows down or use blinkers.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2024
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact called on behalf of the owner of the 2013 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side window was inoperative. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed and determined that the body control module and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,137.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2024
“The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there were no high beam headlights or fog lights, and the power windows were inoperable. The due for service symbol was displayed. 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 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 failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2024
“The contact owns a 2013 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2023
“The contact owns a 2013 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 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 front passenger seat occupant sensor is failing. The dash light comes on intermittingly when a passenger is seated and the vehicle is in operation. The problem started 03/19/2021. This is a major safety issue. The front passenger air bag(s) may not deploy in case of an accident. Mini had a recall in 2015 for 2005-2008 cars. The problem persists.*dt*jb”Owner report · Seats · Mar 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2013 mini cooper s. While driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle decelerated and the service engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the turbo needed to be replaced. The contact called classic mini cooper at 440-585-9910 (located at 2573 som center rd, willoughby hills, oh 44094) where the technician recommended a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 93,320.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2018
“Horn is not working. My husband has the same make and model and his is not working as well. I was on my way to work and tried to honk, on a few occasions, at other drivers that were about to hit me but the horn didn't work.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Mini Cooper S reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2013 Mini Cooper S. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2013 Mini Cooper S have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has 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.