VehicleVerdict

Mini Cooper S years to avoid

The Mini Cooper S years to avoid are 2005, 2007, 2004, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2002, 2010 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2021 is the cleanest year on record.

2,181

Total complaints

22

Recall campaigns

2002–2025

Years covered

9

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Cooper S years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
2005High complaint rate383
2007High complaint rate300
2004High complaint rate279
2003High complaint rate258
2006High complaint rate243
2008High complaint rate197
2009High complaint rate151
2002High complaint rate105
2010High complaint rate78

Every Cooper S year

YearComplaintsRecalls
202562
202420
202210
202102
202082
201971
201783
2016103
2015204
2014174
2013321
2012302
2011463
2010avoid784
2009avoid1513
2008avoid1974
2007avoid3004
2006avoid2431
2005avoid3832
2004avoid2792
2003avoid2582
2002avoid1051

Common questions

What are the worst Mini Cooper S years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Cooper S years to avoid are 2005, 2007, 2004, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2002, 2010. The cleanest year on record is 2021.

What is the best year for the Mini Cooper S?

By complaint volume, 2021 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Cooper S years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Mini Cooper S have?

Across all model years, the Cooper S has 22 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,181 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.