VehicleVerdict

2007 Mini Cooper S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 300 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.7 times the median Cooper S year — the 2007 model ranks #2 of 22 Cooper S years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 58% of all reports (175 of 300), far ahead of airbags at 28.

300

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

3

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

20

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other Cooper S years?

Cooper S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted383 complaints2002: 105 complaints2003: 258 complaints2004: 279 complaints2005: 383 complaints2006: 243 complaints2007: 300 complaints2008: 197 complaints2009: 151 complaints2010: 78 complaints2011: 46 complaints2012: 30 complaints2013: 32 complaints2014: 17 complaints2015: 20 complaints2016: 10 complaints2017: 8 complaints2019: 7 complaints2020: 8 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 1 complaints2024: 2 complaints2025: 6 complaints
Cooper S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cooper S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 Mini Cooper S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine17558%
Airbags289%
Transmission269%
Fuel System155%
Electrical System145%
Other124%
Steering72%
Body & Structure62%
Seat Belts41%
Speed Control41%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Tires & Wheels21%
Brakes21%
Seats10%
Lighting10%

Does the 2007 Mini Cooper S have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V337000Electrical SystemMay 11, 2023 · 97,933 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

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.

18V248000EngineApril 18, 2018 · 47,806 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

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.

12V008000EngineJanuary 11, 2012 · 90,368 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE CIRCUIT BOARD MAY SMOLDER WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

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.

08V657000EngineDecember 12, 2008 · 28,450 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING 28,450 MY 2007-2008 MINI COOPER S VEHICLES. THE CENTRALLY LOCATED TAILPIPE EXTENSION PROTRUDES SLIGHTLY BEYOND THE REAR BUMPER. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR INADVERTENT CONTACT TO OCCUR WITH A PERSON'S LEG.

Consequence

IF THE TAILPIPE EXTENSION IS HOT DURING INADVERTENT CONTACT, A BURN COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TAILPIPE WITH A NEW SHORTER TAILPIPE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-866-275-6464.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND OVER-HEATED, CAUSING SMOKE TO EMIT FROM UNDER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 22, 2008 · fire

“CAR CRASH MAY 30, 2017, DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING GREAT BODILY INJURY TO DRIVER.. DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 25 MPH IN TOWN AT AROUND 10:30 A.M.. DRIVER HAD A STROKE, PASSED OUT, CROSSED OVER TO OPPOSITE SIDE OF ROAD AND HIT AN UNOCCUPIED PARKED CAR. THAT CAR HIT ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 30, 2017 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLUTCH ALWAYS EMITTED AN ODOR OF BURNING PLASTIC. THE ENGINE GRADUALLY REVVED WITHIN A 48 HOUR PERIOD. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CLUTCH FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT A NEW CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED AT THE ESTIMATED COST OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 29, 2008 · fire

“IN AUGUST OF 2008, 12 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY CAR, IT FOR A 2ND TIME IN 1 YEAR, STARTED TO SMELL STRONGLY LIKE GASOLINE INSIDE THE CABIN. I BROUGHT IT IN TO MINI OF CONCORD, AND THEY FOUND A LEAK IN THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND LINE, AND REPLACED THE PARTS - FOR A 2ND TIME. THIS WAS THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 10, 2008

“AS I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND A FIRE TO THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMING FROM ELECTRICAL WIRES. WAS ABLE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH OUT TOO MUCH DAMAGE AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY TO ELIMINATE POWER TO THE TROUBLED AREA.CAR IS BEING TOWED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 9, 2011 · fire

2007 Mini Cooper S — common questions

Is the 2007 Mini Cooper S reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 300 complaints put the 2007 model at #2 of 22 Cooper S years. It is one of the Cooper S years to avoid.

What are the most common 2007 Cooper S problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (175 complaints), airbags (28 complaints), transmission (26 complaints).

Does the 2007 Mini Cooper S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2007 Mini Cooper S. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2007 Mini Cooper S under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mini Cooper S years should you avoid?

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

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.