VehicleVerdict

2011 Mini Cooper S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2011 Mini Cooper S sits mid-pack among Cooper S years: 46 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 31, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (37% of the total).

46

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Cooper S years?

Cooper S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 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, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cooper S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Mini Cooper S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1737%
Electrical System1635%
Airbags511%
Other37%
Fuel System24%
Body & Structure12%
Lighting12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 2011 Mini Cooper S have recalls?

3 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“AFTER COMING HOME FROM A ROUTINE DRIVE. I PARKED MY CAR IN THE DRIVE WAY. ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER I SMELT SOMETHING BURNING AND NOTICED MY HOOD OF MY CAR SMOKING. I IMMEDIATELY RAN OUTSIDE AND STARTED HOUSING OF THE BUBBLING HOOD WITH A GARDEN HOSE. I MANAGED TO POP THE HOOD AND PUT OUT THE FIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 25, 2016 · fire

“I OWNED A 2011 MINI COOPER S ("MINI") VEHICLE THAT CAUSED A FIRE AND INJURIES AT OUR HOME. THE FIRE WAS DISCOVERED WHILE THE MINI WAS PARKED IN OUR GARAGE WITH THE IGNITION OFF. THE FIRE DESTROYED OUR RESIDENCE, PERSONAL PROPERTY AND TWO VEHICLES, INCLUDING THE AFOREMENTIONED MINI. FIRE AUTHORITIES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 1, 2016 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 6, 2019

“AFTER COMING HOME FROM A ROUTINE DRIVE. I PARKED MY CAR IN THE DRIVE WAY. ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER I SMELT SOMETHING BURNING AND NOTICED MY HOOD OF MY CAR SMOKING. I IMMEDIATELY RAN OUTSIDE AND STARTED HOUSING OF THE BUBBLING HOOD WITH A GARDEN HOSE. I MANAGED TO POP THE HOOD AND PUT OUT THE FIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 25, 2016 · fire

“PREMATURE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE MAY LEAD TO LOSS IN POWER, FURTHERING THE POTENTIAL FOR A WRECK. ENGINE ENTERS "LIMP HOME" MODE, WHICH REDUCES POWER CONSIDERABLY AND MAKES ACCELERATION MUCH SLOWER THAN NORMAL. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, SEVERAL OBD-II DIAGNOSTICS CODES APPEAR. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 11, 2013

2011 Mini Cooper S — common questions

Is the 2011 Mini Cooper S reliable?

It is close to typical for the Cooper S: 46 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2011 Cooper S problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (17 complaints), electrical system (16 complaints), airbags (5 complaints).

Does the 2011 Mini Cooper S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 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 2011 Mini Cooper S under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.