VehicleVerdict

2013 Mini Cooper S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2013 Mini Cooper S sits mid-pack among Cooper S years: 32 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 31, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (28% of the total).

32

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Cooper S years?

Cooper S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cooper S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Mini Cooper S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System928%
Engine722%
Other413%
Airbags413%
Transmission26%
Lighting13%
Fuel System13%
Seats13%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Brakes13%

Does the 2013 Mini Cooper S have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“AIRBAG LIGHT IS SHOWING THAT PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF EVEN THOUGH MY 100 LBS DAUGHTER IS SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. I'VE ACTUALLY HAD A 2009 MINI COOPER S, 2011 MINI COOPER S AND NOW MY CURRENT 2013 MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS WITH THE SAME EXACT TAIL LIGHT ISSUE. THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT BURNT OUT IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 10, 2017

“THERMOSTAT HOUSING FAILED AND LEAKED. SOME VEHICLE OWNERS HAVE RECEIVED A MINI EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. I HAD TO PAY FOR A REPLACEMENT PART AND INSTALLATION AT A MINI DEALER. VEHICLE LEAKED COOLANT ON GARAGE FLOOR AND VARIOUS PARKING SPOTS. MINI IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 29, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON A HILL, THE DRIVER DROVE DOWN A SMALL EMBANKMENT, CRASHED INTO A BARBED WIRE FENCE, DROVE INTO A PASTURE, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE TREE FELL ON TOP OF THE VEHICLE. THE SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 9, 2016 · crash

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 16, 2018

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 7, 2018

2013 Mini Cooper S — common questions

Is the 2013 Mini Cooper S reliable?

It is close to typical for the Cooper S: 32 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2013 Cooper S problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (9 complaints), engine (7 complaints), other (4 complaints).

Does the 2013 Mini Cooper S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 Mini Cooper S. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.