2013 MINI Cooper S recalls and problems

The 2013 MINI Cooper S has 1 recall and 24 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is electrical system.

2012 Mini Cooper S
Pictured: a 2012 model; the 2013 may differ in details. Photo: 2012 Mini Cooper S by qJake, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How the 2013 compares
Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Average complaint count among 21 Cooper S model years — 11th most.

1recalls
24complaints
1crashes
0fires
3injuries
49,400median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.
Check your VIN →

1 recall

Electrical System

May 11, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V337000 · 97,933 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Remedy & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Electrical System9
Engine7
Air Bags4
Unknown or other4
Power Train2
Exterior Lighting1
Fuel System1
Seats1
Service Brakes1
Suspension1

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2013: 1 complaints20132014: 1 complaints20142016: 3 complaints20162017: 1 complaints20172018: 3 complaints20182019: 1 complaints20192020: 2 complaints20202021: 1 complaints20212023: 2 complaints20232024: 4 complaints20242025: 5 complaints20255

2013 vs. other MINI Cooper S years

2002: 83 complaints20022003: 217 complaints2004: 247 complaints20042005: 314 complaints3142006: 186 complaints20062007: 249 complaints2008: 168 complaints20082009: 119 complaints2010: 59 complaints20102011: 31 complaints2012: 23 complaints20122013: 24 complaints2014: 13 complaints20142015: 18 complaints2016: 10 complaints20162017: 6 complaints2019: 5 complaints20192020: 5 complaints2022: 1 complaints20222024: 1 complaints2025: 4 complaints20254

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2013. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2013 MINI Cooper S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign covering the 2013 MINI Cooper S, the latest from May 11, 2023 (electrical system). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 MINI Cooper S?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention electrical system (9), engine (7), air bags (4). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.