The Worst Problems for Every MINI Model and Generation

A large pile of crushed cars

Car problems happen. But there's something we can do about it.

By matching owner complaints with recall, investigation and technical service bulletin data we've come up with a list of the most common Mini problems for every model and generation. We've even ranked vehicles by their reliability.

Trending Problems

A few problems that keep popping up. There's plenty more where that came from.

  3. CVT Settlement

    If you've had transmission problems with a 2002-06 Mini Hardtop or 2005-08 Mini Convertible, you might be getting some financial relief soon. BMW has agreed to settle three class-action lawsuits that claimed they knew those cars had transmi…

    Continue reading article "CVT Settlement"

All Problems

What Owners Complain About the Most

Sorting out which topics, problems, and model years have the most overall complaints from owners on CarComplaints.com.

Worst Issues view all problems

What Breaks the Most view all topics

Years to Avoid view all years

The Least Reliable Mini Models

Some models just can't seem to get out of their own way. We've created a list of the least reliable GMC models using data such as complaint volume, average cost of repairs, age of the car when it breaks down, and recall frequency.

All Models

Key Numbers

  1. 10 models

    Each with their own trim levels, bodystyles, and special blend of headaches.

  2. 13 generations

    A group of years for a specific model with the same design, features, and problems.

  3. 15 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  4. 269 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  5. 1,160 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  6. 37 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Worst Generations

A generation is a group of model years where little, if any, changes were made. They tend to have the same problems and some generations have horrible reputations for reliability. Here's a handful you should avoid.

See All Generations

Recent Mini News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. MINI

    employees forgot to install plates meant to protect high-pressure fuel pumps in nearly 10,000 vehicles.

    MINI learned about the problem in August 2018 at an engine assembly line and engineers determined the affected cars were built at a single engine plant that forgot to install the crash protection plates.

    The 2017-2019 MINI Cooper Countryman was on the assembly line at the time of the forgetfulness.

    keep reading article "MINI Recalls Countryman to Install Missing Fuel Pump Plates"

  2. BMW

    s reluctantly issuing a recall for power steering problems after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determined a warranty extension simply wasn’t enough.

    The recalled cars include the 2002-2005 MINI Cooper and Cooper S and the 2005 MINI Cooper and Cooper S Convertible. MINI says the cars can have problems with a temporary or permanent loss of the electro-hydraulic power steering assistance.

    BMW maintains the problem isn’t safety-related, but at least five reports say they were injured after their power steering failed.

    keep reading article "Mini's Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering Recalled for Overheating"

See More News

Have a complaint about your vehicle?

The best way to find out what's wrong with a vehicle is from the people who drive them. Not only do owner complaints help us rank vehicles by reliability, but they're often used to spark class-action lawsuits and warranty extensions. Plus, they're a great way to vent.

Add a complaint