Most common 2013 Mini Cooper S problems
Share of the 24 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mini Cooper S complaints by model year
Best Cooper S years: 2017, 2016, 2021. Years to avoid: 2005, 2007, 2004, 2006, 2003. Compare all years →
2013 Mini Cooper S recalls (1)
Electrical system
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,…
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.
What 2013 Mini Cooper S owners say
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the engine was running rough while idling. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would not exceed 65 MPH and 4,000 RPM while driving. The message "Reduced Engine Power" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #1 was misfiring because it was not receiving proper communication from the ECU. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic and was informed that the ECU was operating as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that he replaced the spark plugs and the coils; however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. …
The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there were no high beam headlights or fog lights, and the power windows were inoperable. The due for service symbol was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the engine was running rough while idling. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would not exceed 65 MPH and 4,000 RPM while driving. The message "Reduced Engine Power" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #1 was misfiring because it was not receiving proper communication from the ECU. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic and was informed that the ECU was operating as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that he replaced the spark plugs and the coils; however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. …
The contact called on behalf of the owner of the 2013 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side window was inoperative. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed and determined that the body control module and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,137.
Air bags
The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag and the seat belt warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken the BMW dealer and diagnosed with failed front driver's side door air bag sensor and a failed passenger occupancy sensor. The contact was informed that the front driver's side door air bag sensor and the passenger's occupancy sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred with the driver's side door air bag sensor. The vehicle was taken back to the BMW dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a faulty front driver's side door air bag sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a Mini dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a Mini dealer. …
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 sustained multiple injuries to the left side of the body and brain injuries, which required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a body shop where it was deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000... Updated 10/13/16
2013 Mini Cooper S engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 26 / 34 / 29 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 26 / 34 / 29 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Mini Cooper S a good car?
Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Cooper S rates better than average: 75% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Cooper S at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Mini Cooper S?
The electrical system — 9 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body control module/bcm. Next are the engine & cooling (7) and air bags (4).
How many recalls does the 2013 Mini Cooper S have?
There is 1 recall for the 2013 Mini Cooper S, the most recent from May 11, 2023 (electrical system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mini Cooper S?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2016 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005, 2007, 2004, 2006 and 2003. See the full Mini Cooper S years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Mini Cooper S problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 49,000 miles; 54% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.