Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 20% | 1,000 miles |
| 2019 | 2 | 40% | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 17% | — |
| 2016 | 1 | 11% | 67,000 miles |
| 2015 | 2 | 11% | 20,000 miles |
| 2013 | 9 | 38% | 62,000 miles |
| 2012 | 15 | 58% | 116,000 miles |
| 2011 | 19 | 54% | 60,000 miles |
| 2010 | 5 | 7% | 64,000 miles |
| 2009 | 13 | 10% | 55,000 miles |
| 2008 | 9 | 5% | 40,000 miles |
| 2007 | 13 | 5% | 73,000 miles |
| 2006 | 25 | 11% | 60,000 miles |
| 2005 | 24 | 6% | 63,000 miles |
| 2004 | 19 | 8% | 88,000 miles |
| 2003 | 14 | 6% | 72,000 miles |
| 2002 | 9 | 11% | 68,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
The contact owns a 2012 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 while driving 50-55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle after 15 minutes and continued driving; however, the failure recurred after exiting the highway. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump plausibility pressure was significantly low due to footwell control module failure. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the turn signals were engaged but failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that warning lights indicated that the gas cap and trunk were opened, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact also stated that the windows failed to roll down, and the headlights and the fog lights were inoperable. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. …
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact was informed that the left turn signal light was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where the left turn signal light bulb was replaced twice; however, the failure recurred 30 minutes later each time. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake lights were inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) which the contact related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000. …
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S. The contact recently replaced the 12-Volt battery; however, while attempting to roll down the windows, the windows failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the running lights and fog lights were inoperable. The contact stated that the battery was replaced at a tire and battery shop. The contact drove the vehicle back to the shop and was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired. The contact had researched online and related the vehicle failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,800.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mini Cooper s. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle overheated and the temperature gauge warning light illuminated. In addition, smoke and a burning oil odor emitted from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After the vehicle was serviced, the turn signals and windows failed to operate. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the diagnosis was unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,568.
Mi vehculo Mini Cooper s 2010, estando estacionado en el garage por ms de 12 horas y sin prender el motor en ningn momento comenz a incendiarse sin ningn motivo. Por fortuna haba personas que alertaran de lo ocurrido y pude apagar el fuego en el vehculo, aunque ya haba consumido partes elctrica, de motor y cofre, etc. Cabe mencionar que esto sucedi en la ciudad de mxico, no en eua, pero ustedes tienen mejor informacin al respecto. Saludos.
Related 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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mini Cooper S years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (25), 2005 (24), 2004 (19), 2011 (19) and 2012 (15) model years. Electrical complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Mini Cooper S electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 23V-337 (electrical system, May 11, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mini Cooper S electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 34% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the instrument cluster/panel (3 mentions), followed by the wiring › fuses and circuit breakers (2).
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.