2011 Mini Cooper Problems & Complaints

Most common 2011 Mini Cooper problems

• Electrical system~95,000 miles
  3745%
• Air bags~77,000 miles
  1822%
• Engine & cooling~60,000 miles
  1720%
• Lights~88,000 miles
  1012%
• Transmission & drivetrain~16,000 miles
  911%
• Fuel & propulsion system~65,000 miles
  78%
• Other / not specified~78,000 miles
  67%
• Brakes~36,000 miles
  45%
• Seats~78,000 miles
  45%
• Body & structure~87,000 miles
  34%
• Steering~36,000 miles
  34%
• Seat belts
  34%
• Speed control & acceleration~7,000 miles
  22%
• Windows, wipers & sunroof~87,000 miles
  22%
• Wheels & tires~6,000 miles
  11%
• Stability & traction control~36,000 miles
  11%
• Suspension
  11%

Share of the 83 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mini Cooper complaints by model year

Best Cooper years: 2018, 2020, 2024. Years to avoid: 2005, 2004, 2003, 2006, 2002. Compare all years →

2011 Mini Cooper recalls (1)

What 2011 Mini Cooper owners say

Electrical system all 37 →

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. 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 vehicle was shuddering while starting. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering and turning off intermittently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to pull to the side of the road each time the failure occurred. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered. The contact was able to drive to a nearby independent mechanic. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was overheating while starting, and that the vehicle was still running even after being turned off. The vehicle was being diagnosed but was not yet repaired. …

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH in the rain with the windows rolled down, the driver's side and passenger's side windows failed to roll up. No warning light illuminated. Additionally, the headlights, windows, and daytime running lights became inoperable. The contact was unsure if the taillights were affected. The contact stated that the vehicle had been garage-kept. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the footwell control module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired because there was no extended warranty coverage. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.

Air bags

The passenger seat occupancy sensor has malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to believe that there is an infant car seat in the front passenger seat. This puts front passengers at risk because the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash. While having body work done at Swartz's Ultimate Collison repair in Lewisburg, it was noted by the technician, however Mini does not cover repair by a non dealer or accept accounting of the defect from a non dealer. I was unaware that the vehicle was nearing the end of it's warranty and waited too long to inquire again. They will not fix it.

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the air bag mat sensor on the passenger's side needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.

Engine & cooling

There are no open recalls on my car. I am needing physical proof/documentation that the recall part has been replaced. The car is having issues stalling/losing power while driving. The dealership claims there is nothing wrong with the car and if they can't recreate failure then the car is deemed fine to drive. This car was purchased for my 16yr old son as a daily driver. After multiple weeks of the car being at The Mini of Tempe Dealership, they released the car back to me because there is "nothing wrong" with the car. I took it to another specialized Mini mechanic in the area for a second opinion. This mechanic states the cause of intermittent failure is from the Auxillary Coolant Pump for the Turbo. This is the same part that was a safety recall for potential fire. I have no record of this part ever being replaced. As described in the recall, the car is at risk of fire. …

I had several repairs recently that I found that were part of a recall after the fact. This includes the Electric Auxilillary Water Pump and Timing Chair replacement and repair of damaged parts. They refused to reimburse me for the water pump repair that should have been covered. Secondly, when the timing chain fails as it did in my case can cause $2000- $5000+ in damages. My shop is stating this would be a very expensive repair. There is information that the timing chain warranty was extended because of a class action lawsuit and is now covered up to 100,000 miles. I am well within that range. My goal is to get compensation for the recall work and coverage for the timing chain.

2011 Mini Cooper engines & fuel economy

EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.