Window & Wiper complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 50% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 14% | — |
| 2017 | 2 | 7% | 4,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 7% | 62,000 miles |
| 2013 | 3 | 6% | 13,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% | 110,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% | 87,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% | — |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% | 75,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% | 45,000 miles |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% | 173,000 miles |
| 2004 | 7 | 2% | 43,000 miles |
| 2003 | 25 | 8% | 35,000 miles |
| 2002 | 29 | 16% | 16,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2015 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear convertible glass suddenly separated from the convertible compartment and fell on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The contact stated that while searching online, he became aware that the failure had been a very well-known failure since 2017 with similar vehicles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
While driving the rear view mirror suddenly tilted downward (drooped). What happened, was that the tension ring popped off. As it turns out, this is a known issue per internet Mini Cooper pages. On hot days the ring loosens and, since the design does not include anything to prevent the ring from sliding off, it does slide off, resulting in the rear view mirror drooping. I reinstalled the ring. This occurred again the next day. I ended up uninstalling the rear view mirror, reinstalling the ring and gluing it in place. Thus far this has held.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the windshield was fractured without impact. The windshield was no longer attached to the vehicle and was at risk of completely detaching. The contact informed the dealer who stated they were unable to replace the windshield because it was not covered in the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 13,000.
The window on the driver's side stopped working. It is an automatic window with a one-touch feature. At first, the one-touch feature stopped working. Then nothing worked to get the window to go up or down. Upon pressing the button that controls this window, the window did nothing and a faint clicking sound could be heard coming from the driver's door/footwell area. I took this car to the dealership where I bought it. They kept it for 3 business days. The window worked when I picked up the car and continued to work for about a week and a half. Then the window stopped working altogether. I returned the car to the same dealership on July 16, 2013. The dealership still has my car, and the window has still not been fixed.
I have made several attempts to reach out to dealer. The check engine light came on the same day I purchased car. I brought the car back, the dealer said they would replace it, but couldn't do the work that day. They provided me with a false inspection report. They never followed up with me after several months had gone by and several phone calls had been made with them refusing to return my call. The car turns off on its on while driving. The brakes are also not good on the car. I had to get an oil change, wiping blades after a month of having the car. The AC fan is also not functioning. I would like to escalate this issue, because I am unable to pass my state inspection as well as feeling unsafe to drive a car that can turn off anytime on the road while driving. I waited to take to inspection because I was waiting on the dealer to communicate when they will replace the part. …
While driving home one night the following items failed to work: Head lights; turn signals, front windows (so no hand signals); Hazard lights; interior lights; and speedometer dash light. This occurred shortly after a battery change. I am not sure if tail of brake lights function at this time. Driving the vehicle in this condition presents a unacceptable safety concern. During daily light hours I had already noticed the turn signal issue and just thought maybe a relay was bad and had not had time to investigate. Investigation revealed the failed part is the FOOTWELL MODULE, and that this is a KNOWN ISSUE by Mini Cooper. Rather than issue a recall and fix the parts, they offered an extended warranty that lasted 10 years (which expired 13 months ago for my car). As a safety issue, this should have been a recall for all vehicles, not a wait til people have a fail to fix. …
The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that there was water accumulated on the passenger's side front floorboard. The contact stated that the heater was causing some undisclosed issues. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the sunroof drain tubes were clogged, the drain tubes were cleared, and an undisclosed reprogramming was completed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 172,843.
My 2004 Mini Cooper s has incurred two cracked windshields over the past two years, requiring the entire windshield to be replaced. Each crack occurred while driving after a small pebble nicked the windshield. After driving for nearly twenty years I find this rate of occurrence to be unacceptable. Although the angle of the windshield May be at a steeper grade than most vehicles, Mini has failed to recognize solutions such as a stronger thicker windshield. A resolution is needed to prevent fellow Mini owners from purchasing replacement windshields on an annual basis.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mini Cooper years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (29), 2003 (25) and 2004 (7) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Mini Cooper window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for any Mini Cooper model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mini Cooper window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles; 69% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield (46 mentions), followed by the power window devices and controls (11).
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.