Model year

2021 Mini Cooper

Hatchback, gasoline, FWD/Front-Wheel Drive, built in England. Owner complaints on file from Oct 26, 2021 to Dec 10, 2024.

Recall campaigns covering this model year222k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints7Close to the median 2021 hatchback
Severity index28.62021 hatchbacks average 8.9
First 24 months2Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2021 Mini Cooper peaked in 2022, with 3 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

01232021202232023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

43% of complaints about the 2021 Mini Cooper name electrical system

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Electrical system
3
Airbags
1
Fuel system
1
Steering
1
Tires
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

2 recall campaigns cover the 2021 Mini Cooper

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2021 Mini Cooper
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
21V-554Jul 21, 2021Passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retractsSeat belts21,537Part replacement
20V-283May 20, 2020Due to a problem with the rollover sensor within the air bag control unit, in the event of a rollover crash, the head air bag, seat belt…Airbags76Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2021 Mini Cooper

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

7 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Dec 10, 2024Failure Dec 10, 2024Austin, TXFuel/propulsion system

    No incident occurred. On October 18th we received a high voltage battery recall notice for this car. Apparently there were some thermal events (fires) and BMW has released software to help protect the car from such an event. We have been trying to get in touch with MINI, and just recently found that the dealer closed. They left their answering machine online for about a month after. The local BMW dealer says that they cannot perform the update (MINI USA requested we ask them). MINI USA now says that the car must be trucked 300 miles away to the closest dealer. The car cannot even be driven that far because it has about 100 miles of range, the roads are 75+, and there is limited charging infrastructure. We feel that this presents an undue time and financial burden since the dealer closed down, and this is a manufacturing defect. I have repeatedly been in touch with MINI but have received very little support or advice other than spending an enormous amount of money to have the vehicle shipped out of state.

    NHTSA complaint 11629967
  2. Filed Feb 11, 2024Failure Feb 9, 2024Omaha, NEElectrical system

    Digital instrument cluster of electric Mini SE (includes speedometer and battery/range information) turns off without warning while driving and does not turn back on until car is powered down for over half an hour. This has happened more than ten times. Vehicle was inspected by MINI dealer locally and no obvious equipment defect was identified, although they were able to replicate it happening. After disassembly and reassembly by dealer, issue stopped for about two weeks after car was returned to owner. Now it has begun again, to the point of turning off within a few minutes of driving every day, rendering car unusable as driver has no other speedometer in vehicle. After sitting for half an hour, the instrument cluster will turn on when the car is turned on next, only to go out again after a few minutes of driving. Other electronics in car do not appear affected and car operates normally.

    NHTSA complaint 11571293
  3. Filed Apr 27, 2023Failure Apr 22, 2023Jersey City, NJSteering

    The car completely lost steering in traffic. I brought it back to the Mini dealership, they informed me this is a known issue for Mini Coopers equipped with the click-and-play system, and they needed to re-wire the click-and-play to fix it. However Mini decided this should not be a recall. I strongly disagree with Mini's assessment considering losing steering on the road could cause severe accidents.

    NHTSA complaint 11519216
  4. Filed Dec 29, 2022Failure Dec 13, 2022ELK Grove Village, ILElectrical systemFire

    After work, I started the car in a parking lot. Before leaving, a fire started under the hood behind the passenger side headlight. After using the jaws of life to take off the hood, the fire department contained the fire. No injuries. There was extensive damage to the right front. The contents were all smoke damaged. Neighboring cars were not damaged. The car has been totaled.

    NHTSA complaint 11499386
  5. Filed Nov 10, 2022Failure Oct 4, 2022Wyckoff, NJAir bagsCrash2 injured

    On October 4, 2022, the Mini Cooper hardtop 4 door was hit in a head-on collision by a driver who was going at least 40 MPH, possibly more. The car that hit the Cooper was a Toyota Prius. All the Prious' airbags deployed. No airbags deployed on the Mini Cooper hardtop 4 door. None. The Mini Cooper, after assessment, was considered to be a total loss.

    NHTSA complaint 11493154
  6. Filed Aug 22, 2022Failure Aug 21, 2022Lake Orion, MITires

    Tire model is: Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z 225/35R18 87Y. Failure started when vehicle turned the "CHECK TIRE PRESSURE" alert on while driving. Pressure started to drop from 32 lbs to 16 lbs in about 15 minutes. Worth to note: no pot hole or any other object was hit during the day of the incident; or even previous days. After stopping, I noticed that the failure occurred in the inner face of the tire. Inner face was pretty degraded and inner treads were visible. A 15 inch long breakage line was visible. Car has 18k miles on it. When comparing the tire that failed to the rest, its degradation was much higher.

    NHTSA complaint 11480654
  7. Filed Oct 26, 2021Failure Oct 24, 2021Kent, WAElectrical system

    The night of October 24th, while I was driving my CID back screen went to black and there were messages displayed in white color. Bootloader 11.035.000/ FFW 1.8.3 Dec 5 2017 Next line is displayed HWEL:42E5 2.1.5 Followed by a large white bar This display stays on even after lock the car. The morning of October 25th, There are warnings came on “ Battery discharged start engine” and “Increased Battery drain while stopped” After a while, I’ve noticed the instrument panel light were off. I had a day time running lights on, but lights weren’t on, only the fog lights. And when I unlock and lock the doors, those lights weren’t flushing. The morning of Oct 26th,my battery was dead.

    NHTSA complaint 11438250
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

46 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • M840226 Jul 10, 2026 · Service Campaign
    Once the Telematics Module (TCB2) enters sleep mode, a MINI Data Services trigger for Remote Services(remote engine start, lock/unlock/climate conditioning) will not be able to reactivate the TCB2. Due to this issue, Remote Services will not function in the…
  • M010324 Apr 27, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
    EVAP PURGE (VENT) VALVE EXT LTD WTY (ELW) 15 YRS/150,000 MLS
  • M010124 Oct 8, 2024 · Warranty Program/Extension
    EVAP PURGE (VENT) VALVE EXT LTD WTY (ELW) 15 YEARS/150,000 MILES
  • M310424 Mar 4, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    During inspection and/or diagnosis there is noticeable dirt/grease buildup on the axles near the inner and/or outer CV boots.
  • M511616 Nov 2, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Cavity protection applied to underside of the hood is leaking out onto the wheel arch trim and grille.
  • M610607 Oct 25, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can have various causes, most of which are …
  • M540123 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ?The panoramic roof sunblind does not close, or jams while closing.
  • M110323 Aug 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ?BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop: REPLACE CHARGE AIR LINE.
  • M510123 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator.
  • SIM630122 Feb 6, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lights.
  • M840322 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an IMS registration in th…
  • M610223 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The buttons on the gear selector switch (GWS) do not work, or the function indicator lighting has failed.
  • M610123 Mar 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Oscillations in the electric drive can occur. As a result, the 12 V positive battery cable may rub against the battery box cover.
  • M630122 Feb 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Ambient lighting changes color after the vehicle goes to sleep.
  • M610820 Nov 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    During the service life of the vehicle, the high-voltage battery may unexpectedly not provide power to the vehicle.
  • M540122 Nov 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    It is possible that the guide stem (aka rotational axis) on the wind deflector can break, upon removal and or during installation.
  • M220122 Nov 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    During a vehicle inspection and/or while addressing a customer's concern, the engine stabilizer bar/link appears to be worn.
  • M840322 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Due to a production error, the telematics control units were delivered without an IMS configuration. The Connected Drive voice services (Concierge Call, MINI Assistance and emergency call voice) can no longer be used regionally in the US in vehicle with t…
  • SIM640122 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Mist formation on the windscreen inner surface may occur at departure or after MSA (automaticstart/stop). Acoustic abnormality in the area of the recirculated air flap (recirculation flap closing and opening several times). The above may occur individually …
  • SIM330122 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The following complaints may be noticed while slow maneuvering with a steering input of 80-100% (at or near full lock, e.g., parking lot maneuvers) or accelerating with a medium to large steering angle: Humming or creaking noises from the rear area; slight …
  • SIM610321 Apr 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The Check Control message "Door open" appears in the instrument cluster (Kombi) even though all vehicle doors are securely closed and locked.
  • M340317 Feb 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicles with total mileage below approx. 12,500 may experience premature wear of the left rear brakes. In some cases, there also may be visible damage due to thermal overload.
  • M610321 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Any or all of the following CCM ID code 14/15/16/17 door open appear in the instrument cluster when the door is properly closed and locked. The locking operation of the door is not affected by the incorrect display.
  • M360119 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models. The new wheel electronics are identified as Huf Generation 5. These new wheel electronics will need to be programmed using the new tool when replaced or when depressurized (0 p…
  • M230121 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    When the vehicle is on a lift and wheels are manually spun, a clanking noise is heard from the transmission area.
  • M120121 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    In situations when the fuel tank vent line becomes blocked, the on-board diagnosis (OBD) may not detect the blockage.
  • M651015 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT came in vehicles with option 609. This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and came in vehicles with option code 609. This uses map North America EVO.…
  • M640221 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Different air temperatures are felt from left to right out of the front fresh air grilles (air vents).
  • M640221 Jul 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Different air temperatures are felt from left to right out of the front fresh air grilles (air vent). The following fault code is saved in the IHKA (integrated automatic heating/air conditioning system) control unit: 801189 - Engine mixed air right: Initial…
  • M220117 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Creaking Noise When Cornering: A creaking noise is heard from the front end of the vehicle while cornering (predominantly left turns)
  • M310115 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    A groaning and/or squeaking noise from the front axle occurs when turning at low speeds or idle
  • M660121 Apr 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ACTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) CANNOT BE ACTIVATED: After the recent software update, the cruise control cannot be activated.
  • M610820 Mar 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    REPLACING THE CELL MODULE OF HIGHVOLTAGE BATTERY: During the service life of the vehicle, the high-voltage battery may unexpectedly not provide power to the vehicle.
  • M610121 Mar 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CLICKING NOISE IN VEHICLE INTERIOR DURING CHARGING: Clicking noise from the interior passenger side footwell when the vehicle is being charged, with the air conditioning running at the same time.
  • M610820 Dec 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ?REPLACING THE CELL MODULE OF HIGHVOLTAGE BATTERY: During the service life of the vehicle, the high-voltage battery may unexpectedly not provide power to the vehicle. The high-voltage battery cells may not have been produced according to specifications.
  • M610820 Dec 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ?REPLACING THE CELL MODULE OF HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY: During the service life of the vehicle, the high-voltage battery may unexpectedly not provide power to the vehicle. The high-voltage battery cells may not have been produced according to specifications.
  • M640220 Oct 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CONDENSATION FROM AIR CONDITIONING LEAKS INTO PASSENGER FOOTWELL: Condensation from the air conditioning systems evaporator drips, below the instrument panel, into the passenger's footwell. During assembly, the cover of the fresh air intake was not fully se…
  • M640120 Oct 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BUZZING NOISE IS HEARD WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS DEACTIVATED: A buzzing noise is heard when the air conditioning (A/C) is deactivated while the vehicle is in park or neutral. Prior to turning off the A/C, the system was functional and cooling properly. A/C c…
  • M510220 Oct 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE ACTION - F60 TAILGATE HANDLE STRIP: The incorrect tailgate handle strip may have been installed during production.
  • M110420 Oct 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE ACTION - MOUNTING THE OIL FILLER CAP CORRECTLY: The oil filler cap may not be mounted correctly. The cap was not installed correctly during assembly.
  • M640220 Oct 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CONDENSATION FROM AIR CONDITIONING LEAKS INTO PASSENGER FOOTWELL: Condensation from the air conditioning systems evaporator drips, below the instrument panel, into the passenger's footwell. During assembly, the cover of the fresh air intake was not fully se…
  • M640120 Oct 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BUZZING NOISE IS HEARD WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS DEACTIVATED: A buzzing noise is heard when the air conditioning (A/C) is deactivated while the vehicle is in park or neutral. Prior to turning off the A/C, the system was functional and cooling properly. A/C c…
  • M510220 Oct 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE ACTION - F60 TAILGATE HANDLE STRIP: The incorrect tailgate handle strip may have been installed during production.
  • M110420 Oct 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE ACTION - MOUNTING THE OIL FILLER CAP CORRECTLY: The oil filler cap may not be mounted correctly. The cap was not installed correctly during assembly.
  • M610520 Sep 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    MINI TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV 120V/240V CHARGER: The MINI-approved accessory TurboCord will not charge the vehicle.
  • M340120 Sep 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE ACTION - PROGRAM THE BODY DOMAIN CONTROL (BDC) UNIT: Aftermarket scan tools cannot read fault codes in the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) unit via the On Board Diagnostic (OBD) socket. The DSC data is not processed correctly in the BDC and therefor…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.