The worst 2021 MINI Cooper S problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
Recalls 2
Seat belts
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417; 1‑866‑825‑1525 (MINI); 1‑877‑877‑3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1‑888‑270‑9371 (Toyota).
Recall number 21V554000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window: curtain
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X1 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i and X2 sDrive28i, 2020 MINI Clubman Cooper S All4, 2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and Cooper S E) and MINI Hardtop 4 Door (Cooper and Cooper S) vehicles. Due 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 pretensioners and other safety systems, may not activate.
- Risk
- If the safety systems do not deploy as intended in a roll over crash, it may increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or MINI customer service at 1‑866‑825‑1525.
Recall number 20V283000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 MINI Cooper S 36
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- During inspection and/or diagnosis there is noticeable dirt/grease buildup on the axles near the inner...
- MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years
- ?BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop: REPLACE CHARGE AIR LINE.
- ?The panoramic roof sunblind does not close, or jams while closing.
- Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator.
- The buttons on the gear selector switch (GWS) do not work, or the function indicator lighting has failed.
- The 3G network in the US has been shut down
- Lights.
- Ambient lighting changes color after the vehicle goes to sleep.
- During a vehicle inspection and/or while addressing a customer's concern, the engine stabilizer bar/link...
2021 MINI Cooper S fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 22-25 | 32-35 | 26-29 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | AWD | 23 | 32 | 26 |
Compare the 2021 MINI Cooper S
Other model years
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Questions about the 2021 MINI Cooper S
Is the 2021 MINI Cooper S reliable?
Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2021 MINI Cooper S.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 MINI Cooper S?
There are not enough complaints to tell.
How many recalls does the 2021 MINI Cooper S have?
2 recalls, covering seat belts and air bags.
What gas mileage does the 2021 MINI Cooper S get?
Official estimates for the 2021 MINI Cooper S range from 26 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-25 city and 32-35 highway.
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