Research · Minicompact Cars

2007 MINI CooperRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 383 owner complaints for the 2007 MINI Cooper. Most complaints involve engine (125) and engine and engine cooling (99). The EPA rates it 23–31 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
23–31mpg
EPA · 8 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest May 2023
Owner complaints
383
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system

Free remedy

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, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.

Electrical systemReported May 11, 2023NHTSA 23V337000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

383 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2007 – Aug 2026
  1. Engine125
  2. Engine and engine cooling99
  3. Air bags75
  4. Electrical system40
  5. Power train32
  6. Fuel/propulsion system13
  7. Seat belts12
  8. Steering12
  9. Seats9

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Cooper model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20016
2002269
2003537
2004529
2005843
2006413
2007383
2008284
2009152
2010102
2011110
201274
201347
201434
201556
201639
201718
20186
201910
20206
20221
20235
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
24
Injuries reported
19
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

125 reports10 fires
“[XXX]. Mini Cooper 2007-2013: Recalls and TSB. My car is part of a recall under MINI Recall for Timing Chains. I understand now it was settled as part of a class action lawsuit that extended the warranty. I always take my car to a dealer and now after mileage they told me that they want me to pay out of my pocket. My car is a 2007 S. My mileage is 105,000K miles. The recall notice is for the year of my car and they are saying my car is too old and the mileage. This recall is for the year of my car so I am not understanding. Upon inspection by the dealer, it and needs to be replaced and cost $4,100.00. I don't have that kind of money. . My name is [XXX], [XXX]., [XXX], [XXX]. Phone #[XXX]. The dealership is Mini Cooper 1660 E.Spring Street, Long Beach Ca 90806. I never received this recall notice and knew of this only because I took my car to the dealer for something else related for the 3rd time.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 25, 2024EngineODI 11627193

Engine and engine cooling

99 reports3 fires
“OIL FEED LINE GOING INTO TURBO IS LEAKING OIL DIRECTLY ONTO TURBO. MINI USES A RUBBER O RING THAT IS CONNECTED TO A VERY HOT TURBO AND O RING WILL FAIL ON ALL MINI COOPERS WITH A TURBO. WHEN THIS RUBBER O RING FAILS IT WILL LEAK OIL DIRECTLY ONTO HOT TURBO AND CAUSE A FIRE. I THINK IT'S IN THE SAFETY OF ALL THAT THIS BE LOOKED INTO AND RECALLED. I BELIEVE MINI COOPER IS VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND IS COVERING UP THE ISSUE BY INSTALLING A CHEAP HEAT SHIELD ON OIL LINE BUT THIS IS A BANDAID FIX AT BEST. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 1, 2015Engine and engine coolingODI 10714082

Air bags

75 reports5 crashes1 fire
“The airbag warning light randomly remains on. From what I understand this is a known issue as there has been previous recalls by Mini. This could potentially mean the airbag system is faulty and non-operational. Based on online searches, it seems like a lot of there problem are wiring problems though, bad connections. The previous recalls should be extended further, as there are other cars with the same problem, like mine.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 4, 2025Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11646268
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

8 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Minicompact Cars
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl · 1.6L 4-cyl turbo · 1.6L 4-cyl supercharged
Transmissions
Manual 6-spd · Automatic (S6) · Manual 5-spd · Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cooper
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
273631$2,550287
Cooper
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
263329$2,750306
Cooper S
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
253228$2,850317
Cooper Convertible
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233226$3,050342
Cooper S
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
233026$3,050342
Cooper Convertible
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
223025$3,200355
Cooper S Convertible
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Sup Charg · Front-Wheel Drive
212824$3,300370
Cooper S Convertible
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Sup Charg · Front-Wheel Drive
202923$3,450386
  • Cooper
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    27 city · 36 hwy · $2,550/yr
    31
    mpg comb.
  • Cooper
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    26 city · 33 hwy · $2,750/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • Cooper S
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
    25 city · 32 hwy · $2,850/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • Cooper Convertible
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    23 city · 32 hwy · $3,050/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Cooper S
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
    23 city · 30 hwy · $3,050/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Cooper Convertible
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    22 city · 30 hwy · $3,200/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Cooper S Convertible
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Sup Charg
    21 city · 28 hwy · $3,300/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Cooper S Convertible
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Sup Charg
    20 city · 29 hwy · $3,450/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2007 MINI Cooper as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 2320Vehicle 2319
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2007 Cooper questions

How many recalls does the 2007 MINI Cooper have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2007 MINI Cooper problems?

Owners filed 383 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (125), engine and engine cooling (99), air bags (75). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2007 MINI Cooper get?

The EPA rates the 2007 MINI Cooper at 23–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026