Research · Minicompact Cars

2023 MINI CooperRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints for the 2023 MINI Cooper. Most complaints involve electrical system (4) and suspension (1). The EPA rates it 25–32 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
25–32mpg
EPA · 12 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Aug 2024
Owner complaints
5
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system: software

Free remedy

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2024 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE) vehicles. Faults may occur in the high voltage battery or high voltage system, resulting in a short circuit.

Electrical systemReported Aug 15, 2024NHTSA 24V612000

Electrical system: traction battery

Free remedy

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2024 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE) vehicles. The high voltage battery housing may not have been sealed properly, allowing water to enter the battery.

Electrical systemReported Apr 29, 2024NHTSA 24V302000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

5 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2024 – Jun 2026
  1. Electrical system4
  2. Suspension1
  3. Wheels1
  4. Service brakes1
  5. Forward collision avoidance1
  6. Fuel/propulsion system1

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
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

4 reports1 crash
“The vehicle's suspension system was improperly configured for its electric powertrain at the time of manufacture, resulting in an incorrect ride height that is incompatible with the vehicle's EV platform. This is not an isolated component failure but a fundamental design defect — the vehicle was delivered in a condition that was never properly suited to its own drivetrain. This defect has caused ongoing damage to the vehicle's undercarriage, compromised handling and dynamic stability, and produced accelerated and premature tire wear. BMW/MINI, as the manufacturer, knew or reasonably should have known at the time of sale that the suspension specification was incompatible with this vehicle's electric drivetrain configuration. The failure to disclose or remedy this condition prior to sale, and the failure to adequately repair it despite repeated attempts, reflects a willful disregard of its warranty obligations.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 19, 2026Suspension, Electrical system, WheelsODI 11745248

Suspension

1 report

Wheels

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

12 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Minicompact Cars, Subcompact Cars, Midsize Cars
Engines
1.5L 3-cyl turbo · 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (AM-S7) · Manual 6-spd · Automatic (S8)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-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 Convertible
Auto (AM-S7), 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
293832$2,500273
Cooper Hardtop 2 door
Auto (AM-S7), 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
293832$2,500273
Cooper Hardtop 4 door
Auto (AM-S7), 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
293832$2,500273
Cooper Convertible
Man 6-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
273731$2,550284
Cooper Hardtop 2 door
Man 6-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
273731$2,550284
Cooper Hardtop 4 door
Man 6-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
273731$2,550284
Cooper S Convertible
Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
273630$2,650293
Cooper S Clubman
Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
253529$2,750307
Cooper Countryman
Auto (AM-S7), 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
263228$2,850311
Cooper S Clubman All4
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
233227$2,950332
Cooper Countryman All4
Auto (S8), 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
233126$3,050336
Cooper S Clubman
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
223225$3,200349
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

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2023 MINI Cooper as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 18374
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

2023 Cooper questions

How many recalls does the 2023 MINI Cooper have?

2 safety recalls 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 2023 MINI Cooper problems?

Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (4), suspension (1), wheels (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 MINI Cooper get?

The EPA rates the 2023 MINI Cooper at 25–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026