Electrical system: software
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.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Cooper model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 269 |
| 2003 | 537 |
| 2004 | 529 |
| 2005 | 843 |
| 2006 | 413 |
| 2007 | 383 |
| 2008 | 284 |
| 2009 | 152 |
| 2010 | 102 |
| 2011 | 110 |
| 2012 | 74 |
| 2013 | 47 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 56 |
| 2016 | 39 |
| 2017 | 18 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 5 |
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Convertible Auto (AM-S7), 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 38 | 32 | $2,500 | 273 |
| Cooper Hardtop 2 door Auto (AM-S7), 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 38 | 32 | $2,500 | 273 |
| Cooper Hardtop 4 door Auto (AM-S7), 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 38 | 32 | $2,500 | 273 |
| Cooper Convertible Man 6-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,550 | 284 |
| Cooper Hardtop 2 door Man 6-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,550 | 284 |
| Cooper Hardtop 4 door Man 6-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,550 | 284 |
| Cooper S Convertible Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,650 | 293 |
| Cooper S Clubman Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,750 | 307 |
| Cooper Countryman Auto (AM-S7), 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 32 | 28 | $2,850 | 311 |
| Cooper S Clubman All4 Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 32 | 27 | $2,950 | 332 |
| Cooper Countryman All4 Auto (S8), 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | $3,050 | 336 |
| Cooper S Clubman Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 25 | $3,200 | 349 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
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.
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.
The EPA rates the 2023 MINI Cooper at 25–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).