Grade a car

Mini Cooper Reliability Grade

A-Overall

Excellent reliability

EngineA-
TransmissionA-

Grade a specific Mini Cooper

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The Mini Cooper earns an A- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an A- for its engine and an A- for its transmission. It ranks 3rd of 5 subcompact cars we grade. Its engine (A-) and transmission (A-) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 341 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

Mini Cooper reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

2005C-2006D2007D2008C-2009D2010C+2011C+2012B2013B+2014B-2015B-2016B2017B+2018A2019A-2020A-2022A-2023A-

Best years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023

Years to avoid: 2006 (transmission slipping / rough shifting), 2007 (engine failure / knocking) and 2009 (stalling / loss of power)

How long does the Mini Cooper last?

150,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known Mini Cooper problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the Mini Cooper, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See Cooper problems

Mini Cooper vs. other subcompact cars

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Toyota Yaris A- A A
Hyundai Accent B A A
Mini Cooper A- A- A-
Kia Rio B A B+
Honda Fit C+ A- B-

Most reliable subcompact cars →

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Mini Cooper reliability FAQ

Is the Mini Cooper reliable?

Excellent reliability. The Mini Cooper earns an A- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an A- for its engine and an A- for its transmission. It ranks 3rd of 5 subcompact cars we grade. Its engine (A-) and transmission (A-) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 341 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a Mini Cooper last?

We estimate a well-maintained Mini Cooper lasts around 150,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the Mini Cooper?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Mini Cooper model years are 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023.

What Mini Cooper years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Mini Cooper years to be most careful with are 2006, 2007 and 2009. The 2006 grades a D overall (engine C, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting. The 2007 grades a D overall (engine F, transmission C-), and its top engine/transmission problem is engine failure / knocking.

Is the Mini Cooper transmission reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Mini Cooper transmission an A- (excellent reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the Mini Cooper engine reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Mini Cooper engine an A- (excellent reliability).