The MINI Cooper recalls most worth checking are 12V-008 and 18V-248, for the 2007–2012 Cooper S turbo's auxiliary coolant pump, which can overheat. Next are 23V-337, a footwell module that can corrode in road-salt states (2007–2013), and 24V-612 for the 2020–2024 Cooper SE's battery. First-generation cars have power steering and air bag sensor recalls.
CarWhere lists 20 documented Cooper issues, including 20 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
Fourth generation Cooper problems (2025–present)
Integrated brake module welds may break (recall 24V-697) (2025)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Fourth generation (F66/F65/F67, 2025–present) – 2025
- Years:
- 2025
- Powertrain:
- All
Welds in the servomotor of the integrated brake control module may break, causing loss of power brake assist and rear brake function, and ABS and stability control may not work. Recall 24V-697 covers 2025 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S), 2025 Countryman S ALL4 and JCW Countryman ALL4 with many BMW and Rolls-Royce models: about 309 vehicles across those models. Dealers replace the integrated brake system.
Symptoms
- Brake warning lights
- Harder brake pedal or longer stopping distances
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 24V697000 (2024-09) · 309 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [4][5]
Integrated brake system may malfunction (recall 26V-422) (2025)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Fourth generation (F66/F65/F67, 2025–present) – 2025
- Years:
- 2025
- Powertrain:
- All
The integrated brake system may lose power brake assist, or ABS and Dynamic Stability Control may not work properly. Recall 26V-422 covers 2025 MINI Cooper S and Countryman S ALL4 with several BMW and Rolls-Royce models: about 428 vehicles across those models. Dealers inspect the system and replace it if needed; owner letters were due August 2026.
Symptoms
- Brake or stability-control warning lights
- Harder brake pedal
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 26V422000 (2026-07) · 428 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [6][5]
Front seat belt retractors may be damaged (recall 25V-616) (2025–2026)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Fourth generation (F66/F65/F67, 2025–present) – 2025–2026
- Years:
- 2025–2026
- Powertrain:
- All
The torsion bar in both front seat belt retractors may have been damaged during production, so the belts may not restrain occupants properly in a crash. Recall 25V-616 covers 2025–2026 MINI Cooper, Cooper Convertible and Countryman S ALL4 and 2025 Countryman SE ALL4 with 2025–2026 BMW X1 and X2 models: about 1,571 vehicles across those models. Dealers replace both front retractors.
Symptoms
- No warning sign before a failure; the recall record is the only way to know
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 25V616000 (2025-09) · 1,571 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [7][5]
Third generation Cooper problems (2014–2024)
Cooper SE high-voltage battery may short-circuit (recall 24V-612) (2020–2024)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Third generation (F56/F55/F57, 2014–2024) – Cooper SE 2020–2024
- Years:
- 2020–2024
- Powertrain:
- Electric (Cooper SE)
Faults in the high-voltage battery or high-voltage system of the 2020–2024 Cooper SE Hardtop 2 Door can cause a short circuit and raise the risk of fire. About 12,535 vehicles. Until the remedy is done, owners are told to park outside and away from buildings if a warning message appears. Dealers install a software update.
Symptoms
- High-voltage system warning message
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
- Confirm both Cooper SE battery recalls, 24V-612 and 24V-302
NHTSA recall: 24V612000 (2024-08) · 12,535 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1][2]
Cooper SE battery housing may let water in (recall 24V-302) (2020–2024)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Third generation (F56/F55/F57, 2014–2024) – Cooper SE 2020–2024
- Years:
- 2020–2024
- Powertrain:
- Electric (Cooper SE)
On certain 2020–2024 Cooper SE models the high-voltage battery housing may not be sealed properly, so water can get into the battery and cause a fire or stall. About 145 vehicles. Dealers inspect and leak-test the battery and repair it as needed.
Symptoms
- Battery or drive-system warning
- Loss of drive power
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 24V302000 (2024-04) · 145 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [3][2]
Rear-seat side impact protection below standard (recall 15V-450) (2014–2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Third generation (F56/F55/F57, 2014–2024) – 2014–2015
- Years:
- 2014–2015
- Powertrain:
- All
2014–2015 Cooper and Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door and 2015 JCW Hardtop 2 Door models did not meet the federal side impact standard (FMVSS 214) for rear-seat passengers. About 30,456 vehicles. Dealers add energy-absorbing material between the rear side panels and the body.
Symptoms
- No warning sign before a failure; the recall record is the only way to know
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 15V450000 (2015-07) · 30,456 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [8][2]
Passenger front air bag may not deploy properly (recall 15V-628) (2014–2016)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Third generation (F56/F55/F57, 2014–2024) – 2014–2016
- Years:
- 2014–2016
- Powertrain:
- All
Because of a manufacturing error, the passenger front air bag may not deploy properly in a low-speed crash. The campaign covers 2014–2016 Cooper and Cooper S two-door, 2015–2016 JCW and Cooper and Cooper S four-door models, plus 2014–2015 BMW i3s: about 6,073 vehicles across those models. Dealers replace the module.
Symptoms
- No warning sign before a failure; the recall record is the only way to know
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 15V628000 (2015-10) · 6,073 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [9][2]
Tire placard lists the wrong load capacity (recall 15V-034) (2014–2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Third generation (F56/F55/F57, 2014–2024) – 2014–2015
- Years:
- 2014–2015
- Powertrain:
- All
2014–2015 Cooper Hardtop two-door models built December 2013 to December 2014 may have a tire information placard with a maximum load figure that is too low. About 13,130 vehicles. Dealers replace the label.
Symptoms
- Placard on the door jamb shows the old figure
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 15V034000 (2015-01) · 13,130 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [10][2]
Spare wheel nut may loosen (recall 14V-619) (2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Third generation (F56/F55/F57, 2014–2024) – 2014
- Years:
- 2014
- Powertrain:
- All
On 2014 Cooper Hardtop 2-door models built January to July 2014, the underbody spare wheel may be held by a nut that is not self-locking. Vibration can loosen it and let the wheel fall onto the road. About 5,805 vehicles. Dealers fit a self-locking nut.
Symptoms
- Rattle from under the rear of the car
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 14V619000 (2014-10) · 5,805 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [11][2]
Transmission software could allow rollaway (recall 14V-789) (2014–2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Third generation (F56/F55/F57, 2014–2024) – 2014–2015
- Years:
- 2014–2015
- Powertrain:
- Automatic transmission
During service, dealers may have loaded transmission software that lets the driver leave the car when it is not in Park, a rollaway risk. The recall covers certain 2014–2015 Cooper and Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door models, about 1,928 vehicles. Dealers reprogram the transmission control module.
Symptoms
- Car does not warn or hold when the driver exits out of Park
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 14V789000 (2014-12) · 1,928 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [12][2]
Driver seat belt may not lock (recall 16V-747) (2016–2017)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Third generation (F56/F55/F57, 2014–2024) – 2016–2017
- Years:
- 2016–2017
- Powertrain:
- All
The vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism of the driver's seat belt retractor may not lock as designed. The campaign covers 2016–2017 MINI Hardtop 4 Door Cooper and Cooper S and Clubman models, plus BMW X1, 528i and Rolls-Royce Ghost models: about 15,455 vehicles across those models. Dealers replace the driver's belt assembly.
Symptoms
- No warning sign before a failure; the recall record is the only way to know
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 16V747000 (2016-10) · 15,455 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [13][2]
Crankshaft sensor firmware can cause a stall (recall 18V-465) (2018–2019)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Third generation (F56/F55/F57, 2014–2024) – 2018–2019
- Years:
- 2018–2019
- Powertrain:
- Gasoline engines
The crankshaft sensor may have incorrect firmware and not read the reluctor ring properly, which can stall the engine. The expanded recall covers 2018–2019 MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, Countryman and Clubman models with many 2018–2019 BMW models: about 5,309 vehicles across those models. Dealers replace the sensor.
Symptoms
- Engine stalls while driving
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 18V465000 (2018-07) · 5,309 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [14][5]
Rear side trim panels missing crash pads (recall 19V-634) (2020)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Third generation (F56/F55/F57, 2014–2024) – 2020
- Years:
- 2020
- Powertrain:
- All
Certain 2020 Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S and JCW models may have rear side trim panels assembled without a crash pad, failing the federal side impact standard. About 683 vehicles. Dealers install the pads.
Symptoms
- No warning sign before a failure; the recall record is the only way to know
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 19V634000 (2019-08) · 683 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [15][2]
Passenger seat belt locking retractor may release early (recall 21V-554) (2021)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Third generation (F56/F55/F57, 2014–2024) – 2021
- Years:
- 2021
- Powertrain:
- All
The front passenger seat belt's automatic locking retractor may deactivate before the webbing fully retracts. Recall 21V-554 covers 2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (including Cooper SE), Convertible, Clubman and Countryman models and dozens of BMW, Rolls-Royce and Toyota Supra models: about 21,537 vehicles across those models. Dealers inspect and, if needed, replace the retractor.
Symptoms
- No warning sign before a failure; the recall record is the only way to know
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 21V554000 (2021-07) · 21,537 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [16][5]
Second generation Cooper problems (2007–2013)
Footwell control module can short-circuit from corrosion (recall 23V-337) (2007–2013)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Second generation (2007–2013) – 2007–2013
- Years:
- 2007–2013
- Powertrain:
- All
Water and road salt can corrode the electronic control module in the driver's footwell, which may short-circuit and increase the risk of fire. Recall 23V-337 covers 2007–2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S and JCW and 2008–2014 Clubman models sold or ever registered in 29 road-salt states plus Washington, D.C. (including New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Colorado): about 97,933 vehicles across those models. Dealers inspect the sunroof drains, footwell area and module, replacing parts as needed.
Symptoms
- Wet carpet or water in the driver's footwell
- Electrical faults such as lights or windows misbehaving
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
- Check the driver's footwell carpet and the sunroof drains for water
NHTSA recall: 23V337000 (2023-05) · 97,933 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [17][5]
Turbo auxiliary coolant pump can overheat (recall 12V-008) (2007–2011)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Second generation (2007–2013) – 2007–2011
- Years:
- 2007–2011
- Powertrain:
- 1.6L turbo (Cooper S, JCW)
The electric auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger has a circuit board that can malfunction, overheat and smolder, which could cause a fire. Recall 12V-008 covers 2007–2011 Cooper S, 2009–2011 Cooper S Convertible and JCW models, 2008–2011 Clubman S models and the 2011 Cooper S Countryman, built November 14, 2006 to January 18, 2011: about 90,368 vehicles across those models. Dealers replace the pump free of charge.
Symptoms
- Burning smell or smoke from the engine bay
- Coolant or overheating warnings
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 12V008000 (2012-01) · 90,368 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [18][5]
Auxiliary coolant pump can overheat, second campaign (recall 18V-248) (2011–2012)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Second generation (2007–2013) – 2011–2012
- Years:
- 2011–2012
- Powertrain:
- 1.6L turbo (Cooper S, JCW)
A second campaign for the same part: the electric auxiliary water pump may fail and its circuit board can overheat, increasing the risk of fire. Recall 18V-248 covers 2011–2012 MINI Cooper S, Cooper S Convertible, JCW, Clubman, Countryman, Coupe and Roadster models, along with BMW and Rolls-Royce models: about 47,806 vehicles across those models. Dealers replace the pump.
Symptoms
- Burning smell or smoke from the engine bay
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 18V248000 (2018-04) · 47,806 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [19][5]
Cooper S tailpipe extension can cause burns (recall 08V-657) (2007–2008)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Second generation (2007–2013) – 2007–2008
- Years:
- 2007–2008
- Powertrain:
- 1.6L turbo (Cooper S)
On 2007–2008 Cooper S models, the center tailpipe extension sticks out slightly past the rear bumper, so a person could touch it when it is hot. About 28,450 vehicles. Dealers fit a shorter tailpipe.
Symptoms
- Tailpipe tip protrudes beyond the bumper
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 08V657000 (2008-12) · 28,450 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [20][2]