YearToAvoid

2013 MINI Cooper S Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

61/100

#8 most-complained of 19 Cooper S years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2013 MINI Cooper S has 24 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 61 out of 100 — #8 highest of 19 Cooper S model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is electrical system (10 complaints, 42% of the total). Complaints report 1 crash and 3 injuries.

Complaints
24
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
28
26 city / 32 hwy

Top 2013 MINI Cooper S problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System10 (42%)
  2. Engine7 (29%)
  3. Airbags4 (17%)
  4. Other4 (17%)
  5. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (8%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain2 (8%)
  7. Brakes1 (4%)
  8. Fuel System1 (4%)
  9. Structure & Body1 (4%)
2013 MINI Cooper S complaints: complaints filed per month3Oct 2013Aug 2016Jul 2018Jul 2020Nov 2023Oct 2024May 2025
32 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2013 to Oct 2025; peak Jun 2018 (3).

2013 MINI Cooper S recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V337000May 11, 2023Electrical System97,933 vehicles

    Electrical system

    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.

    Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

2013 MINI Cooper S fuel economy and fuel cost

City
26 MPG
Highway
32 MPG
Combined
28 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,850
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2013 compared with other Cooper S years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’19’20’21’22’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2011Caution6731328
2012Caution5623228
2013Caution6124128
2014Good3313428
2015Caution5018428

All MINI Cooper S years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 MINI Cooper S a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 MINI Cooper S ranks #8 of 19 among Cooper S model years (Complaint Index 61/100, verdict: Caution). It has 24 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 MINI Cooper S?
The most reported problem areas are electrical system (10 complaints), engine (7 complaints), and airbags (4 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 49,400 miles.
Does the 2013 MINI Cooper S have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2013 MINI Cooper S, most recently reported 2023, covering electrical system.
What is the fuel economy of the 2013 MINI Cooper S?
EPA rates the 2013 MINI Cooper S at 28 MPG combined (26 city / 32 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,850. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.