2019 MINI Cooper Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2019 MINI Cooper has a complaint index of 10, the second-lowest of all 21 model years tracked, and ranks 19th worst (meaning it's among the best). It carries 12 complaints and 2 recalls, earning a Best verdict relative to other Cooper years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 10/100
- #19 of 21 Cooper years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 12
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 30
- 28 city / 35 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2019 MINI Cooper problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other4 (33%)
- Steering4 (33%)
- Brakes2 (17%)
- Electrical System2 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (17%)
- Engine1 (8%)
- Structure & Body1 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe sudden loss of speed control and an apparent engine lockup at highway speed shortly after purchase, in one case at only 5 miles on the odometer.
- Some report steering wheels spinning uncontrollably or becoming hard to turn, including a stabilization warning that appeared while merging on a highway.
- Drivers describe the driver-side tail lamp assembly failing completely, with inspection revealing a melted electrical connector at the rear of the lamp.
- One owner reported engine mounts described as plastic cracking at low mileage, around 23,000 miles.
- A complaint describes refrigerant leaking into the cabin from an evaporator, causing eye irritation and tearing while driving.
2019 MINI Cooper recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V601000Aug 14, 2019Steering32 vehicles
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2019 X2 xDrive28i, MINI Cooper S Convertible, Countryman, and John Cooper Works Countryman vehicles. The steering gear tie rod may have been assembled incorrectly, which may result in excessive wear of the tie rod end, eventually causing it to break.
Risk: A broken steering tie rod would lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the tie rods and ball joints as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
- NHTSA 18V465000Jul 11, 2018Engine5,309 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2019 MINI Cooper fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 28 MPG
- Highway
- 35 MPG
- Combined
- 30 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,650
- 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.
2019 compared with other Cooper years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 MINI Cooper reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 model has a complaint index of 10, one of the lowest among all 21 Cooper model years, and ranks 19th out of those years in worst-to-best order. It earns a Best verdict relative to other Cooper years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 MINI Cooper?
- NHTSA complaints show steering issues make up 33% of reports, followed by brakes, electrical system, and transmission & powertrain each at 17%. Median mileage at failure for steering, brake, and transmission complaints was 37.5 miles.
- Does the 2019 MINI Cooper have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2019 Cooper: one covering steering tie rods and ball joints (campaign 19V601000) and one for an engine crankshaft sensor firmware issue (campaign 18V465000). Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- What year MINI Cooper should I avoid instead of 2019?
- Based on NHTSA complaint data, 2005 through 2010 Coopers rank worst, with complaint indexes from 75 to 100 and verdicts of Avoid, far higher than the 2019 model's index of 10.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2019 MINI Cooper?
- EPA rates the 2019 Cooper at 30 mpg combined (28 city / 35 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,650.