2014 Mini Cooper s problems
The Mini (stylised as MINI) supermini range, marketed under various names such as Mini Cooper, Mini Hatch, Mini Hardtop, Mini One, and Mini John Cooper Works, are a family of retro-styled three-door hatchback, two-door convertible, and five-door hatchback (since 2014). The range was introduced in July 2001, following the acquisition of the Mini brand by German automaker BMW.
BMW first unveiled the Mini hatch concept car at the 1997 Frankfurt International Motor Show, when the Mini brand was still part of the BMW-owned Rover Group. Developed as a successor to the original Mini, the styling of the concept car was well received by the public and further developed. The new Mini range was launched by BMW in 2001, one year after their sale of the Rover Group in March 2000, and the classic Mini's discontinuation that same year. Under BMW ownership, the brand later grew its line-up by adding larger models such as the Clubman in 2007, the Countryman in 2010, the Paceman in 2012, and the Aceman in 2024.
The second generation was launched in 2006 and the third, adding a longer 4/5-door hatchback, in 2014. A two-door convertible version was added in 2004, followed by its second generation in 2008. With the launch of the fourth generation in 2024, the Mini Hatch has been renamed to Mini Cooper.
BMW also developed several battery electric versions of the Mini, starting with the Mini E in 2009 developed only for field trials, followed by the mass-produced Mini Electric in 2019, and succeeded by the Mini Cooper E/SE in 2023 which uses a dedicated electric vehicle platform.
Mini models under BMW ownership are produced in Cowley, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom at Plant Oxford. Between July 2014 and February 2024, 3-door production was shared with VDL Nedcar in Born, Netherlands. The Mini convertible was only assembled in the Netherlands between 2015 and 2024. From 2024, all next generation combustion engined Mini hatch and convertible production will be centred at Oxford. Since late 2023, the electric Mini Cooper is developed and produced in China at the Spotlight Automotive joint venture facility in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu.
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Common 2014 Mini Cooper s problems
The 2014 Mini Cooper S has been known to have several common problems, based on complaints from owners of this car.
One of the most significant issues is the harsh suspension, which has little wheel travel and can be uncomfortable over frost heaves or potholes.
Another problem reported by some drivers is a momentary surge followed by a loss of power while merging onto a highway, which caused the car to enter a limp mode that disappeared only after sitting for an hour. The cause of this issue was never found.
The headlight control is also hidden by the steering wheel and angled towards the floor, making it nearly impossible to discern the switch's different positions, and the tall and bulky center armrest makes it awkward to shift gears, use the navigation system’s control knob, or even prop up an elbow.
The 2014 Mini Cooper S also has some common faults, including knocking noises from the front or rear suspension, which could be caused by worn sway bar bushings. Transmission fluid can leak from the input shaft, and the rear washer may not spray onto the window if it is leaking within the panel. If looking at an early example from 2006 or 2007 production, it is advisable to check the door seals for any sign of water leaks, which were updated with an improved design that some owners have retrofitted to older cars
The Mini Cooper S of this generation is fitted with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which has become known for a variety of reliability issues, particularly in the N14 motor used in launch models. Fuel economy of 40.9mpg or 6.91L/100km makes the R56 much more efficient than its predecessor. However, the engine was updated in 2010 to the N18 motor and boosted to 181bhp in standard Cooper S models, with John Cooper Works models producing 208bhp across the model years it was offered
Service Bulleting SI M11 03 11 highlights an issue with engines produced until November 2011, where the manufacturer believes that engines had a material that was too soft used for the timing tensioner seal ring, which could cause an oil leak or loss of tension. The newer N18 engine began to be fitted to regular Cooper S models in 2010, and in John Cooper Works Models from 2012
In summary, the 2014 Mini Cooper S has several common problems, including a harsh suspension, maddening noises and headaches, and ergonomically challenging features. The car's N14 motor has become known for a variety of reliability issues, and there are several common faults that potential buyers should be aware of. However, the car's quick reflexes, punchy powertrain, and spry handling make it a popular choice for many drivers.
Is 2014 Mini Coopers reliable?
It has two good engines and the go-kart handling all Minis are known for. For the most part, interior and cargo space is good thanks to the redesign. However, the Mini Cooper can't shake the brand's below-average reliability and high costs. Still, it qualifies as a good used subcompact car overall.
Is Mini Coopers engine reliable?
MINI Coopers are, for the most part, reliable vehicles. However, they do suffer from a high frequency of costly repairs, primarily due to the heritage of the powerplant nestled beneath the bug-eyed hood.
What is the common problem of Mini Cooper?
The 1st generation (R50/R53) Mini Cooper is known for premature clutch wear and failure. This typically occurs between 40,000-60,000 miles on vehicles built from 2001-2006. The root cause is due to an under-designed single-mass flywheel and weak factory clutch that cannot handle the torque of the supercharged engines.
How long does a Mini Coopers engine last?
How Many Miles Will a Mini Cooper Engine Last? The Mini Cooper engine will last about 100,000 miles if you maintain it well. However, the engine will last much longer than without any unwanted signs. A maintained Mini Cooper engine would last for about 200,000 and 250,000 miles.
2014 Mini Cooper s complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2014 Mini Cooper s.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2014 Mini Cooper s recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2014 Mini Cooper s.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 door vehicles manufactured February 25, 2014, to May 16, 2015, 2014-2015 MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 door vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to May 9, 2015, 2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 door vehicles manufactured October 17, 2014, to June 2, 2015, and 2015 MINI Cooper S Hardtop 4 door vehicles manufactured November 24, 2014, to June 11, 2015. During a service appointment, the affected vehicles received replacement front passenger seat cushions (which contain integral Capacitive Interior Sensing (CIS) functions). The CIS functions may have been incorrectly calibrated, and if so, would cause impaired occupant classification and thus inappropriate air bag activation/deactivation.
- Consequence: Inappropriate air bag activation/deactivation can increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front passenger seat cushion, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525 .
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper two-door vehicles, 2015-2016 MINI John Cooper Works and MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper four-door vehicles and 2014-2015 BMW i3 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the passenger frontal air bag may not deploy properly in a low speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: In the event of a vehicle crash, an air bag that does not deploy properly increases the risk of injury to the front seat passenger.
- Remedy: MINI and BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525 and BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door vehicles and 2015 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop 2 Door vehicles. The affected vehicles do not meet the side impact performance requirements for the rear seat passengers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
- Consequence: If the side impact performance requirements are not met, rear seat passengers may be at a higher risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will install additional energy absorption material between the rear interior side panels and the exterior vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525. Note: this recall supersedes 14V-815.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door, and Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door vehicles manufactured January 6, 2014, to October 17, 2014. During service appointments, dealers may have inadvertently reprogrammed the transmission control unit with software that may allow drivers to exit the vehicle when the transmission is not in Park. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
- Consequence: If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being in Park, the vehicle could roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
- Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control module with the correct software, free of charge. The recall February 4, 2015. Owners can contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2014 Mini Cooper s problems:
Mini reliability issues, if any? | Mini Cooper Forum
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Nov 18, 2021 ... The other issues are the upper engine mount, ignition coils and turbo. The upper mount will be a failure point by 160k km, if it's already ...
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Jan 31, 2023 ... The first indication that something was wrong occurred in mid-November. I would intermittently receive a message indicating there was a battery ...
Honest Opinions on Mini + Reliability : r/MINI
Jul 20, 2021 ... I've owned 3 F series (2014+) MINIs and they have been dead reliable, the 2015 (with a 2014 build date) was the only one that had any “problems” ...
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