2015 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 2015 Mini Cooper s problems
The 2015 Mini Cooper S is a compact hatchback that has been praised for its fuel efficiency, classic design, and quick dynamics. However, some owners have reported issues with this model year, which may be worth considering before making a purchase.
One common problem with the 2015 Mini Cooper S is engine issues, with 19 complaints reported on CarComplaints.com. The most frequent complaints involve the check engine light coming on, stalling, and engine problems. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty sensors, wiring problems, or more serious engine malfunctions.
In addition to engine issues, some owners have reported problems with the electrical system in the 2015 Mini Cooper S. Consumer Reports lists electrical accessories as a trouble spot for this model year, with complaints ranging from warning lights and keyless entry to heated or cooled seats and wireless charging pads. These issues can be caused by faulty wiring, blown fuses, or other electrical problems.
Another area of concern for the 2015 Mini Cooper S is the braking system. Consumer Reports lists brakes as a trouble spot for this model year, with one owner reporting that both brake lights have fused together, causing them to stop working. This can be a serious safety issue and may require replacement of the brake light wiring or bulbs.
Finally, some owners have reported problems with the climate system in the 2015 Mini Cooper S. Consumer Reports lists the climate system as a trouble spot for this model year, with complaints ranging from issues with the air conditioning and heating to problems with the automatic climate control system. These issues can be caused by faulty sensors, leaks in the system, or other problems.
Overall, while the 2015 Mini Cooper S has many positive qualities, it is important to be aware of these common problems before making a purchase. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these issues, but it is always a good idea to have any potential issues checked out by a trusted mechanic before buying a used car.
Is the 2015 Mini Cooper reliable?
How Reliable Is the 2015 Mini Cooper? J.D. Power gives the 2015 Mini Cooper a reliability rating of three out of five, which is about average.
What is the most common problem with Mini Coopers?
Issue #1: Engine Overheating in Mini Cooper S (2007-2010)
Oil cooler leaks have also been reported on some vehicles. These problems cause the engine to gradually overheat, leading to coolant loss and severe damage if left unchecked. Head gasket failure is a common result of the engine overheating in the R56 Cooper S.
How long will a 2015 Mini Cooper S last?
A typical Mini Cooper will probably last about 10-18 years on average, for most drivers. That's a long time compared with older vehicles, but not as long as some of the most durable brands, like Toyota or Honda can offer on some of their vehicles.
Is a Mini Coopers reliable?
MINI Cooper Reliability Ratings from J.D. Power
Recent MINI Cooper model years have consistently earned overall scores between 82 to 85, with verified MINI owners rating the Quality and & Reliability as “Great.”
2015 Mini Cooper s car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mini Cooper s problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2015 Mini Cooper s vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2015 Mini Cooper s
The NHTSA has received 65 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2015 Mini Cooper s. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2015 Mini Cooper s vehicles.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-22
- VIN: WMWXS5C54FT
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: While driving the rear view mirror suddenly tilted downward (drooped). What happened, was that the tension ring popped off. As it turns out, this is a known issue per internet Mini Cooper pages. On hot days the ring loosens and, since the design does not include anything to prevent the ring from sliding off, it does slide off, resulting in the rear view mirror drooping. I reinstalled the ring. This occurred again the next day. I ended up uninstalling the rear view mirror, reinstalling the ring and gluing it in place. Thus far this has held.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-16
- VIN: WMWZN3C54FT
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear convertible glass suddenly separated from the convertible compartment and fell on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The contact stated that while searching online, he became aware that the failure had been a very well-known failure since 2017 with similar vehicles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-13
- VIN: WMWSX3C50FT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The sensors do not work. The car does not tell me when oil is needed, when my tires are low. No sensors work in the car. The dealer, Mini Of Edison, states FOUND INTERNAL HARDWARE FAULTS. But are stating its costs 2300.00 to fix. This is a huge safety issue.Ive been having to guess when my oil is low and when my tires are low. This has been going on since September 2023, the car was only bought in May 2023.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-04
- VIN: WMWXP7C51F2
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The fuel filling nozzle turns off repeatedly while trying to fill the fuel tank and spills out causing a safety and environmental hazard, regardless of the pump being used. As a result, no fuel goes into the gas tank, instead it goes all over the car and the ground.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-16
- VIN: WMWXP7C55F2
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? CONTROL ARMS AND BUSHINGS How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? CONSTANT CREAKING AND CLUNKING OF FRONT SUSPENSION Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME YEAR AND GENERATION HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NOT YET Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-04
- VIN: WMWXM5C52F3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Without any warning lamps,The vehicle started pulling left when the brakes were applied a certified mechanic looked at it and feels that is the due to a defective DSC/ABS control unit. The unit hasn't been otherwise inspected but is available for inspection
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-13
- VIN: WMWXU3C59F2
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated stating that the air bag was turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat mat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the request for assistance was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-15
- VIN: WMWXP7C50F2
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Fuel tank causes gas pump to click off after dispensing a tenth gallon of gasoline. Gas spills from gas tank while removing pump creating a safety and environmental hazard. Fuel tank will not accept gas at pump. No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms were present prior to the failure. Mini Cooper dealership stated that service valve in tank has failed and entire fuel tank must be replaced.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-23
- VIN: WMWSX3C52FT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: While driving on freeway in 109 degree temp the service engine light came on. Proceeded with trip home (approx 2 hrs). Made a service appt online with Mini of Stevens Creek which was for 3 days later. Upon inspection it was found that vehicle had multiple problems. Service Advisor would not allow me to drive vehicle home while awaiting parts that were on B/O. Estimated it could be as long as 2 months before repaired because there were 391 units coming in next delivery but my vehicle was number 403 on the list requiring this part and would have to wait for the following months delivery. I was quite alarmed of the repairs needed since my vehicle has <28,000 miles and well maintained.
ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-23
- VIN: WMWXS5C58FT
- Components: ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for a routine oil change, the mechanic also determined that the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced and an unknown engine software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-27
- VIN: WMWXM5C58F3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The horn does no longer work. Had to press harder and harder on the horn button and in different places as time went on. Also have the same problem in a 2005 Mini Cooper.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-16
- VIN: wmwxs5c52ft
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: When refueling, fuel is rejected after dispensing about 1/8 US gallons, about 4 oz. Of course, fuel spills are a hazard - both in possibly of fire, and to the environment - by contaminating ground water. Dealer said that there are several solenoid operated valves and replaced fuel tank and fill pipe, a cost to me of $2400.00. There are many reports of this on social media, one person suggested holding the fuel nozzle upside down which made a larger spill.
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-19
- VIN: WMWXS5C52FT
- Components: POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: When refueling, nozzle kept shutting off, a gallon was pumped after nine attempts, also fuel erupted as the fill tube was filled with gas. reluctant to drive this car not knowing how much gas is in the tank. The needle shows less than 1/4 and miles remaining fluctuates between 80 and 110 miles. We are told that this problem exists in many mini automobiles, dealer has replacement gas tanks, but same problem exists Parking our Mini, indication of "roll back" is possible when car is parked. Shifter unit was replaced due to torsion spring.
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-28
- VIN: wmwxm5c59ft
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The proportioning value that controls brake function had a catastrophic failure and caused the brake calipers especially the left front to lock suddenly. The caused the left front wheel to lock and caused the car to pull hard to left and become difficult if not impossible to control. The car pulled hard left and risked the car moving uncontrollably into on coming traffic. The failed part was saved and is available for inspection. The safety of the driver(my wife) was put at risk during the loss of control of the car. Other cars in the area were also put at risk simply due to the loss of control of our car. The problem was confirmed by the independent service center. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to the dealership. The dealership thought the root cause was the brake master cylinder. This turned out not to be the case. The root cause was the failed proportioning valve. This caused the calipers to lock. The discs, rotors, calipers and proportioning value were replaced. There were no warning lights and the car had been taken for regular service at the dealership which was included in the purchase of the car. We were told that there is no warning light for a failure of this part.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-02
- VIN: WMWXS5C54FT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: On display I am getting warning " secure vehicle with parking brake when stationary" whereas my car is in park position with hand brake applied. The warning still shows up. The gearbox works fine the car drives fine. Its the warning that doesn't seem to go away. On diagnostics is shows code "420106" . DEFECTIVE GEAR SHIFT LEVER SPRING
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-12
- VIN: WMWZP3C58F2
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: On July 12 early morning hours I left Maryland drove to Augusta GA and continued on to Decatur GA totaling 704 Miles. Within an hour of me arriving to Atlanta, I attempted to leave the house again and the car would not crank. I had it towed to Global Mini there in Chamblee, GA. The key stopped communicating with the car, and I was asked to give them my spare key-I did not travel with my spare key and the key fob design does not have a replaceable battery per the dealership the fob is designed to charge while driving. I had to pay for someone to overnight my second key-which did crank the car. I had to purchase another key and I had to rent a car until they ordered another key to have sent to the dealer because the dealer does not make keys. This is a safety issue because i made several stops for gas and restroom breaks and what if this happened in the middle of nowhere? It was a scary situation and I feel that we should have been notified as owners that this could be a possible event. I purchased this vehicle brand new in 2015.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-03
- VIN: WMWXP7C56F2
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that the vehicle previously had the fuel carbon filter replaced; however, the failure recurred while attempting to refuel the vehicle. The fuel tank dispersed the gasoline outward, spilling on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-23
- VIN: WMWXU3C59FT
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The fuel filling nozzle turns off repeatedly while filling the fuel tank, regardless of position of nozzle, pressure used, station used. In an attempt to remedy, Mini Service Technicians replaced tank vent valve but it did not correct the issue. I am unable to fill my gas tank.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-20
- VIN: WMWXM5C59FT
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I can not put gas into my car. I have had the charcoal canister replaced. I am now being told that I need a new fuel tank. I’ve also been informed that this is a reoccurring problem in 2015 mini coopers.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-03
- VIN: WMWXM5C55F3
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Fuel tank shuts off the gas pump no matter how much gas is in the tank. Faulty fuel tank vent (purge) value is causing the issue. This is a known issue on Mini's. A voluntary recall has been issued for 2016 Mini's, but this problem is also happening on 2015 Mini's. Dealership as well as another auto service store has replicated the issue. Check engine light is lit up as well.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-08
- VIN: WMWXS5C57FT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Warning light to secure vehicle against rolling when placed in park. Alert of a danger situation.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-15
- VIN: WMWXU3C54F2
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Unable to fill gas as pump repeatedly shuts-off while trying to fill and would even over flow out of the filler neck. Tried 2 different pumps at local QT without luck.. Drove up to local Phillips 66 with exact same issue. Found several other owner with similar issue and found the following Service Bulletin posted on "NHTSA": https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2015/MC-10147283-9999.pdf My vehicle build date is not covered under this Service Bulletin, however, suffering exact same issue.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-30
- VIN: WMWXM5C51FT
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Crankshaft Pulley burnt while driving. Could not accelerate. Car threw overheating codes and AC blew hot air. Battery Charging Malfunction error shown as well.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-27
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Mini Copper The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000. The Vin was not available
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-03
- VIN: WMWXM5C58FT
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Fuel tank did not allow me to input fuel. Pump clicked off immediately. MINI issued a service bulletin on the problem in 2015. I have been advised the entire fuel tank must be replaced, and have heard from other MINI owners this is a systemic problem. If I had been traveling and this problem had surfaced I would have been stranded. The repairs warrant warranty coverage on the part of MINI. See service bulletin SI M16 01 15. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2015/MC-10147283-9999.pdf
2015 Mini Cooper s recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2015 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 2015 Mini Cooper s problems:
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