2020 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 2020 Mini Cooper s problems
The Mini Cooper S, introduced in 2020, is a compact sporty car that has been praised for its driving experience and dealership experience. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems reported by owners. Here are some of the issues to be aware of:
- Radiator Support Problems: The radiator supports in the Mini Cooper S are made of plastic, which puts them at risk of cracking, shearing, or failing due to the low ground clearance and the impact of higher bumps and obstructions.
- Transmission Failures: The first generations of the Mini Cooper S suffered from transmission failures, with symptoms such as shakiness or delayed shifting.
- Water Pump Failure: The first two generations of the Mini Cooper S had plastic thermostat housings that often succumbed to weathering, leading to water pump failure and potential engine overheating if not replaced at 50,000 miles.
- Power Steering Failure: The first generations of the Mini Cooper S, particularly the 2005-2008 Convertibles, experienced power steering failure due to low power steering fluid or failure of the electric cooling fan.
- Premature Clutch Failure: The first three generations of the Mini Cooper S with a manual transmission suffered from premature clutch failure, often caused by hard driving.
- Engine Overheating: The 2007-2010 Mini Cooper S models with turbocharged engines are susceptible to engine overheating due to faulty electric thermostats, blocked/collapsing lower radiator hoses, and leaks from the water pump or radiator.
- Transmission Issues: The 2013-2016 Mini Paceman models have been reported to have transmission issues, including delayed/harsh shifting and warning lights.
- Brake Disc Corrosion: The 2015+ John Cooper Works (JCW) models have experienced brake disc corrosion, leading to brake pedal pulsation, vibration, and squeaking.
To prevent these issues, it is recommended to follow the factory service schedule, replace wear items early, use quality parts and fluids, address leaks, noises, and warning lights immediately, allow proper warmup before driving hard, drive gently when cold, install an oil catch can if modifying or tracking, upgrade problematic parts preventatively, and install gauges/scanners to monitor vital signs like boost, temperature, etc.
In summary, while the Mini Cooper S offers a fun and engaging driving experience, it is essential to be aware of these common problems and take preventative measures to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
What is a common problem with Mini Coopers?
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.
Are 2020 Mini Coopers reliable?
How Reliable Is the 2020 Mini Cooper? The 2020 Mini Cooper has a predicted reliability score of 79 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
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.”
What are the disadvantages of MINI Cooper?
Mini Cooper Cons
- The car can be expensive because it uses premium fuel. ...
- The engine runs quietly when you are gentle with the driving. ...
- Mini dealerships are quite hard to find. ...
- Well, it may not be a downside but you have to admit that Cooper is a small car.
2020 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:
- Wheels problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Mini Cooper s vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2020 Mini Cooper s complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Mini Cooper s.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-23
- VIN: WMWXU9C09L2
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: THE TIRES ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE BLOWN OUT 3 TIMES IN THE 9 MONTHS WE HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. ANOTHER TIRE (A FOURTH INCIDENT) HAD A BUBBLE THAT WAS REPLACED BEFORE IT BLEW OUT. ALL INCIDENTS WERE SEPARATE TIMES. THE DEALER AND BMW WILL DO NOTHING. ALL BLOW OUTS WERE ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 60 MPH.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-23
- VIN: WMWWJ5C08L3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: DURING A RAIN SHOWER, DROVE AT ABOUT 15MPH INTO ROUGHLY 4" OF WATER GATHERED ON THE SHOULDER OF AN ACCESS ROAD ADJACENT TO THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE STALLED. WOULD NOT RESTART. PUDDLE OF WATER WAS NOT HIGH ENOUGH TO BREACH THE CABIN - RUNNING BOARDS WERE STILL ABOVE WATER AND THE CURB ADJACENT TO THE STREET WAS NOT SUBMERGED. CAR WOULD NOT START AND TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP. BMW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CONTACTED AND ADVISED NOT TO START; TOW TRUCK HAD DIFFICULTY LOADING ONTO THE FLATBED BECAUSE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAD MALFUNCTIONED IN THE ELECTRIC CONVERTIBLE TOP AND WAS OVERRIDING THE ABILITY TO PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL. *TR
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-16
- VIN: WMWWJ5C00L3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: WHEN SITTING IN DRIVERS SEAT ( I AM 5FT. 1 IN TALL) AND THE CONVERTIBLE TOP IS OPEN, I CAN NOT SEE THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRA BECAUSE THE CONVERTIBLE TOP FOLDED IS BLOCKING MY VISION. MY SEAT IS AT HIGHEST POSITION. JUST AS POINT OF REFERENCE I HAD A 2012 MINI CONV. AND THIS WAS NOT A PROBLEM. BECAUSE OF THIS I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND GET ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH COST ME IN EXCESS OF $5000 AS MY 3 DAY OLD CAR WAS CONSIDERED USED WITH 91 MILES ON IT. MY HUSBAND WHO IS 5'9" TALL TRIED IT AND HAD SOME VISIBILITY BUT VERY LIMITED. THIS IS A DANGEROUS THING AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED BY MINI. EITHER THE MECHANISM OR THE FABRIC USED HAS TO BE CHANGED TO ALLOW THE TOP TO RETRACT OUT OF SIGHT. THIS DOES NOT MATTER IF YOU ARE MOVING OR STANDING STILL, AND COULD CAUSE THE DRIVE TO EASILY HAVE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THEY CAN'T SEE WHAT IS BEHIND THEM.
2020 Mini Cooper s recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2020 Mini Cooper s.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X1 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i and X2 sDrive28i, 2020 MINI Clubman Cooper S All4, 2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and Cooper S E) and MINI Hardtop 4 Door (Cooper and Cooper S) vehicles. Due to a problem with the rollover sensor within the air bag control unit, in the event of a rollover crash, the head air bag, seat belt pretensioners and other safety systems, may not activate.
- Consequence: If the safety systems do not deploy as intended in a roll over crash, it may increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and JCW vehicles. The rear side trim panels may have been assembled without a crash pad. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
- Consequence: Without a crash pad, rear seat passengers would have an increased risk of injury in the event of a side impact crash.
- Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and MINI dealers will install crash pads, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Mini Cooper s problems:
Mini Cooper S Reliability on newer and newest models (2019-2021 ...
May 16, 2021 ... Common issues are the top motor mount, for this a new one was released late last year ( my 10/20 build has the new one. Also front control arms ...
Common issues: 2016 Mini Hardtop 4 door HB S - North American ...
Jun 14, 2020 ... ... mini S clubman, I'm back in the market and looking at a certified 2016 Cooper S, manual transmission with 48k miles. In an attempt to avoid ...
Honest Opinions on Mini + Reliability : r/MINI
Jul 20, 2021 ... I also have a 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman S. ... A lot of the reliability issues ... I'm about to buy a perviously owned 2020 or newer jcw, loving ...
R55 Any common Clubman problems/quirks? - North American ...
Dec 15, 2011 ... WTB: Nice '05-06 R53 Cooper S 6-speed, specific options preferred, SF... 245. 4. Mini Daytime Running Lights. 572. 4. New to me 2003 Mini ...
Should I buy a Mini Cooper? : r/MINI
Aug 13, 2022 ... If you are actually interested in buying a Mini, do some research on the model you are thinking about buying and see if any of the common issues ...
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