2011 Mini Cooper problems
Mini Cooper may refer to:
- Performance Cars of the original Mini series with uprated drive train and brakes, called the "Mini Cooper", made by the British Motor Corporation and its successors 1961–1971, and 1990–2000
- Cars of the Mini (marque), including a number of different models produced by BMW since 2000 with the "Mini Cooper" title: MINI Hatch, introduced in early 2000, second generation from 2006, third from 2014
See also
- Cooper Car Company
Social links
Common 2011 Mini Cooper problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2011 Mini Cooper, several common problems have been identified:
- Electric Door Locks May Malfunction:
Another common problem with the 2011 Mini Cooper is related to the electric door locks, which have been reported to malfunction. This issue can result in issues with locking and unlocking the doors using the electric system, potentially leading to security concerns and inconvenience for the car owner.
- Service Recommended for "Sealed For Life" Transmissions:
The "sealed for life" transmissions in the 2011 Mini Cooper have been a point of concern for owners. While these transmissions are designed to be maintenance-free, some owners have experienced issues that necessitate servicing. Neglecting this service recommendation can lead to transmission problems and affect the overall performance of the vehicle.
These common problems with the 2011 Mini Cooper highlight key areas where owners have faced issues and needed to address them to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of their vehicles.
Is the 2011 Mini a good car?
Fun to drive, very responsive.
Handles very well, is good on gas, pick up is zippy and very responsive and stylish. Based on this car, I would definitely buy another Mini. Rating breakdown (out of 5): Comfort 5.0.
What is the most common problem with Mini Cooper?
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.
What year is bad for Mini Cooper?
According to Consumer Reports surveys, Mini Cooper released from 2006–2012 is considered the worst years. Having said that, there have been problems in the earlier 2000's as well. First and second-generation MINI's had quite a few problems, of which the most significant was the transmission malfunction.
Is a 2011 Mini Cooper a safe car?
We estimate that the 2011 MINI Cooper has a vehicle lifetime fatality chance of 0.0584% and a vehicle lifetime injury chance of 6.6668%, meaning the average driver has a 0.0584% chance of dying in an accident if they drive the car under regular conditions for fifteen years, and a 6.6668% chance of being injured.
2011 Mini Cooper complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Mini Cooper.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2011 Mini Cooper recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2011 Mini Cooper.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 2011 Mini Cooper car reviews
Positive 2011 Mini Cooper car reviews
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I bought my Mini in February 2015 after test driving several models. I found her online, called the dealership, put down a deposit and picked her up that weekend. Although the dealership was not local, the process was smooth and hassle-free. At the time of purchase, my Mini had under 50,000 miles on her. Unfortunately, I started experiencing some issues around 60,000 miles. I took her to a local BMW repair shop due to a lack of acceleration. The mechanic informed me that she needed a walnut blasting due to carbon build-up on the engine intake, and also replaced the plugs and wires. Although the repair cost me $700.00, the mechanic assured me that everything should be good for a while. Later, a brake light came on and I took her back to the repair shop. The mechanic informed me that she needed new brake pads, sensors and rotors, which cost me $900.00. Since I did not purchase an extended warranty, this was an out-of-pocket expense. Despite these setbacks, I still love my Mini JAZZ and she has been running smoothly with almost 70,000 miles on her. She is my midlife crisis and I wouldn't trade her for anything! - Deb
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This model was known to be only marginally reliable but has exceeded my expectations. Repairs have been limited to a few recall issues. I've been getting a steady 30.1 miles per gallon around town, which I believe is better than the EPA estimate. My only complaint has been the gearbox design. The lack of a reverse lockout means that quick 3/2 downshifts require extreme care.
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Congratulations on getting your MINI! It sounds like you made a great choice by going with the manual transmission. Even without a turbo, it's still a blast to drive. On your 700 mile trip up north, you averaged an impressive 46 mpg on a flat expressway while keeping your speed at 65mph. Just remember that if you go above that speed, your MPG may not be as great. At 70 mph, you still received a respectable 42 mpg. In the city, you can expect to get around 32-35 mpg as long as you keep your foot out of it and shift easy. You even installed a K&N Typhoon kit which not only sounds great but also improved your MPG. It's great to hear that you considered many other cars in the same class but ultimately chose the MINI because of the personal room it offers. It's bigger on the inside than you might think and can even fit your kids' booster seats in the back with no problem. Enjoy your new ride!
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I've been dreaming of owning one of these cars for a long time. Now that two of my kids are away at school, I finally decided to take the plunge. The car is absolutely amazing, with high-tech features and all the amenities of a luxury car. It's so much fun to drive, and I'm getting over 33mpg overall. With the back seats folded down, there's plenty of space for trips to Costco and more. I especially appreciate the 3-year no-cost maintenance and the 4/50 bumper-to-bumper warranty. I know it's still early days, but I have a feeling this honeymoon phase is going to last.
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I can totally relate to your excitement about getting a MINI! It's amazing how a car can bring so much joy and personality into our lives. I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the ride, even with the slight noise. It sounds like you're really appreciating the unique features of your MINI, like the engine growl and purr. I hope you continue to have many more enjoyable drives in your new car!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Mini Cooper problems:
Known issues in 2009 to 2011 cooper S JCWs : r/MINI
Jun 19, 2023 ... i have this same engine at almost 200k miles, if you look after it, it's not as bad as people are saying. You need good service history with ...
2011 Mini Cooper Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Problem with your 2011 Mini Cooper? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2011 Mini Cooper.
Working on my brother's 2011 Mini Cooper S has convinced me that ...
Sep 7, 2021 ... Power steering failure. Bad sunroof motor. Bad passenger window motor. Replaced automatic transmission. Replaced turn signal housing on the ...
2011-2013 R56 Mini Cooper S reliability - what's the verdict? | VW ...
Jan 19, 2017 ... The S still has some endemic issues (like the water pump and thermostat once over about 50k miles, the possibility of timing chain issues at ...
Mini Mk2 (R56) common problems (2006-2013) | Haynes Publishing
What common problems does the Mini Mk2 have? One common issue is with the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, which is codenamed N14. This has a known issue with the ...
Other years of Mini Cooper
Are you having problems with your 2011 Mini Cooper?
Mariano Kunze 2025-03-25
The clutch failed without warning at 46,000 miles, but I was able to get it repaired for $2,800 at an independent repair shop, which is significantly less than the $3,500 - $4,000 that the dealer was asking for. It's worth noting that other reviews have reported similar problems, including potential failure of the timing chain tensioner, which can be just as costly to repair. Prior to this, I had to replace the water inlet/thermostat at the dealer for $600, which was necessary to pass the emission test. Despite these issues, the car is great fun to drive. While it may be expensive to maintain, it's a privilege to own such an impressive piece of engineering from BMW. I'm selling the car now, but it's too bad that BMW couldn't replicate their engineering success in the Mini.
Brown Bednar 2025-03-23
Have you considered other car options besides a MINI? I have a 2011 MINI S with 63k miles and unfortunately, it has required frequent repairs such as replacing the ignition coils and spark plugs three times each, as well as other parts like hoses, water pump, drive wheel, flywheel, water pump pulley, and the AC compressor. Recently, the radio stopped working and the replacement cost is $1,000.00 installed. It has been a frustrating and expensive experience, and I would not recommend buying another MINI. Although the customer relations team is very nice and tries to help, they have not been able to provide a solution. I hope that MINI will take responsibility for the quality of their cars and the true cost of ownership. In the meantime, have you had any similar experiences with other car brands?
Augustus Zulauf 2024-09-18
This car has had some issues during the 4 months I've owned it, but I am confident that I can resolve them.
Anastacio Spinka 2024-09-11
My ice-blue Cooper convertible was my dream car, until it suddenly wasn't. Despite having oil and water, the head gasket blew without any warning signs, causing the engine to be destroyed. Although I still have 5 car payments left, I am confident in my decision to save money for a new engine rather than going without a car for the next 5 months or buying something else. This unfortunate incident has not deterred my passion for cars and I am excited to find a solution to this setback.
Jordon Kovacek 2024-08-28
We bought this car for our daughter, hoping for a dependable and safe vehicle. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a real lemon. It spends more time in the shop than on the road. It's frustrating that they can't fix anything unless you have a picture or video to show the problem. We even found out that it was missing parts from the factory. Despite BMW USA offering to replace the car due to all the problems, they changed their mind the next day when we were going to take their offer. If you're considering purchasing a car from Mini (BMW USA), please be very careful as they do not stand behind their product. This experience has been very disappointing from what we thought was a superior company and product. We may have to go to court to get relief, which is a shame.