2013 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
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Common 2013 Mini Cooper problems
The 2013 Mini Cooper has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Electric Door Locks: Another common issue with the 2013 Mini Cooper is malfunctioning electric door locks. This problem can cause the doors to lock or unlock unexpectedly or not respond to the remote control. In some cases, the door locks may become stuck, making it difficult to open or close the doors. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as faulty wiring or a malfunctioning door lock actuator.
- Transmission Problems: The 2013 Mini Cooper is also known to have transmission problems, particularly with the "Sealed For Life" transmissions. Some owners have reported experiencing issues such as slipping, jerking, or hesitation while shifting gears. In some cases, the transmission may need to be replaced entirely, which can be a costly repair. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as low transmission fluid levels or a faulty transmission control module.
- Valve Cover Leaks: Another common issue with the 2013 Mini Cooper is valve cover leaks. This problem can cause oil to leak onto the exhaust, which can result in a burning smell and potentially lead to engine damage. The valve cover gasket may wear out or become damaged over time, causing oil to leak. Replacing the valve cover gasket may solve this issue, but in some cases, the entire valve cover may need to be replaced.
- Coil Pack Failure: The 2013 Mini Cooper is also known to have coil pack failure. This issue can cause the engine to run roughly or stall. The ignition coil is responsible for providing the spark needed to ignite the fuel in the engine. If the coil pack fails, it may need to be replaced. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as worn-out spark plugs or a faulty ignition system.
- VVT Solenoid Failure: The 2013 Mini Cooper is also known to have VVT (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid failure. This issue can cause horsepower loss at low or high RPMs. The VVT solenoids control the valve variable timing, and if they fail, it may result in reduced engine performance. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as a lack of oil or dirty oil in the engine.
- Door Latch Failure: Another common issue with the 2013 Mini Cooper is door latch failure. This problem can cause the doors to not open from the inside or outside, or lock themselves. The door latch may fail due to wear and tear or a manufacturing defect. Replacing the door latch may solve this issue.
These are some of the most common problems reported by 2013 Mini Cooper owners. If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's recommended to take your car to a qualified mechanic or Mini Cooper dealership for diagnosis and repair.
What issues does a 2013 Mini Cooper have?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Exhaust. Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks. ...
- Engine Minor. ...
- Noises And Leaks. ...
- Steering And Suspension. ...
- Fuel System/Emissions. ...
- Climate System. ...
- Transmission Major. ...
- Body Hardware.
Is the 2013 Mini Cooper reliable?
How Reliable Is the 2013 Mini Cooper? The Mini Cooper has average reliability, earning a score of three out of five from J.D. Power.
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.
Is the 2013 Mini Cooper a safe car?
We estimate that the 2013 MINI Cooper has a vehicle lifetime fatality chance of 0.0583% and a vehicle lifetime injury chance of 6.6572%, meaning the average driver has a 0.0583% chance of dying in an accident if they drive the car under regular conditions for fifteen years, and a 6.6572% chance of being injured.
2013 Mini Cooper complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Mini Cooper.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2013 Mini Cooper recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2013 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 2013 Mini Cooper car reviews
Positive 2013 Mini Cooper car reviews
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I've had my Mini for a little over two years now and I must say, I absolutely love it! The handling is fantastic, the interior quality is top-notch and the fuel economy is simply amazing (I average 38 MPGs). Although the back may be a bit small, I usually don't have any need for it. On sunny days, when the sun is at just the right angle, the dual sun-roofs, which are otherwise awesome, don't have real shades, leaving you a bit blinded by the light. The speedometer in the middle of the car isn't my favorite feature, but it's not a deal-breaker. The engine may be a bit underpowered, but having a manual 6-speed makes the most of it. Unfortunately, I did experience an oil leak in the motor which cost me a little over $600 to get fixed, but other than that, it has been quite reliable. Overall, I've had a great experience with this car. It feels like a small European sports car with great fuel economy.
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I bought my car about a year ago, the Bayswater package. It's everything I ever wanted in a car! It's fun to drive, easy to park (I work on a college campus and I can always squeeze it in somewhere), has style and good gas mileage too. I've only had a couple of issues. Firstly, the service engine light came on after a few months and the dealer said I must have put regular gas in it, not the premium. Secondly, the door is hard to open sometimes. I'm taking it in for a year service next week so I hope to get that fixed. My favorite feature is the button door locking. I also drive on gravel every day and it handles great.
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I just purchased a 2012 mini hardtop bayswater package. I absolutely love the vehicle's looks both inside and out. It's surprisingly roomy for a small car, although the back seat is quite small. I usually keep the seat folded down and use the back for transporting goods for the store or my dogs.
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Hi there! I've been driving my MINI Cooper Hatchback for around 8 months and 7500 miles now, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. It's the perfect car for city driving - small and easy to park, with excellent gas mileage. Plus, it's an absolute blast to drive, especially with the 6-speed manual transmission. Despite having only 121hp, it still moves out smartly. I highly recommend the 6M for the base Cooper without the turbo. Whether you're running errands or heading to work, the grocery store, the movies, or the mall, this car is hard to beat. It's incredibly efficient in every way compared to a minivan or a pickup, unless you need the extra space. With the seats folded down, you can actually fit a lot in the back! Thanks for reading.
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Having owned over thirty cars, this is the only one that I look forward to driving every time I get in. I love the absence of electrical overkill such as navigation, sensors, power seats, etc. It's refreshing to have a REAL steering wheel with NO buttons! This is a real driver's car with plenty of torque, without any unusable excess just for the sake of numbers.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2013 Mini Cooper problems:

I bought a 2013 Mini Cooper S, have anyone experienced any car ...
Jul 27, 2019 ... The 2013 is basically the most bulletproof of the second generation cars. If you keep on top of maintenance like oil changes (7k miles) and ...
Mini Cooper Problems - 2nd Generation (2007 to 2013) - 1A Auto
May 6, 2022 ... Common 2nd Gen 2007 to 2013 Cooper Mini Problems ; Oil leaking from the valve cover; Oil leaking onto the exhaust; Smell of oil burning ; Engine ...
Mini Mk2 (R56) common problems (2006-2013) | Haynes Publishing
There have been quite a few reports of the Mini Cooper S with the N14 engine suffering a failure of the timing chain tensioner. A stretched timing chain ...
2013 Mini Cooper Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Problem with your 2013 Mini Cooper? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2013 Mini Cooper.
2013 Mini Cooper Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Exhaust · Engine Minor · Noises And Leaks · Steering And Suspension · Fuel System/Emissions · Climate System · Transmission Major.
Dewayne Hauck 2025-03-18
Hi there! I am the original owner of this car and I have taken great care of it since day one. Although I have had a few issues with it, I have always made sure to address them promptly. Unfortunately, I recently experienced a problem with the clutch at just over 18,000 miles. Despite my disappointment, I am grateful for the loaner cars that BMW provided me during the repair process. However, after some consideration, I decided to trade in my BMW for a 2018 Honda Fit. While I will miss my BMW, I am excited for this new chapter with my Honda. Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience.
Federico Gleichner 2024-05-25
Before making a purchase, it may be helpful to do a quick search on Mini Cooper's speedometer policy. It seems that inaccurate speedometers are unfortunately common. I had an issue with my own speedometer running about 7% high and requested a recalibration, but was informed that they do not repair speedometers that are within 10% of accuracy plus another 2.4 miles. This was disappointing, especially since I had purchased extra coverage for this very reason. Despite this setback, I am still in communication with them to find a solution. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Winfield Pacocha 2024-05-11
I had a negative experience with the service provided by an authorized Mini dealer. Despite taking my car in twice for the same issue, the problem was not resolved and additional issues were created. Mini corporate has advised me to return to the same dealership for further repairs. As a result of this experience, I have lost confidence in the brand and will not be purchasing another Mini in the future. It is important to have a reliable car that can be serviced promptly and effectively when needed.
Orion O'Kon 2024-03-21
I am sorry to hear about the issues you have experienced with your car. It seems like you have had a lot of problems with it, despite keeping up with the maintenance schedule. It must be frustrating to have the Check Engine light on constantly and to be told that you need a new engine. I hope that you are able to find a solution that works for you. On a positive note, MINI has offered you a discount on a new car, which could be a good option to consider. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.