If you’re shopping for an opulent subcompact with plenty of character, consider the Cooper. The British-made Cooper has been around for 60 years, and the charismatic little car recently celebrated its 20th year in the States. While economical and undeniably fun to drive, what are the model years?
2021 Mini Cooper
Reliability is pervasive and varies from one source to another. However, the company has recorded only two recalls and four complaints for the 2021 Mini Cooper.
The 2021 Mini Cooper hardtop ranks as its only “Compact Sports Car” option for 2021 with an “Overall” score that puts it near second place “Midsize Sports Car” Chevrolet Camaro and “Premium Sports Car” rival Porsche 911. The 2021 Mini Cooper’s high score comes in part from Its impressive rating of “Quality and Reliability”.
2016 Mini Cooper
As an early “Gen F” Mini Cooper, the 2016 Hardtop has fewer than four recalls and received 22 complaints, according to NHTSA data. Manufacturer recalls include turn signal/brake light issues, seat belt lock failure, steering gearbox failure, and the front passenger airbag not deploying in an accident.
The 22 complaints on record include problems with the airbags, electrical systems, engine, equipment, exterior lighting, powertrain, seat belts, seats, brakes, steering, chassis, suspension, and missing crash test data as of October 2016.
The 2016 Mini Cooper received the same score for “Overall” and “Quality and Reliability” from JD Power. The result placed the Mini Cooper fifth on J.D. Power’s list of “Compact Sports Cars” for 2016, ahead of the Subaru BRZ and Hyundai Veloster.
Still, the Mini Cooper was fourth behind the Buick Cascada, the Mazda MX-5 Miata in third, the Scion FR-S in second, and the top-rated Scion tC.
2011 Mini Cooper
Some auto critics rate 2011 as “,” however, the NHTSA shows no manufacturer recalls and 22 customer complaints are relatively low for similar issues for 2016.
JD Power ranks the 2011 Mini Cooper at the bottom of its “Compact Sports Car” list. The average “Overall” score for 2011 Mini Cooper results from average scores for “Quality and Reliability” and fair “Resale” results.
2006 Mini Cooper
The 2006 Mini Cooper is subject to one NHTSA recall notice due to a possible defect in the front passenger seat occupant detection mat that could fail to activate the front passenger airbag in the event of a crash.
Even as an older car, it’s still surprising that the NHTSA has 409 complaints for the 2006 Cooper. Consistent with the recall, 191 complaints were airbag issues, 108 were steering issues, and power train problems came in third with 45 reported.
JD Power did not review the 2006 Mini Cooper, but listed it and the 2016 model year as the two most reliable Mini Cooper model years. CoPilot recognizes the reported steering and powertrain issues but notes that it’s still one of the best Mini Cooper models.
Are Mini Coopers worth buying?
He says that ownership of a first-generation Mini Cooper in the United States (2002-2006) carries the risk of expensive repairs. While the 2013 Mini Cooper sees potential repair costs as low, it still carries an above-average risk.
In contrast, the history of the car expects the reliability of the third-generation Mini Cooper (2014-present) to continually improve, but this improvement increases the initial cost. As a result, Vehicle History recommends the 2011 model year above all other models based on reliability.
