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2011 MINI Cooper S ConvertibleProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2011 MINI Cooper S Convertible, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-248 the manufacturer reports only 66% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Lowest repair rate 66%Owner complaints41 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage38kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 27, 2023. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2011 MINI Cooper S Convertible has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system31
Air bags10
Electronic stability control (ESC)11
Fuel/propulsion system11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2011 MINI Cooper S Convertible recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

66%repaired · 2019 Q3

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 18V-248 · Apr 18, 2018 · 47,806 vehicles · 31,460 repaired

Risk. If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with MINI.

Best & worst years

2011 vs. every other Cooper S Convertible year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Cooper S Convertible median. How we score

'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2011 MINI Cooper S Convertible safety ratings

2011 Mini Cooper S Convertible C FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Rollover: 5 stars (10.1% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2011 MINI Cooper S Convertible, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Engine compartment firePE11036 · closed Jun 11, 2012
    Led to recall 12V-008
In owners' words

What Cooper S Convertible owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper Convertible. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the electronics operated erratically and had limited functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the…
Complaint 11529150 · Jun 27, 2023 · 66,000 miles
I DROVE 20 FEET OUT OF MY GARAGE AND SMELT A SURFER SMELL. I PUT MY CONVERTIBLE TOP DOWN, PUT THE CAR IN PARK WALKED AROUND TO SEE IF IT WAS SMOKING OR IF THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE OR MUFFLERS. WHEN I COULD NOT DETECT WHERE THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM, I PUT THE TOP BACK UP, CLOSING IT AND…
Complaint 10918700 · Oct 25, 2016 · 38,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK WHEN USING THE KEY FOB. IN ORDER TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED…
Complaint 10452811 · Mar 23, 2012 · 19,000 miles

Own a 2011 Cooper S Convertible?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.