If you’re shopping for a thrifty small car with plenty of character, consider the Mini Cooper. The British-made Cooper has been around for 60 years, and the charismatic little car recently celebrated its 20th year in the United States. While undoubtedly thrifty and fun to drive, which are the most reliable Mini Cooper model years?

The 2021 Mini Cooper is one of the most reliable Mini Cooper models to buy

Reliability data for the Mini Cooper is widespread and varied from one source to another. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has only recorded two recalls and four complaints for the 2021 Mini Cooper. 

The recalls are for airbag failure and seat belt malfunctions, whereas the complaints include airbag failure, tire sidewall degradation, and electrical issues, one resulting in a fire behind a headlight. 

J.D. Power ranks the 2021 Mini Cooper Hardtop as its only choice for a Compact Sporty Car for 2021 with an Overall score that puts it close behind the second place Chevrolet Camaro and Porsche 911. The 2021 Mini Cooper’s high score comes partly from its great quality and reliability ratings. 

Is the 2016 Mini Cooper reliable?

As an early F-generation Mini Cooper, the 2016 Hardtop is under four recalls and received 22 complaints, according to NHTSA data. Manufacturer recalls include turn signal/brake light issues, seat belt lock failure, malfunctioning steering gearbox, and front-passenger airbag failing to deploy in a crash. 

The 22 registered complaints include problems with airbags, electrical systems, engine, equipment, exterior lighting, powertrain, seat belts, seats, brakes, steering, structure, suspension, and missing crash test data as of October 2016. 

The 2016 Mini Cooper received the same score Overall and for Quality and Reliability from J.D. Power. This score placed the Mini Cooper fifth on J.D. Power’s list of small sports cars for 2016, ahead of the Subaru BRZ and Hyundai Veloster. 

However, the Mini Cooper finished behind the Buick Cascada in fourth, the Mazda MX-5 Miata in third, the second-place Scion FR-S, and the top-ranked Scion tC. 

The 2011 Mini Cooper ranks as a reliable choice, despite critics

Some automotive critics rate 2011 as one of “the worst model years for the Mini Cooper,” however, the NHTSA shows no manufacturer recalls and a relatively low 22 customer complaints for issues similar to the 2016 model year. 

That said, J.D. Power rates the 2011 Mini Cooper at the bottom of its list of compact sports cars for the year. In all, the Mini Cooper’s average overall score results from average quality and reliability and only “fair” resale scores. 

Despite complaints, the 2006 Mini Cooper can be a dependable compact

The 2006 Mini Cooper is under one recall notice from the NHTSA for a potentially defective front passenger-seat occupant detection mat that could fail to activate the front passenger airbag in a crash. 

Even as an older vehicle, it’s still surprising that the NHTSA shows 409 complaints for the 2006 Mini Cooper. In line with the recall, 191 complaints related to airbag issues, 108 involved steering issues, and power train problems came in third with 45 reports. 

J.D. Power hasn’t reviewed the 2006 Mini Cooper, but CoPilot lists it and 2016 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. 

Is a used Mini Cooper worth buying?

The Mini’s first return to the U.S. came with issues. Those first U.S. generation (2002-2006) Mini Cooper models carry a risk of expensive repairs, including timing chain and guide problems that can cause engine failure. And while the 2013 Mini Cooper sees reduced potential repair costs, it still carries higher than average risk. 

In the years since, however, Mini Cooper reliability continued to improve, but that improvement increases the upfront cost. As a result, Vehicle History recommends the 2011 model year above all others based on reliability. In reality though, a used Mini Cooper gets many of its components from BMW, and as such repair costs remain high even for reliable models.