AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION; SEATS
2015 MINI Cooper
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 55 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 MINI Cooper, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and electrical categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 395 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2015 | 2 | 2 |
| Oct 2015 | 1 | 3 |
| Nov 2015 | 2 | 5 |
| Dec 2015 | 1 | 6 |
| Jan 2016 | 1 | 7 |
| Feb 2016 | 1 | 8 |
| Mar 2016 | 1 | 9 |
| Jun 2016 | 1 | 10 |
| Jul 2016 | 1 | 11 |
| Dec 2016 | 1 | 12 |
| Mar 2017 | 1 | 13 |
| Nov 2017 | 2 | 15 |
| Dec 2017 | 1 | 16 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 17 |
| Mar 2018 | 1 | 18 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 19 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 20 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 21 |
| Feb 2019 | 1 | 22 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 23 |
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 24 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 25 |
| Jan 2020 | 1 | 26 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 27 |
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 28 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 29 |
| Jul 2021 | 3 | 32 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 33 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 34 |
| Feb 2022 | 3 | 37 |
| Aug 2022 | 2 | 39 |
| Sep 2022 | 2 | 41 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 42 |
| Mar 2023 | 1 | 43 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 44 |
| Sep 2023 | 2 | 46 |
| Oct 2023 | 3 | 49 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 50 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 51 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 52 |
| Feb 2025 | 1 | 53 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 54 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 55 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine1420.3%
- Fuel system1115.9%
- Electrical1014.5%
- Powertrain (other)1014.5%
- Brakes710.1%
- Visibility45.8%
- Suspension34.3%
- Driver assistance34.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
6 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
STRUCTURE:BODY
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
BMW Safety Act Violations
In a Consent Order executed on December 17, 2015, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) admitted that it violated the Safety Act by: failing to conduct a timely recall for Recall No. 15V-450; failing to file certain quarterly recall reports in a timely manner; failing to timely notify vehicle owners of the existence of a defect or noncompliance; failing to promptly advise NHTSA of delays with the beginning or completion dates for mailing owner or dealer notifications; and failing to timely submit copies to NHTSA of communications relating to recalls.As part of the Consent Order, NHTSA imposed a total civil penalty of $40 million against BMW NA for its violations of the Safety Act.The civil penalty consists of a cash payment, monetary performance obligations, and stipulated penalties.BMW NA paid the $10 million cash penalty on February 12, 2016.Failure to comply with the terms of the Consent Order or the Safety Act will result in portions of the stipulated penalties coming due.The Consent Order required BMW NA to appoint an independent safety consultant to assist BMW NA in developing best practices for complying with the Safety Act and evaluating safety issues under consideration by BMW NA.BMW NA was also required to develop a program to train dealers on the importance of complying with the prohibition on selling unremedied vehicles under recall, improve dealers' access to information necessary to maximize completion of open recalls, and invest in a pilot program to determine whether BMW NA can use data analytics to detect emerging safety defect trends.The population listed in this closing resume is based on BMW NA's untimely recall and does not include other issues addressed by the Consent Order, which relate to BMW NA's safety processes.Based on the Consent Order, BMW NA's admissions that it violated the law, and its ongoing performance obligations, this audit query investigation, AQ15-004, is closed. Closure of this AQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order, including BMW NA's ongoing performance obligations or legal obligations, and does not represent a determination by NHTSA as to BMW NA's performance under the Consent Order to date.
International Autos, Inc. / Mini Recall
The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and non-compliances with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and, in turn, that a dealer not sell and deliver a new vehicle subject to a recall unless the recall remedy has been performed (49 U.S.C. ?? 30112(a), 30120(i)).NHTSA opened AQ15-003 to determine whether International Autos, Inc. of West Allis, Wisconsin complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act). NHTSA received information that International Autos sold and delivered at least one new model year (MY) 2015 Mini Cooper 2-door hardtop vehicle to a customer without having had all required safety recall repairs performed on that vehicle. NHTSA opened this investigation and then issued an information request (IR) to International Autos on August 20, 2015.A copy is of this request is in this investigation's file, together with a public copy of International Autos' response.A careful review of the information supplied confirm that International Autos sold and delivered at least eleven new vehicles with outstanding safety recalls on them. Under a Settlement Agreement dated April 26, 2016, International Autos committed to take concrete actions to improve its processes for verifying that prior to sale and delivery of any new vehicle International Autos has confirmed that the vehicle is not subject to an un-remedied recall. International Autos confirmed that it had engaged in these processes since June 25, 2015.International Autos also committed that it now also checks for open recalls on every customer vehicle brought in for service, and that it checks for open recalls on every used trade-in vehicle, regardless of make or model, and takes steps to have all used trade-in vehicles repaired prior to retail sale. International Autos admitted to violating the prohibition on sales of new vehicles with open recalls, and agreed to pay civil penalties in the amount of $40,000.This Audit Query is closed.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
On my 2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 Door (VIN: [XXX]), the driver's side halogen headlight suddenly stopped working. When I attempted to replace the bulb, I discovered that the headlight connector/pig tail had melted on one side, one of the electrical wires had burned completely through, and there was a strong odor coming from the rear of the headlight assembly. This was not simply a burned-out bulb. The connector and wiring sustained heat damage that appears to have resulted from an electrical failure. Because of the melted connector, burned wiring, and strong burning small, I believe this created a potential fire hazard. It must be noted that there have not been any changes to the lighting or electrical system since purchasing my car and I am the first and only owner. I contacted my mini dealership and was informed that the connector is not available separately for my year, make, and model for my car and the only option is the purchase the entire headlight assembly. The cost for the assembly is $615 and while the exact charge for labor is not known at this time, from my experience, it will be between $200-$500. After researching his issue. I found reports from other MINI owners describing similar failures involved melted headlight connector and burned wiring on vehicles with halogen headlights. Based on these reports and my own experience, I am cornered this may represent a recurring safety-related defect rather than normal wear and tear. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether this issue warrants investigation. I have photographs documenting the melted connector, burned wiring, and resulting damage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11749756
- Incident
- Jul 11, 2026
Selector lever wrongly not locked in park. Put up a code for transmission (egs). I believe it falls under the transmission control unit recall on mini coopers 2 door hardtop.
- NHTSA ID
- 11691302
- Incident
- Oct 2, 2025
Lower Engine Support and Passenger Engine Mount damaged as per routine inspection by dealer in Feb2025. Never diagnosed before. Repair done by independent service center in Feb2025 and I have receipt of approximately 1K. Also, since 22feb2025, I am not able to add fuel to the tank because the pump stops constantly and causes spill of fuel. This can cause fire. Never happened before. Tried at least 4 different gas station and same result. Dealer charges over $200 to perform inspection/diagnostics. Not done yet. Repairs to fuel tank are in the thousands. No warning in the car dashboard for none of the issues. Car with less than 80k miles.
- NHTSA ID
- 11644422
- Incident
- Feb 22, 2025
While driving the rear view mirror suddenly tilted downward (drooped). What happened, was that the tension ring popped off. As it turns out, this is a known issue per internet Mini Cooper pages. On hot days the ring loosens and, since the design does not include anything to prevent the ring from sliding off, it does slide off, resulting in the rear view mirror drooping. I reinstalled the ring. This occurred again the next day. I ended up uninstalling the rear view mirror, reinstalling the ring and gluing it in place. Thus far this has held.
- NHTSA ID
- 11606822
- Incident
- Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear convertible glass suddenly separated from the convertible compartment and fell on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The contact stated that while searching online, he became aware that the failure had been a very well-known failure since 2017 with similar vehicles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11594817
- Incident
- Jun 16, 2024
- Mileage
- 62,000 mi
The sensors do not work. The car does not tell me when oil is needed, when my tires are low. No sensors work in the car. The dealer, Mini Of Edison, states FOUND INTERNAL HARDWARE FAULTS. But are stating its costs 2300.00 to fix. This is a huge safety issue.Ive been having to guess when my oil is low and when my tires are low. This has been going on since September 2023, the car was only bought in May 2023.
- NHTSA ID
- 11569480
- Incident
- Sep 13, 2023
The fuel filling nozzle turns off repeatedly while trying to fill the fuel tank and spills out causing a safety and environmental hazard, regardless of the pump being used. As a result, no fuel goes into the gas tank, instead it goes all over the car and the ground.
- NHTSA ID
- 11552838
- Incident
- Oct 4, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? CONTROL ARMS AND BUSHINGS How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? CONSTANT CREAKING AND CLUNKING OF FRONT SUSPENSION Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME YEAR AND GENERATION HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NOT YET Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO
- NHTSA ID
- 11552701
- Incident
- Oct 16, 2023
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
POWER TRAIN
The automatic transmission limited warranty for the vehicle Selector Lever Magnetic Shift Interlock Mechanism (Gearshift lug assembly portion) has been extended to 10 years/120,000 miles, as determined by the vehicle’s original in-service date, when a gearshift lug repair kit installation procedure is required to be performed to address a displayed Check Control message (CCM) that states P not engaged - secure vehicle with parking brake against rolling away.
POWER TRAIN
For the eligible vehicles listed above, the limited warranty for the vehicle’s Selector Lever Magnetic Shift Interlock Mechanism (Gearshift lug assembly portion) has been extended to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle’s original in-service date, When a gearshift lug repair kit (item # 2) installation procedure is required to be performed to address a displayed Check Control message (CCM) that states: "P not engaged - secure vehicle with parking brake against rolling away."
STRUCTURE
Cavity protection applied to underside of the hood is leaking out onto the wheel arch trim and grille.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can have various causes, most of which are not due to the battery itself. For this reason, a battery replacement will permanently eliminate the problem only in the rarest of cases. The energy diagnosis test module helps to localize these causes. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âÂÂdischarged batteryâ complaints. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of a discharged battery cannot be identified. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time, it is very important that the diagnostic test plan is performed to completion; with all results taken into consideration.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
?The panoramic roof sunblind does not close, or jams while closing.
COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS
?BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop: REPLACE CHARGE AIR LINE.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2023 | 7 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | 6 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2021 | 7 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2020 | 7 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2019 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 45.5 |
| 2018 | 8 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2017 | 28 | 3 | 0 | 55.1 |
| 2016 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 47.9 |
| 2015Viewing | 55 | 6 | 2 | 56.9 |
| 2014 | 34 | 7 | 2 | 62.9 |
| 2013 | 47 | 1 | 0 | 34.0 |
| 2012 | 66 | 1 | 0 | 48.0 |
| 2011 | 83 | 1 | 0 | 43.0 |
| 2010 | 92 | 2 | 0 | 53.6 |
| 2009 | 151 | 1 | 0 | 44.9 |
| 2008 | 115 | 1 | 0 | 44.5 |
| 2007 | 115 | 1 | 0 | 44.5 |
| 2006 | 200 | 1 | 0 | 42.1 |
| 2005 | 372 | 4 | 2 | 57.0 |
| 2004 | 282 | 4 | 2 | 58.2 |
| 2003 | 320 | 4 | 5 | 60.9 |
| 2002 | 187 | 5 | 5 | 59.3 |
| 2001 | 6 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.