MotorDeets

2011 MINI Cooper S: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2011 MINI Cooper S: 3 recalls, 31 owner complaints and up to 30 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
31owner complaints
0mention a crash
30best combined mpg
2011 MINI Cooper S
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #12V008000 · 2012 · 90,368 vehicles

What's wrong: The electric auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger has an electronic circuit board that can malfunction and overheat.

Why it matters: The circuit board May smolder which could result in a vehicle fire.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump free of charge. The safety recall beganduring February 2012.

Engine & cooling, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #18V248000 · 2018 · 47,806 vehicles

What's wrong: The electric auxiliary water pump May fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

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

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive…

Electrical Vehicle recall #23V337000 · 2023 · 97,933 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical16
Engine16
Airbags3
Other / unknown3
Fuel system1
Speed control / throttle1
Fuel & propulsion1
Body & structure1

What owners describe

The 2011 MINI Cooper S has 31 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 22 Cooper S model years for complaints (well below the 81 average). Complaints peaked in 2017 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 65,008 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (59 complaints, 4 recalls), 2012 (23 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.6 L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive273530Premium
1.6 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive253328Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 MINI Cooper S.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2011 MINI Cooper S manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2011 MINI Cooper S manual

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FAQ

Does the 2011 MINI Cooper S have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2011 MINI Cooper S. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2011 MINI Cooper S problems?

Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (16), engine (16), airbags (3).

What gas mileage does the 2011 MINI Cooper S get?

EPA ratings run up to 30 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2011 MINI Cooper S repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Cooper S years

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