2020 MINI Cooper S: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 MINI Cooper S: 2 recalls, 5 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #19V634000 · 2019 · 683 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear side trim panels May have been assembled without a crash pad. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 214, "side impact protection."
Why it matters: Without a crash pad, rear seat passengers would have an increased risk of injury in the event of a side impact crash.
The fix: Mini will notify owners, and MINI dealers will install crash pads, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #20V283000 · 2020 · 76 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to a problem with the rollover sensor within the air bag control unit, in the event of a rollover crash, the head air bag, seat belt pretensioners and other safety systems, May not activate.
Why it matters: If the safety systems do not deploy as intended in a roll over crash, it May increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2020.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Visibility/Wiper (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Wheels (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2020 MINI Cooper S has 5 owner complaints, ranking #18 of 22 Cooper S model years for complaints (well below the 81 average). Complaints peaked in 2025 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 4,714 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (5 complaints, 1 recalls), 2021 (0 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 | Premium |
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 2020 MINI Cooper S.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2020 MINI Cooper S have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2020 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 2020 MINI Cooper S problems?
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (2), visibility/wiper (1), electrical (1).
What gas mileage does the 2020 MINI Cooper S get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (AM-S7)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 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.