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?

2021 Mini Cooper

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 “Midsize Sporty Car” Chevrolet Camaro and “Premium Sporty Car” contender Porsche 911. The 2021 Mini Cooper’s high score comes partly from its great “Quality and Reliability” rating. 

2016 Mini Cooper

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 “Compact Sporty 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. 

2011 Mini Cooper

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

J.D. Power rates the 2011 Mini Cooper at the bottom of its list of “Compact Sporty Cars.” The 2011 Mini Cooper’s average “Overall” score results from average “Quality and Reliability” and fair “Resale” scores. 

2006 Mini Cooper

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 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. 

Are Mini Coopers worth buying?

Vehicle History says that the first U.S. generation (2002-2006) Mini Cooper ownership comes with a risk of expensive repairs. While the 2013 Mini Cooper sees reduced potential repair costs, it still carries higher than average risk. 

In contrast, Vehicle History expects third-generation (2014-present) Mini Cooper reliability to improve continually, but that improvement increases the upfront cost. As a result, Vehicle History recommends the 2011 model year above all others based on reliability.