Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2019 Mini Cooper S
Our scoring places the 2019 Mini Cooper S at 7.0/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this hatchback. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.3/10. It's a capable but unexceptional hatchback — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.6/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.1/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.2/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $31,360–$40,887, 25 MPG, seating 4, the Mini Cooper S sits in the mid-market bracket of the hatchback segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2019 Mini Cooper S is a passable hatchback but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value and reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Hatchbacks
The 2019 Mini Cooper S ranks #82 of 99 hatchbacks in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $31,360 starting price is about 35% above the segment's median of $23,280.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Cooper S Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Mini Cooper S scores 6.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.0 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Available in a range of trims to suit different budgets
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
NHTSA Recalls — 2019 Mini Cooper S (1 on record)
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Engine and engine cooling / Engine 12/07/2018 · 18V465000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2019 Mini Cooper S that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2019 Mini Cooper S
Is the 2019 Mini Cooper S reliable?
We rate the 2019 Mini Cooper S's reliability 6.6/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2019 Mini Cooper S have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2019 Mini Cooper S worth buying?
It scores 7.0/10 overall, ranking #82 of 99 hatchbacks in our database (better than 18% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2019 Mini Cooper S cost?
The 2019 Mini Cooper S starts at $31,360 and ranges up to $40,887 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Cooper S years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 12 Cooper S model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.3/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2019 Mini Cooper S have?
The documented issues for the 2019 Mini Cooper S are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Engine and engine cooling (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Mini Cooper S
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Similar Hatchback to Consider
Other hatchbacks at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
