Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Mini Cooper S
With an overall Carivo score of 7.2/10, the 2021 Mini Cooper S earns a Good rating among the hatchbacks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 7.5/10. 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. We rate reliability at 6.9/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.3/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.2/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.5/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $33,574–$43,388, 27 MPG, seating 4, the Mini Cooper S sits in the mid-market bracket of the hatchback segment. Value lands at 7.0/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 Mini Cooper S, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
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 2021 Mini Cooper S ranks #58 of 99 hatchbacks in the Carivo database — better than 42% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $33,574 starting price is about 44% above the segment's median of $23,280.
$0 — 2 campaigns 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 2018 Mini Cooper S scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.2 — 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.
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Broad dealer network supports easy servicing and parts availability
✗ 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
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Mini Cooper S (2 on record)
The following recall campaigns have 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.
Seat belts 21/07/2021 · 21V554000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1…
Air bags / air bag/restraint control module 20/05/2020 · 20V283000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X1 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i and X2 sDrive28i, 2020 MINI Clubman Cooper S All4, 2021 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and Cooper S E) and MINI Hardtop 4 Door…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2021 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 — 2021 Mini Cooper S
Is the 2021 Mini Cooper S reliable?
We rate the 2021 Mini Cooper S's reliability 6.9/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Mini Cooper S have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Mini Cooper S worth buying?
It scores 7.2/10 overall, ranking #58 of 99 hatchbacks in our database (better than 42% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2021 Mini Cooper S cost?
The 2021 Mini Cooper S starts at $33,574 and ranges up to $43,388 across trims (MSRP when new). At 27 MPG, expect roughly $1,944/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 2021 Mini Cooper S have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Mini Cooper S are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Seat belts, Air bags (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
Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Once a month: which brands moved up or down our reliability rankings, new recalls worth knowing, and the smartest-money model years. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
You're in — first report lands next month.
More Mini Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Mini models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year