MINI Cooper review - Reliability & safety
“While it’s early days, the MINI Cooper gets more safety kit and MINI owners seem generally happy”
It’s too early to give a full appraisal of the MINI Cooper’s reliability, given that the electric Cooper E and SE models in particular use all new building blocks, and a new motor and battery pack. MINI has been making strides in ownership satisfaction, coming a respectable 15th out of 32 manufacturers in our 2023 Driver Power survey results, however, this seems to have slipped again slightly, with MINI coming 20th in 2024. At least only 12.7% of owners reported a fault within the first 12 months, which beats the likes of Honda (13.6%) and Peugeot (20.8%).
How safe is the MINI Cooper?
We’re yet to get hold of the Euro NCAP crash-test results for the MINI Cooper, but it’s now fitted with more standard safety features than ever before. That includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist and traffic-sign recognition, so the signs are positive that it should perform well.
Even the entry-level Classic trim gets a rear-view camera to make reversing easier and safer, but it’s also possible to add a 360-degree camera system for a better view of obstacles around the car. A safe exit warning is also available, to help occupants avoid opening their door into traffic and cyclists.
What are the MINI Cooper service intervals?
MINI offers a few servicing plans to make things simpler for owners, and also help to keep costs down and make budgeting easier. There’s an electric service plan for £10 a month, which is fixed for its duration, so you shouldn’t get stung by inflation or other price rises. There’s also a four-year deal, including service checks, brake fluid replacement, filter changes and the first MoT that covers the car until its fourth birthday.
What is the warranty on the MINI Cooper?
As standard, MINI Cooper owners will get a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, which also includes MINI Roadside Assistance. Along with this, the electric Cooper SE also has its battery pack covered for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is similar to the warranty offered with the Peugeot E-208 and Vauxhall Corsa Electric, but considerably shorter than the six-year warranty provided with the BYD Dolphin.
