Au7o mascotAu7o
Known IssuesTest Hub demo
  1. Au7o
  2. /
  3. Known Issues
  4. /
  5. MINI
  6. /
  7. Cooper S
MINI · Known Issues

2013 MINI Cooper S Problems: 5 Known Issues

2013 model year · 12,100+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

Share:@au7o.io

2013 · All trims · All engines

Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.

No email neededHow interest is saved

Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy

Visual coming soon

Your interest helps us choose what to build next.

Visual Known Issues · Coming soon

$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today

Preview the XT6 example
Known IssuesMotorcycle IssuesDTC LookupDrivePricingAboutTermsPrivacyCookiesConsentData rightsCopyrightFeedback
Share:@au7o.io

Vehicle data and repair guidance on this site are compiled with AI assistance and may contain errors. Always verify with your service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data protection representation

DataRep representative in the United KingdomDataRep representative in the European Union
Au7o · 2026
Built for DIY mechanics. Privacy-first.
Explore free Hub demo
Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 12,100+ owner reports, the 2013 MINI Cooper S has 5 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure ($1,500-$3,000 repair), Turbocharger Oil Feed Line Leak and Turbo Failure ($300-$2,500 repair) and NHTSA Recall 23V337000: Driver's Footwell Control Module Can Short-Circuit and Cause a Fire. The most commonly reported issue is N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure with 4,500 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $300 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Cooper S Engine3
  • Cooper S Electrical1
  • Cooper S Transmission1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ
Get Started
Back to top

In This Article

  • Engine3
  • Electrical1
  • Transmission1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ

All 5 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS2025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007
Community reported
4,500 owners

On the 2007-2013 MINI Cooper S, the R56 Cooper S N14 engine (2007-2010) is particularly notorious for timing chain tensioner failure, even more so than the naturally aspirated N12. The higher cylinder pressures from turbocharging accelerate chain stretch and guide rail wear. The revised N18 (2011-2013) improved but didn't fully resolve the issue.

This issue also affects: BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, BMW 3 Series

Common Symptoms

  • Loud rattling on cold start
  • Check engine light
  • Reduced power
  • Engine misfire codes
  • Metal debris in oil

How to Fix

Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides, and sprockets. N14 engines should have this done proactively at 50-60k miles. N18 engines are better but should be inspected at 80k. Replace oil pump chain at the same time.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • MINI N14 timing-chain kit 11318618317KT
    OEMFCP Euro 11318618317KT / MINI 11318618317

    VIN-confirmed N14 timing-chain, guide and tensioner failure branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S. Confirm VIN and kit contents before purchase; it is not the N18 branch a

    FCP Euro
  • MINI N18 timing-chain kit 11318618318KT1
    OEMFCP Euro 11318618318KT1 / MINI 11318618318

    VIN-confirmed N18 timing-chain, guide and tensioner failure branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S. Confirm VIN and kit contents before purchase; do not use it for N14 or

    FCP Euro

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $3,000

Research This Issue

Based on 4,500 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence4,500 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
2,100 owners

On the 2007-2013 MINI Cooper S, the turbo oil feed and return lines on R56 Cooper S develop leaks at the banjo bolt connections. Oil starvation to the turbo bearing leads to premature turbo failure. The oil return line can also coke up from heat cycling, restricting flow.

This issue also affects: BMW M5, BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series

Common Symptoms

  • Oil leak around turbo
  • Blue smoke from exhaust
  • Whining noise from turbo
  • Loss of boost pressure
  • Turbo lag increasing over time

How to Fix

Replace turbo oil feed and return lines with updated parts. If turbo bearings are damaged, replace the turbo. Use high-quality synthetic oil (0W-30 or 5W-30 BMW LL-01) and change at 5000 mile intervals to prevent coking.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Detroit Tuned MINI N14/N18 turbo oil feed-and-return line kit
    OEMDetroit Tuned Turbo Oil Line Kit / MINI return 11658617069 /

    R55-R61 N14/N18 proven turbo feed-line or return-line leak/restriction branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S. MINI-specialist page states that the kit includes its N14/N18 feed line with banjo fittings and four crush wash…

    Detroit Tuned

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $2,500

Research This Issue

Based on 2,100 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence2,100 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
3,500 owners

On the 2007-2025 MINI Cooper S, all turbocharged direct-injection MINI engines (N14, N18, B46/B48) accumulate carbon deposits on intake valves since fuel is injected directly into the cylinder rather than washing over the valves. This reduces airflow and causes rough running.

This issue also affects: BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series

Common Symptoms

  • Rough idle
  • Hesitation on acceleration
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Misfire codes
  • Loss of power

How to Fix

Walnut blast the intake valves to remove carbon deposits. This should be done every 40-60k miles as preventive maintenance. Install an oil catch can to reduce oil vapor reaching the intake.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $800

Research This Issue

Based on 3,500 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence3,500 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2007-2013 MINI Cooper S, if you own a 2007-2013 MINI Cooper S — either the Hardtop 2-Door or, for 2008-2013, the Clubman body style — your car may fall under NHTSA recall 23V337000, issued by BMW of North America against the electrical system. The defect concerns the electronic control module mounted in the driver's side footwell area. NHTSA's stated consequence is that an electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire, which is why this campaign is treated as a serious one rather than a routine service action. Unusually, eligibility is defined by where the car has lived: it applies only to Cooper S vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. A used Cooper S that has since moved to another state is still covered if it was ever registered in one of those. The dealer procedure — inspecting sunroof drains together with the footwell area and the module — indicates the footwell module's surroundings are what the campaign is chasing. In total, 97,933 vehicles are covered campaign-wide across all the MINI models named in the recall; that number is not broken out by model, and no per-model figure exists.

How to Fix

Book the recall at an authorized MINI dealer; there is no cost to the owner. The dealer inspects three things — the sunroof drains, the interior footwell area, and the footwell control module (FRM) — and then replaces whichever components the inspection results call for, so two Cooper S owners may leave with different parts replaced. Owner letters went out May 13, 2024; if you bought the car secondhand you may not have received one, so run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether campaign 23V337000 is still open on your car. BMW customer service is at 1-866-825-1525 if a dealer cannot confirm coverage.

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
2,000 owners

On the 2007-2020 MINI Cooper S, manual transmission MINI Cooper S models experience premature clutch and dual-mass flywheel (DMF) failure, often before 60k miles. The DMF springs weaken causing chatter and vibration, and the clutch disc wears prematurely due to the turbo engine's torque characteristics.

This issue also affects: BMW 3 Series, BMW 6 Series, BMW M2

Common Symptoms

  • Clutch chatter on engagement
  • Vibration at idle in gear
  • Grinding noise from clutch area
  • Slipping clutch under boost
  • Difficulty shifting

How to Fix

Replace clutch disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing, and dual-mass flywheel as a set. Some owners convert to a single-mass flywheel for durability, though this increases NVH.

Typical repair cost:$1,200 - $2,800

Research This Issue

Based on 2,000 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence2,000 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.

Campaign #24V10400012/02/2024

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE

BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, 2024-2025 X5, 2025 X6, 2023-2025 X7, 740i, 760i, 2024 XM, 530i, 540i, i7, 750e, X2, 2024-2025 i5, 2024 Rolls Royce Spectre, 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4, JCW Countryman ALL4, and 2025 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S) vehicles. Please refer to the recall report for the complete list of models. The welds in the servomotor of the integrated brake control module may break, causing a loss of power brake assist and rear brake function. In addition, the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system may not function.

Campaign #24V69700018/09/2024

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE

🔧
A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
Get ahead of MINI Cooper S problems — free
Leave your email and we'll alert you the moment there's a new recall or known issue for your MINI Cooper S. Free, no account needed.

Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.

Other MINI Models

MINI GP17MINI Hardtop 4 Door13MINI Countryman12MINI Clubman12MINI Cooper8MINI Paceman5

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common MINI Cooper S problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 12,100+ owner reports, the 2013 MINI Cooper S has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure, Turbocharger Oil Feed Line Leak and Turbo Failure, NHTSA Recall 23V337000: Driver's Footwell Control Module Can Short-Circuit and Cause a Fire. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the MINI Cooper S reliable?

The 2013 MINI Cooper S has 5 known issues documented across 12,100+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure and Turbocharger Oil Feed Line Leak and Turbo Failure and NHTSA Recall 23V337000: Driver's Footwell Control Module Can Short-Circuit and Cause a Fire. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common MINI Cooper S problems?

Repair costs for known MINI Cooper S issues range from $300 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure, typically costs $1,500-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2007-2013 MINI Cooper S N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure?

The R56 Cooper S N14 engine (2007-2010) is particularly notorious for timing chain tensioner failure, even more so than the naturally aspirated N12. The higher cylinder pressures from turbocharging accelerate chain stretch and guide rail wear. The revised N18 (2011-2013) improved… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2013 MINI Cooper S Turbocharger Oil Feed Line Leak and Turbo Failure?

The turbo oil feed and return lines on R56 Cooper S develop leaks at the banjo bolt connections. Oil starvation to the turbo bearing leads to premature turbo failure. The oil return line can also coke up from heat cycling, restricting flow. Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 12,100+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 Mini Cooper S, Mini Countryman S All4, X2, 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, 2023-2025 i7, 7 Series, X7, 2024-2025 i5, 5 Series, 2023-2024 XM, X1, 2024-2025 X6, and X5 vehicles. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.

Campaign #26V42200001/07/2026

SEAT BELTS

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 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #21V55400021/07/2021

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

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 (Cooper and Cooper S) vehicles. 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.

Campaign #20V28300020/05/2020

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2007-2013 MINI Cooper S NHTSA Recall 23V337000: Driver's Footwell Control Module Can Short-Circuit and Cause a Fire?

If you own a 2007-2013 MINI Cooper S — either the Hardtop 2-Door or, for 2008-2013, the Clubman body style — your car may fall under NHTSA recall 23V337000, issued by BMW of North America against the electrical system. The defect concerns the electronic control module mounted in… Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2025 MINI Cooper S Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves?

All turbocharged direct-injection MINI engines (N14, N18, B46/B48) accumulate carbon deposits on intake valves since fuel is injected directly into the cylinder rather than washing over the valves. This reduces airflow and causes rough running. Repairs typically run $400-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2020 MINI Cooper S Premature Clutch and Dual-Mass Flywheel Failure?

Manual transmission MINI Cooper S models experience premature clutch and dual-mass flywheel (DMF) failure, often before 60k miles. The DMF springs weaken causing chatter and vibration, and the clutch disc wears prematurely due to the turbo engine's torque characteristics. Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,800. Severity: medium.