2015 MINI Cooper S
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › MINI › Cooper S › 2015
These records cover every 2015 MINI Cooper S. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2015 MINI Cooper S. Newest first.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 door vehicles manufactured February 25, 2014, to May 16, 2015, 2014-2015 MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 door vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to May 9, 2015, 2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 4 door vehicles manufactured October 17, 2014, to June 2, 2015, and 2015 MINI…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Inappropriate air bag activation/deactivation can increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
MINI will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front passenger seat cushion, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525 .
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper two-door vehicles, 2015-2016 MINI John Cooper Works and MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper four-door vehicles and 2014-2015 BMW i3 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the passenger frontal air bag may not deploy properly in a low speed crash. As such…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, an air bag that does not deploy properly increases the risk of injury to the front seat passenger.
Remedy
MINI and BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525 and BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door vehicles and 2015 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop 2 Door vehicles. The affected vehicles do not meet the side impact performance requirements for the rear seat passengers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the side impact performance requirements are not met, rear seat passengers may be at a higher risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
MINI will notify owners, and dealers will install additional energy absorption material between the rear interior side panels and the exterior vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525. Note: this recall supersedes 14V-815.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door, and Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door vehicles manufactured January 6, 2014, to October 17, 2014. During service appointments, dealers may have inadvertently reprogrammed the transmission control unit with software that may allow drivers to exit the vehicle when the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being in Park, the vehicle could roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy
MINI will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the transmission control module with the correct software, free of charge. The recall February 4, 2015. Owners can contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Owner complaints
18 complaints2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
The rear windshield fell out of the top of my convertible. There was no accident or foul play involved. The glue that bonds the window to the top became unglued. This happened at 70,000 miles. The top is made of fabric and the window is made out of glass. Have to you replace the entire top to repair it. Not sure why this is not a recall. It is a well-known problem for the car.
- Fuel/propulsion system
The fuel filling nozzle turns off repeatedly (as if already full) while filling the fuel tank. About 1/4 to 1/3 of a gallon of fuel will go in before it turns off, backs up, and the gas overflows onto the outside of the car and onto the concrete. It happens regardless of the pump being used. It…
The fuel filling nozzle turns off repeatedly (as if already full) while filling the fuel tank. About 1/4 to 1/3 of a gallon of fuel will go in before it turns off, backs up, and the gas overflows onto the outside of the car and onto the concrete. It happens regardless of the pump being used. It started happening occasionally a few months ago if the tank was refilled when a quarter full. It now happens consistently, no matter the fuel level. I had the car put on a lift and the system diagnosed today. The mechanic said the cause is a faulty service valve within the fuel tank assembly. They also said it is a known issue with F56 Mini Coopers.
- Structure › Body
The back window comes unglued to the convertible top when the car is parked outside in warm weather. Ive seen this in several other mini cooper roadsters within the past few weeks. This causes the car to have a hole in the convertible top and leaves the glass hanging from the sensor. To fix it you need to buy a whole new top. This HAS to be a design defect.
- Electrical system · Service brakes
While driving in the rain (light rain) front right and rear left brakes locked up. No warning lights came on, it was a very dangerous situation. The car is currently at a repair shop getting looked at, I had to have it towed there because those wheels will not turn while in neutral even. Reading forums this is a common problem, very serious and dangerous especially with no warning.
- Air bags
Defect in passenger frontal airbag-The front passenger seat occupancy detection mat is not functioning correctly. This was recalled but not for my VIN and needs to be part of the recall.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2015 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated stating that the air bag was turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat mat needed to be…
The contact owns a 2015 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated stating that the air bag was turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat mat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the request for assistance was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2015 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that the vehicle previously had the fuel carbon filter replaced; however, the failure recurred while attempting to refuel the vehicle. The fuel tank dispersed the gasoline outward, spilling on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an…
The contact owns a 2015 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that the vehicle previously had the fuel carbon filter replaced; however, the failure recurred while attempting to refuel the vehicle. The fuel tank dispersed the gasoline outward, spilling on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
- Unknown or other
Car started leaking oil everywhere out of nowhere while both moving and stationary. Two different mechanics said it was the oil filter housing and related parts. Replaced housing, oil pressure sensor and the bottom screw. Works again. Car had under 45,000 miles at time of incident. Similar problems with the oil housing have been reported for other and related minis, including some subject to recall.
- Exterior lighting
Driver side rear brake light has a short/over heats and melts connector to the brake light housing. Notification prompts you that you have a brake light malfunction. The vehicle was in motion on a city street. The vehicle has 15K miles on it.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel filling nozzle shuts off repeatedly while refueling. Upon gassing up, valve clicks immediately and pump shuts off like it's full no matter which gas station or pressure I exert. I saw a bulletin "si M16 01 15" which affected minis produced in 2014 but did not include my 2015 cooper s. A…
Fuel filling nozzle shuts off repeatedly while refueling. Upon gassing up, valve clicks immediately and pump shuts off like it's full no matter which gas station or pressure I exert. I saw a bulletin "si M16 01 15" which affected minis produced in 2014 but did not include my 2015 cooper s. A comment from the bulletin had a temporary solution which IS to angle the pump to 45, then pump slowly at the magic speed, though this can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. This IS dangerous on my part as I travel past midnight for several hours and spending more time at a gas station in the dark IS worrisome. I do get spills occasionally which I have to keep wiping and IS a station hazard. Replacing the fuel tank completely at an estimated $2K+ IS too costly especially during this pandemic and IS due to faulty manufacturing.
- Unknown or other
The horn no longer works unless you press it really hard and in center of steering wheel.
- Engine
TL* the contact owned a 2015 MINI cooper s. While parked in the driveway, the vehicle caught fire. The contact attempted to extinguish the fire with a water hose, but was unsuccessful. The fire department arrived and extinguished the flames. There were no injuries. Fire report number: 1900355515…
TL* the contact owned a 2015 MINI cooper s. While parked in the driveway, the vehicle caught fire. The contact attempted to extinguish the fire with a water hose, but was unsuccessful. The fire department arrived and extinguished the flames. There were no injuries. Fire report number: 1900355515 was filed. The contact's insurance company scheduled a vehicle inspection at the contact's home. The fire department deemed the vehicle totaled. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
- Engine · Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2015 MINI cooper s. While driving approximately 25 mph, the rear driver's side turn signal and brake lights did not work and the 'malfunction rear light cluster' message illuminated. The vehicle was taken to braman motorcars (561-465-8293, located at 2901 okeechobee blvd…
TL* the contact owns a 2015 MINI cooper s. While driving approximately 25 mph, the rear driver's side turn signal and brake lights did not work and the 'malfunction rear light cluster' message illuminated. The vehicle was taken to braman motorcars (561-465-8293, located at 2901 okeechobee blvd, west palm beach, fl 33409) where the rear brake cluster and the turn signals were replaced. The technician also diagnosed and replaced the engine mount due to an oil leak. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,621.
- Power train
The cars transmission jumps out of 1ST gear when turning onto a city street or accelerating from a stoplight on a city street. I was almost rear ended 3 times this week and it's very dangerous. This has happened numerous times this past week and IS a documented problem with the 2015 MINI cooper s…
The cars transmission jumps out of 1ST gear when turning onto a city street or accelerating from a stoplight on a city street. I was almost rear ended 3 times this week and it's very dangerous. This has happened numerous times this past week and IS a documented problem with the 2015 MINI cooper s manual. My car only has 25,400 miles on it. the warranty just expired on 05/18/2019 (out by date) this month and the dealer refuses to repair the problem under warranty. If this IS a documented problem, why doesn't the dealer take the steps to fix it properly?
- Electrical system
The horn contacts are corroded and the horn will not work consistently. It may take 5 or 6 times pushing the horn to get it to activate, or hold it down for a long time and try to move it around to scrape the corrosion off the contacts to get activation. It occurs whether driving or stationary. Many other owners have reported this problem on a MINI cooper forum. My vehicle only has 20,000 miles on it.
- Exterior lighting
Vehicle has been serviced four times, since purchased in may 2015 for burns to light bulb and socket melting into housing. Malfunctioning engine light appears while driving car on highways and streets. Taillight IS on the left side, not far from gas tank. Car IS unsafe due to overheating, burns and melting of taillight components and proximity to gas tank. *tr
- Engine
When I took my car in for its first service I was told that the entire engine needed to be replaced due to a recall. I have not been able to locate any such recall. I have found this entire experience to be very unusual.
- Unknown or other
Air condition emits strong odors
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- BMW Safety Act Violations
In a Consent Order executed on December 17, 2015, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) admitted that it violated the Safety Act by: failing to conduct a timely recall for Recall No. 15V-450; failing to file certain quarterly recall reports in a timely manner; failing to timely notify vehicle owners of the existence of a…
In a Consent Order executed on December 17, 2015, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) admitted that it violated the Safety Act by: failing to conduct a timely recall for Recall No. 15V-450; failing to file certain quarterly recall reports in a timely manner; failing to timely notify vehicle owners of the existence of a defect or noncompliance; failing to promptly advise NHTSA of delays with the beginning or completion dates for mailing owner or dealer notifications; and failing to timely submit copies to NHTSA of communications relating to recalls.As part of the Consent Order, NHTSA imposed a total civil penalty of $40 million against BMW NA for its violations of the Safety Act.The civil penalty consists of a cash payment, monetary performance obligations, and stipulated penalties.BMW NA paid the $10 million cash penalty on February 12, 2016.Failure to comply with the terms of the Consent Order or the Safety Act will result in portions of the stipulated penalties coming due.The Consent Order required BMW NA to appoint an independent safety consultant to assist BMW NA in developing best practices for complying with the Safety Act and evaluating safety issues under consideration by BMW NA.BMW NA was also required to develop a program to train dealers on the importance of complying with the prohibition on selling unremedied vehicles under recall, improve dealers' access to information necessary to maximize completion of open recalls, and invest in a pilot program to determine whether BMW NA can use data analytics to detect emerging safety defect trends.The population listed in this closing resume is based on BMW NA's untimely recall and does not include other issues addressed by the Consent Order, which relate to BMW NA's safety processes.Based on the Consent Order, BMW NA's admissions that it violated the law, and its ongoing performance obligations, this audit query investigation, AQ15-004, is closed. Closure of this AQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order, including BMW NA's ongoing performance obligations or legal obligations, and does not represent a determination by NHTSA as to BMW NA's performance under the Consent Order to date.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10244507MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can have various causes, most of which are not due to the battery itself. For this reason, a battery replacement will permanently eliminate the problem only in the rarest of cases. The energy diagnosis test module helps to localize these causes. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of a discharged battery cannot be identified. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time, it is very important that the diagnostic test plan is performed to completion; with all results taken into consideration.
- 10242535?The panoramic roof sunblind does not close, or jams while closing.
- 10242534?BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop: REPLACE CHARGE AIR LINE.
- 10234353The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an IMS registration in the mobile communication network. Due to a production error, the telematics control units were delivered without an IMS configuration. The Connected Drive voice services (Concierge Call, MINI Assistance and emergency call voice) can no longer be used regionally in the US in vehicle with telematics control units ATM-1 and TCB-4G. Voice control of the vehicle and all other telephone (paired mobile devices) functions are not affected. Emergency call location data is unaffected.
- 10234352The buttons on the gear selector switch (GWS) do not work, or the function indicator lighting has failed.
- 10234351Oscillations in the electric drive can occur. As a result, the 12 V positive battery cable may rub against the battery box cover.
- 10233170Ambient lighting changes color after the vehicle goes to sleep.
- 10228447During the service life of the vehicle, the high-voltage battery may unexpectedly not provide power to the vehicle.
- 10228445During a vehicle inspection and/or while addressing a customer's concern, the engine stabilizer bar/link appears to be worn.
- 10216787Service Action: Program Vehicle to Activate Speech Recognition
- 10216784XM Satellite Radio Recekption - Audio, Navigation, Monitors, Alarms, SRS
- 10216782Designates changes to this revision - The blower motor is faulty
- 10216777The customer states that there is a grating or scraping noise when the steering wheel is turned. The noise comes from the area of the steering column switch center.
- 10216776Roofliner makes rattle/groaning noise near b pillar when driving on rough roads
- 10216771Service Action: Kprogram Control Units (DME)
- 10216766B38, B46 and B48 Engines: Engine Replacement Procedures
- 10216765Service action: B46 and B48 engines - check and replace crankshaft guide bearing
- 10216764Service action: B46 and B48 engines - check and replace crankshaft guide bearing
- 10214271The Check Control message "Door open" appears in the instrument cluster (Kombi) even though all vehicle doors are securely closed and locked.
- 10212534Vehicles with total mileage below approx. 12,500 may experience premature wear of the left rear brakes. In some cases, there also may be visible damage due to thermal overload.
- 10206757Any or all of the following CCM ID code 14/15/16/17 door open appear in the instrument cluster when the door is properly closed and locked. The locking operation of the door is not affected by the incorrect display.
- 10206696New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models. The new wheel electronics are identified as Huf Generation 5. These new wheel electronics will need to be programmed using the new tool when replaced or when depressurized (0 psi) for more than 2 minutes.
- 10206695When the vehicle is on a lift and wheels are manually spun, a clanking noise is heard from the transmission area.
- 10206694In situations when the fuel tank vent line becomes blocked, the on-board diagnosis (OBD) may not detect the blockage.
- 10204665The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT came in vehicles with option 609. This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and came in vehicles with option code 609. This uses map North America EVO. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line business version of the navigation system and came in vehicles with option 6UM. This uses map North America ROUTE. The ENTRY NAV EVO (HU-B2) replaced Entry Media/Navigation as the low-line business version and came in vehicles with option code 609 or 6NP . This uses map North America WAY.
- 10204664Different air temperatures are felt from left to right out of the front fresh air grilles (air vents).
- 10201152Different air temperatures are felt from left to right out of the front fresh air grilles (air vent). The following fault code is saved in the IHKA (integrated automatic heating/air conditioning system) control unit: 801189 - Engine mixed air right: Initialization fault.
- 10200491Creaking Noise When Cornering: A creaking noise is heard from the front end of the vehicle while cornering (predominantly left turns)
- 10200252A groaning and/or squeaking noise from the front axle occurs when turning at low speeds or idle
- 10194312ACTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) CANNOT BE ACTIVATED: After the recent software update, the cruise control cannot be activated.
- 10190871REPLACING THE CELL MODULE OF HIGHVOLTAGE BATTERY: During the service life of the vehicle, the high-voltage battery may unexpectedly not provide power to the vehicle.
- 10190870CLICKING NOISE IN VEHICLE INTERIOR DURING CHARGING: Clicking noise from the interior passenger side footwell when the vehicle is being charged, with the air conditioning running at the same time.
- 10190869REWORKING THE PVC SEAM ON THE TAILGATE WATER CHANNEL: The body seam on the rear upper left of the body may not have been completely sealed, causing a water leak.
- 10186896?REPLACING THE CELL MODULE OF HIGHVOLTAGE BATTERY: During the service life of the vehicle, the high-voltage battery may unexpectedly not provide power to the vehicle. The high-voltage battery cells may not have been produced according to specifications.
- 10186234?REPLACING THE CELL MODULE OF HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY: During the service life of the vehicle, the high-voltage battery may unexpectedly not provide power to the vehicle. The high-voltage battery cells may not have been produced according to specifications.
- 10182928CONDENSATION FROM AIR CONDITIONING LEAKS INTO PASSENGER FOOTWELL: Condensation from the air conditioning systems evaporator drips, below the instrument panel, into the passenger's footwell. During assembly, the cover of the fresh air intake was not fully seated when the screws were tightened. This cover can then leak condensation out through the existing gap.
- 10182927BUZZING NOISE IS HEARD WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS DEACTIVATED: A buzzing noise is heard when the air conditioning (A/C) is deactivated while the vehicle is in park or neutral. Prior to turning off the A/C, the system was functional and cooling properly. A/C compressor, or The power supply to the A/C compressor is too low.
- 10182629CONDENSATION FROM AIR CONDITIONING LEAKS INTO PASSENGER FOOTWELL: Condensation from the air conditioning systems evaporator drips, below the instrument panel, into the passenger's footwell. During assembly, the cover of the fresh air intake was not fully seated when the screws were tightened. This cover can then leak condensation out through the existing gap.
- 10182628BUZZING NOISE IS HEARD WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS DEACTIVATED: A buzzing noise is heard when the air conditioning (A/C) is deactivated while the vehicle is in park or neutral. Prior to turning off the A/C, the system was functional and cooling properly. A/C compressor, or The power supply to the A/C compressor is too low.
- 10181238MINI TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV 120V/240V CHARGER: The MINI-approved accessory TurboCord will not charge the vehicle.
Every MINI Cooper S model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.