What are the most common MINI Cooper problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,400+ owner reports, the 2018-2018 MINI Cooper has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Electric Power Steering Rack Failure, Coolant Expansion Tank Cracking. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the MINI Cooper reliable?

The 2018-2018 MINI Cooper has 2 known issues documented across 3,400+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Electric Power Steering Rack Failure. 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 problems?

Repair costs for known MINI Cooper issues range from $150 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Electric Power Steering Rack Failure, typically costs $1,500-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

2018 MINI Cooper Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2018 MINI Cooper Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 2 Known Issues

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Community Reported

1,200 owners

On the 2014-2025 MINI Cooper, f56 generation Coopers experience electric power steering rack failures. The EPS motor or control module within the rack fails, causing sudden loss of power assist or intermittent heavy steering. This is a safety concern as it can happen while driving.

This issue also affects: Jaguar XJ, Land Rover Range Rover, Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Common Symptoms

Power steering warning light
Sudden heavy steering
Intermittent power steering loss
Steering wheel vibration
Clunking noise when turning

How to Fix

Replace electric power steering rack assembly. Unfortunately the EPS motor is integrated into the rack and cannot be serviced separately. Some rebuilt units are available at lower cost.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,200+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeInner and outer tie rod ends for steering precision restoration (Moog Tie Rod End)
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UpgradeRemanufactured power steering rack for complete steering system repair (Cardone Remanufactured Steering Rack)
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Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $3,500

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1,200+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence1,200 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

2,200 owners

On the 2007-2020 MINI Cooper, the plastic coolant expansion tank on MINI models becomes brittle over time due to heat cycling and cracks, causing coolant loss. This is a common failure across all R56/R60/F56 platforms and can lead to overheating if not caught.

This issue also affects: Audi A4 allroad, Audi A8, BMW 6 Series

Common Symptoms

Low coolant warning
Coolant puddle under car
Sweet smell from engine bay
Overheating
Visible crack on expansion tank

How to Fix

Replace the coolant expansion tank and cap. Inspect all coolant hoses while the system is drained. Refill with BMW/MINI approved coolant and bleed the system.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 2,200+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeGates coolant hose — OEM-grade reinforced rubber (Gates Coolant Hose)
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UpgradePrestone 50/50 pre-mixed coolant — compatible with all colors (Prestone Coolant Antifreeze 50/50)
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Typical repair cost:$150 - $400

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2,200+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence2,200 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

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2025-2026 X1 and X2, MINI Cooper Convertible, MINI Cooper, Mini Countryman S ALL4, and 2025 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. The torsion bar in both front seat belt retractors may have been damaged during production.

Campaign #25V61600017/09/2025

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.

2018 MINI Cooper Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2014-2025 MINI Cooper: Electric Power Steering Rack Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2007-2020 MINI Cooper: Coolant Expansion Tank Cracking#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other MINI Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common MINI Cooper problems?

Is the MINI Cooper reliable?

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

What is the 2014-2025 MINI Cooper Electric Power Steering Rack Failure?

What is the 2007-2020 MINI Cooper Coolant Expansion Tank Cracking?