Cooper (2004)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Mini Cooper Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1.6-I4-Gas
1.6L 4-cyl / 114 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Mini Cooper regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (4)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles and 2005 Cooper and Cooper S Convertible vehicles. The affected vehicles may experience temporary or permanent loss of the electro-hydraulic steering assistance.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLAT TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTLY PROGRAMMED. IN THE EVENT OF A FLAT TIRE, AN AUDIBLE SIGNAL WILL NOT SOUND TO ALERT THE DRIVER TO A FLAT TIRE.
Alternatives in Subcompact
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2004-2004 Mini Cooper problems?
The 2004-2004 Mini Cooper has accumulated 528 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Steering, Electrical System, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Mini Cooper engine is most reliable?
The 2004-2004 Mini Cooper was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.6L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2004-2004 Mini Cooper a good used car?
The 2004-2004 Mini Cooper can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 528 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004-2004 Mini Cooper have?
The 2004-2004 Mini Cooper has 528 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2004-2004 Mini Cooper?
There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2004-2004 Mini Cooper vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Mini Cooper?
Before buying a used Mini Cooper, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Steering, Electrical System, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Cooper have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2004 Mini Cooper. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 528 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.