Is the 2017 Mini COOPER S reliable?

The 2017 Mini COOPER S has 8 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Mini COOPER S?

Top problems: ENGINE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (1 complaints, avg repair $500); SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Mini COOPER S?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS, AIR BAGS. Contact any Mini dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Mini COOPER S?

The 2017 Mini COOPER S gets 26 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1846. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Mini COOPER S?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Mini COOPER S is approximately $1,607/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Mini COOPER S

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2017 Mini COOPER S has 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 17. The most common issue is engine problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2017 mini cooper s. while driving and attempting to stop, the vehicle accelerated. the vehicle was towed to freeport mini cooper (280 sunrise hwy, freeport, ny 11520, (516) 665-1246) to be diagnosed, but the failure could not be duplicated. the vehicle was not repaired. the ma. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

1 crash report 1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 7)

ENGINE

2 complaints

25%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FREEPORT MINI COOPER (280 SUNRISE HWY, FREEPORT, NY 11520, (516) 665-1246) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MA
• The contact owns a 2017 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was vibrating abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the passenger’s side engine mount needed to be replaced. The vehicle

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FREEPORT MINI COOPER (280 SUNRISE HWY, FREEPORT, NY 11520, (516) 665-1246) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MA”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (3)

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR17/10/2016

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, MINI Hardtop 4 Door Cooper, Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper S, MINI Cooper Clubman, and Cooper S Clubman, 2017 Rolls-Royce Ghost, and 2016 528i vehicles. The vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism of the seat belt Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for the driver's seat may not lock as designed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Risk: In the event of a crash where heavy braking is applied, the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) may activate when the occupant is more forward in the seat, possibly increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Mini COOPER S

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,847

Per month

$154

Per mile

15.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,182/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,455/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Mini COOPER S

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,607

Full coverage / month

$134

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1607

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Mini New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Mini. If you're buying a used 2017 COOPER S, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mini dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 8 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FREEPORT MINI COOPER (280 SUNRISE HWY, FREEPORT, NY 11520, (516) 665-1246) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: I WAS HIT HEAD ON LAST NIGHT AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAD SLOWED TO APPROX 10 MPH WHILE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS TRAVELING APPROX 20-30MPH. VEHICLE THE HIT ME WAS A MID 200'S TRAIL BLAZER. *BF *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FREEPORT MINI COOPER (280 SUNRISE HWY, FREEPORT, NY 11520, (516) 665-1246) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: While driving in the rain, the ABS engages, slowing the front right tire dramatically causing the car to skid and lurch to the right. After some internet research, it appears that this is not an isolated incident. Mini Cooper owners also discovered that when driving in dry conditions and the winds
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Mini dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)