Mini Cooper: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 76,773 Mini Cooper cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1966 and 2026.
In a sample of 399 cars, 44.6% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (12% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 20 recalls for this model; 0.9% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.6% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Mini Cooper
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 12% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 9.3% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 7.3% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 6.8% |
| Tyre damaged | 5.3% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 4.5% |
| Brake hose chafing against a component | 3.3% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 2.5% |
| Tyre pressures on one axle unequal | 2.5% |
| Tyre bulging | 1.5% |
Share of 399 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 8.5% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 5.3% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 76,773 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 0.9% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.6% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1966 to 2026 |
All Mini Cooper passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-23 | bodywork | – | 60 |
| 2026-07-13 | brakes | serious | 1 |
| 2026-06-22 | other | – | 49 |
| 2025-09-26 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 240 |
| 2025-08-11 | electrical system | serious | 3 |
| 2025-06-26 | electrical system | – | 0 |
| 2025-05-08 | electrical system | – | 10 |
| 2025-04-07 | electrical system | serious | 33 |
| 2024-12-17 | electrical system | – | 5 |
| 2024-12-17 | electrical system | – | 39 |
| 2024-10-15 | brakes | – | 4,122 |
| 2024-10-14 | brakes | – | 672 |
| 2024-09-19 | electrical system | – | 5 |
| 2024-09-03 | electrical system | serious | 6,315 |
| 2024-05-21 | electrical system | serious | 135 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Mini Cooper fail the APK?
In a sample of 399 cars first registered 2012–2021, 44.6% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Mini Cooper?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (12%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (9.3%), wipers give insufficient visibility (7.3%).
Does the Mini Cooper have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 20 recalls. 0.9% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Mini models
Countryman · One · Clubman · Aceman · 1000 · John Cooper
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.