Makes›MINI›Cooper›2013

2013 MINI Cooper

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Class
Two Seaters
Body styles
2dr Hatch FWD, Clubman 3dr Hatch FWD, Clubvan 3dr Hatch FWD, Convertible 2dr FWD
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
32 combined · 29 city / 36 hwy
Length
145.7–161.4 in
Curb weight
2,546–2,954 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
1 campaign

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 46% better than the average 2013 two seaters (21.9 MPG).

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 MINI Cooper is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 146 inches long and 66 inches wide on a 97-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,546 lb (2dr Hatch FWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (29 city / 36 highway), 46% better than the 2013 two seaters average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,550 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 93 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2013

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Cooper — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Cooper →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr Hatch FWD145.7 in66.1 in55.5 in97.2 in57.1 / 56.7 in2,546 lb62/38
Clubman 3dr Hatch FWD155.1 in66.1 in56.3 in100.4 in56.7 / 57.1 in2,723 lb59/41
Clubvan 3dr Hatch FWD155.9 in66.1 in56.3 in100.4 in56.7 / 57.1 in2,723 lb59/41
Convertible 2dr FWD145.7 in66.1 in55.5 in97.2 in57.5 / 57.5 in2,701 lb61/39
Countryman 4 Dr SUV161.4 in70.5 in61.4 in102.4 in60.2 / 61.4 in2,954 lb58/42
Coupe 2dr Coupe146.9 in66.1 in54.3 in97.2 in57.5 / 57.9 in2,557 lb62/38

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cooper Coupe1.6L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive29 / 36 / 32+46%$2,550278
Cooper1.6L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive29 / 36 / 32+34%$2,550278
Cooper Coupe1.6L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 35 / 30+37%$2,750292
Cooper1.6L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 35 / 30+26%$2,750292
Cooper Convertible1.6L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 34 / 30+26%$2,750300
Cooper Convertible1.6L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive27 / 34 / 30+26%$2,750297
Cooper Clubvan1.6L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 34 / 30+37%$2,750300
Cooper Clubvan1.6L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive27 / 34 / 30+37%$2,750297
Cooper S Coupe1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+32%$2,850314
Cooper S Coupe1.6L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+32%$2,850305
Cooper S1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+21%$2,850314
Cooper S1.6L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+21%$2,850305
Cooper S Convertible1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+21%$2,850314
Cooper S Convertible1.6L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+21%$2,850305
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.9 MPG2013 Two Seaters average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 MINI Cooper.

Similar 2013 two seaterss

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 MINI Cooper (this car)32 MPGNot rated1
2013 Fiat 50034 MPGNot rated3
2013 MINI John Cooper Works29 MPGNot rated0
2013 MINI Roadster30 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (1)

Electrical System · May 11, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V337000 · 97,933 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.
Risk
An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 MINI Cooper is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

93Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
55,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System36
Air Bags21
Unknown Or Other12
Engine12
Fuel/Propulsion System7
Exterior Lighting6
Seat Belts6
Power Train5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/06: 123/07: 223/08: 523/09: 123/10: 223/11: 123/12: 224/01: 724/02: 224/03: 324/04: 324/05: 124/06: 224/08: 124/09: 124/10: 425/01: 125/02: 125/03: 125/04: 325/05: 125/06: 125/10: 126/02: 123/0623/0923/1224/0324/0624/1025/0325/06max 7

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 MINI Cooper buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 36 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Air Bags — 21 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 55,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 MINI Cooper. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Cooper years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Cooper31–Not rated00
2026 Cooper32152.8 inNot rated13
2025 Cooper32152.8 inNot rated46
2024 Cooper32–Not rated22
2023 Cooper32–Not rated212
2022 Cooper32–Not rated29
2021 Cooper31–Not rated47
2020 Cooper31–Not rated413
2019 Cooper32–Not rated217
2018 Cooper32–Not rated08
2017 Cooper32–Not rated334
2016 Cooper32–Not rated451

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or MINI. How we calculate this →