MINI Dead Last in J.D. Power “Dependability” Study

Sections: In the Press Mar 18th, 2011 67 Comments

Well, it’s that time of year again. That time when J.D. Power gives MINI a terrible “dependability” rating. This year MINI didn’t simply score low in the study, but came in at the bottom of the list. For those who aren’t familiar with this study, it measures “problems per 100 vehicles” over a three year period. So it’s not a measure of initial quality, or an accounting of significant mechanical failures. Instead, it’s a measure of “problems” with no distinction between an engine bursting into flames and a cup holder being too small for the owner’s big gulp. That’s not exactly stellar methodology if you ask me, so take these results (the good and the bad) with a small pile of salt.

That said, the numbers are still pretty good. Statistically, one MINI had 2.2 “problems” of unknown severity in three years, all of which were probably covered under warranty. Big deal? The best performer on the list, Lincoln, had 1.1 “problems” per car over three years. Does that actually make Lincoln more dependable? There’s no way to know from the rankings and that’s my qualm with JDP.

We’re certainly MINI fans, but we’re not MINI apologists. All machines are susceptible to mechanical problems, and MINI has had issues that they’ve had to address. The 2011 engine refresh wasn’t just about efficiency and power. It also addressed the infamous “cold start issue” and other nags in the powerplant. The interior has evolved to address the difficulty of the stereo controls. No doubt those were among the “problems” reported in the study. But where MINI has set themselves apart plenty of times is in their willingness to actually address issues mid-generation. The 2006 R50 was a significantly improved car over the 2002. Same with the R53. Additionally, in the past year Toyota, Honda and other automakers near the top of this “dependability” study have had to order massive, embarrassing recalls. Did MINI?

Written By: Nathaniel Salzman

James

You can attack JD Powers methodology, but it’s applied to every make equally. Does that mean that the real lesson here is that Mini owners are abnormally anal and too stupid to figure out a volume knob.? The modern automobile, as a rule, is a tremendously reliable and capable machine, but that doesn’t change the fact that in Mini, BMW is doing a markedly poor job in building a reliable product.

And yes, I love driving my car. I’ve had my Cooper S for 7 years and I enjoy driving it as much today as I did the day I drove it off the lot. But I was getting fault lights within hours of taking ownership and once the warranty was up it has gifted me with many large repair bills. I’m on my second radiator, third thermostat, second brake booster, second power steering pump, second crank pulley, second passenger side CV boot, second set of power window assemblies, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. I’m currently debating spending a large chunk of money on some needed suspension work or applying it to the down payment on something new. Which won’t be another Mini.

And finally, you can’t spend two paragraphs being Mini apologists and then claim you’re not in the third. And then go back to being Mini apologists in the following sentences. I know the lion’s share of this site’s content (and subsequent advertising revenue) is dependent on its special relationship w/ MINI USA, but let’s call an editorial spade a spade. This site used to be more enthusiast and now is too marketing shill.
gkp

As I write this, my 2007 MCS is in the shop for what I believe will turn out to be a clutch release bearing problem — at 30,000 miles. Two weeks ago, the car broke down and had to be towed when the high-speed fuel pump died. The list of problems is long, and go far beyond the cupholder. I love the performance of the MINI, and am an enthusiast all the way, but as far as reliability goes I think JDP is spot on. Once the engine/drivetrain warranty on my MINI is about to expire, alas, I will likely need to seek out a drive that is not so high maintenance.
that.guy

And if there is one lesson to be learned here… it is that anyone who is thinking “seriously” of dropping $40k on an FWD JCW CoupÃ©, they should slap themselves upside the head a few times and then start shopping for a used Cayman.
James Irmiger

MINI needs to wake up and have a serious look around at what’s happening in the US! Sure, maybe the Fiesta isn’t as fast, or the 500 doesn’t handle as quickly, but the fact remains, every day there are more and more manufacturers bringing over new hatches that eat away just a little more of MINI’s market share. Look at the new Lexus hatch, the Mazda 2, heck, even Alfa’s been talking about bringing over the MiTo and the completely awesome Giulietta!

Reliability surveys like this, flawed or not, add fuel to the fire and pull potential consumers away from the brand. Given the seriousness of the problems I’ve personally had, I wouldn’t blame anyone who looks around before buying a MINI (and this from a guy who can find the volume knob).
Volkan

@ James – Very well said! MF has become a subsidiary of MINI marketing division in recent years.

And finally, you canâ€™t spend two paragraphs being Mini apologists and then claim youâ€™re not in the third. And then go back to being Mini apologists in the following sentences. I know the lionâ€™s share of this siteâ€™s content (and subsequent advertising revenue) is dependent on its special relationship w/ MINI USA, but letâ€™s call an editorial spade a spade. This site used to be more enthusiast and now is too marketing shill.
dacrema

I am on my second cooper. I am very easy on the company because I love the car. Sorry MINI but I think the survey is valid – given the type of survey it is. I agree with the thought it is a NOT good measure of what is wrong. I have had issues with with both MINIs. Some of the issues: Seat Belt, Power Stearing, Transmition (Midlands 5 speed), Water in the cabin, and passanger side airbag sensor. Many of these should not go bad. They all have near the 50k mark.

I do not count funney thumps or rattles as the that is normal in a tight car. I still love the car but am not looking forward to fixing the airbag sensor in a seat that has been empty for most of the 70 K miles. It would be more pleasent to buckle up in the winter if the seat belt was dry after a rain.
http://www.facebook.com/blizzie Jessica N.

2009 Cooper, 2 issues. 17k miles. 1. Oxygen sensor went out at 6k miles. 2. At around 10k miles my driver’s side window would roll down when trying to roll it up. Both were fixed same-day. Very pleased with the quality of my car and the service in general.

I migrated from a Jeep Grand Cherokee that was nothing but problems. I don’t regret it one bit.
James

I’ve owned 2 Coopers, a 2006, and now a 2010. My R50 had 90k km’s on it when it was replaced, and my 2010 R56 has 32k km’s as I write this. The R50 was problematic from about the third week of ownership when the car went into “limp home” mode, and unfortunately over the three years of ownership, a sizeable repair and service history developed. I have to say I was incredibly well taken care of by the service department. They resolved each and every circumstance to the best of their abilities, and at their cost. I loved driving the car. Happily, as a total contrast to my initial experience with the brand, I haven’t had a single issue arise with my R56. Not one. I wouldn’t drive anything else.
USAAUS

2005 R50 84,800 miles had only scheduled visits to the dealer while under warranty/maintenance, and only scheduled services since.

If something goes badly wrong tomorrow I would still have to say it is a very reliable car.
Dylan

Two R56 Mini and over 30 trips to the dealer and 4 engines later (not an exaggeration), I whole heartedly agree with these findings.
Doug Buchanan

Get it together, MINI. That’s downright embarrassing.
Hans

I bought 2 cars around the same time for my wife and I. A comparison of repairs:

2008 VW R32 23k miles: 1. Door rattle, 2. exhaust heat shield rattle, 3. Fuel pressure sender recall, 4. DSG mechatronics recall. I had no problems with the recall items, VW is awesome about recalling problematic items.

2008 Mini Cooper S 6MT 28k miles: 1. Failed thermostat, 2. timing chain tensioner (had to call MINI USA to get fixed), 3. 6 or 7 sunroof repair attempts, 4. tachometer replaced, 5. cd changer compartment door replaced, 6. clutch pedal replaced (new clutch pedal feels better than it ever did and it shifts smoothly now, I wonder if I have syncro damage or excess clutch wear), 7. fuel level sensor failed and I still have some transmission noise which is unresolved as well as a hesitation on acceleration even after MINI USA paying for a full fuel system and carbon buildup cleaning.

The MINI has been in the shop more than any other car I’ve owned by far and so far has been the least reliable of anything except for my first car, a 1968 BMW 1602 that I got as my first car 10 years ago! I am glad, however, that MINI USA went out of their way to make me happy, but I still have a few unresolved issues that I fear they can’t help with until something fails.
Osmodious

The reason I no longer have my MINI Cooper S is because, in the 22 months I owned it, it was in for repairs 18 times. When the warranty was running out, I knew I had to get rid of it or it would bankrupt me.

Abysmal reliability, truly abysmal. But I miss that car every single day.
Mike

De-lurking for a moment to say this is a real buzz kill for me. I was looking forward to buying the Countryman as soon as the rear bench was available. No longer.

The first thing I demand in a car is reliability. In 2011 there’s simply no excuse for any carmaker, let alone a division of BMW, to offer a $30,000+ vehicle which loses in a reliability poll to Jeep.

Darn shame.
Ephman

Yes, the survey methodology is poor, and yes, Minis have their joys, but to deny there is a problem here is to deny reality.

In addition to the many chronic component issues, the high cost of wear items and minor repairs are also likely to irritate Joe Public. Hole a fog lamp on a Mustang, and replacement is a ten-minute DIY job; on a Gen-1 Mini, its a $1000 repair that involves draining the radiator. Pricey run-flats that are toast at 20K miles, absurdly expensive accessories, premium fuel … it’s all part of the experience and trade-off.

Sure, the Mini is far, far more reliable than a ’60s Alfa or MG. But all cars have gotten more reliable, and data suggests Mini is more British Leyland-like than anything currently on the market. Those who laugh at the position of Lincoln or Jaguar or the Koreans are stuck in the past … GM and Ford and Hyundai may build boring cars, but they’ve spent a lot of time in the last decade sweating the details to catch up with the Japanese. BMW, VW, and Chrysler consistently lag behind.
http://deleted Jerry

Could it be that MINI owners are bigger whiners?
http://deleted Jerry

Of course I’m joking…….

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