2021 Mini Cooper Clubman

The 2021 Mini Cooper Clubman is a unique offering, combining Mini’s iconic styling with a more practical wagon body style. The base model features a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A more powerful option is the Cooper S Clubman with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, available with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The high-performance John Cooper Works Clubman boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pushing out 301 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission and ALL4 all-wheel drive. Owners often praise the Clubman’s distinctive design, agile handling, and premium interior. However, some criticisms include a firm ride, limited rear passenger space (compared to other wagons), and a higher price point than some competitors.

Engine

1.5L Turbocharged Three-Cylinder

• No Issues Found

2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder (Cooper S)

• No Issues Found

2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder (John Cooper Works)

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption, sometimes requiring oil top-offs between regular service intervals. The low oil light may illuminate frequently.
  • Solution: A compression and leak-down test can determine the extent of the issue. Depending on the results, the fix could range from replacing valve stem seals to piston rings, or in severe cases, a full engine rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic (1.5L and 2.0L Cooper S)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or jerky shifting, particularly at lower speeds. Hesitation during acceleration and occasional clunking noises have also been noted.
  • Solution: A software update of the transmission control module (TCM) may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, replacement of the mechatronic unit or the entire transmission may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

8-Speed Automatic (John Cooper Works)

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system occasionally freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes, requiring a restart. This can affect navigation, audio, and other system functions.
  • Solution: A software update to the infotainment system is the first step. If the problem persists, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+ (unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Random Warning Lights
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported intermittent and unexplained warning lights appearing on the dashboard, such as tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) errors, ABS, or check engine lights.
  • Solution: Diagnostic scanning to identify the specific fault code. Repair or replacement of the faulty sensor or module is then required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $75 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Rattling Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Various rattling noises emanating from the dashboard, door panels, or rear hatch area, especially on rough roads.
  • Solution: Locating and securing the source of the rattle. This may involve tightening fasteners, adding foam padding, or replacing loose trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Mini Cooper Clubman, while generally reliable, has some potential issues to be aware of. The John Cooper Works model seems more prone to excessive oil consumption. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in the base and Cooper S models has been reported to have rough shifting. Electrical glitches, particularly with the infotainment system and random warning lights, are also potential concerns. Interior rattles can be an annoyance. The severity and cost of these issues can vary greatly, so a thorough inspection and test drive are recommended before purchasing a used 2021 Mini Cooper Clubman.