NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mini Hardtop Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mini Hardtop scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 7 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Mini Hardtop earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, placing it in the Strong band. Zero recalls on record and consistent 4-star NHTSA ratings across every tested category give this model year a solid safety foundation, though the Index slipped two points from the 2020 model year.
The 2021 Mini Hardtop 2DR received a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Mini Hardtop ranks 73 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 4 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.1% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 7 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 73 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mini Hardtop?
The 2021 Mini Hardtop presents a clean recall record, with zero campaigns on file. This absence of defects contributes significantly to its Safety Index, earning a near-maximum 18 out of 20 points in that component. However, the overall Safety Index for this model year is 81 out of 100, a two-point decrease from the 2020 model's 83. This decline stems from lower scores in crash protection and avoidance technology. Crash protection scored 56 out of a possible 70 points. The vehicle received a uniform 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA across overall, frontal, side, and rollover categories. No single crash mode emerges as a standout vulnerability, but none achieved a 5-star rating. Avoidance technology earned 7 out of 10 points. This reflects the absence of standard lane departure warning, though forward collision warning and electronic stability control are standard equipment. Owner complaints remain low, with only 7 reports on file and no alleged fatalities. Three of these unverified reports concern the Electrical System, a point of attention for potential owners.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mini Hardtop perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Mini Hardtop received a uniform assessment from NHTSA, achieving 4 out of 5 stars in every crash-test category. Its overall, frontal, and side impact ratings all stand at 4 stars. The rollover risk, measured at 11 percent, is consistent with its 4-star rollover score, further supported by a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15261
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Mini Hardtop have any recalls?
The 2021 Mini Hardtop has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no open recall components to report, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive warnings associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check directly through NHTSA to confirm no campaigns have been added since production.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mini Hardtop?
NHTSA has received 7 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Mini Hardtop. Alleged problem areas include the Electrical System (3 reports), Fuel/Propulsion System (1), Steering (1), Air Bags (1), and Tires (1). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects, and include reported allegations of 1 crash, 1 fire, and 2 injuries.
7 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mini Hardtop?
The 2021 Mini Hardtop shows zero recalls on file with NHTSA. This clean recall record means used-market shoppers begin without open campaigns. Nevertheless, buyers should still run a specific VIN through NHTSA's recall database. This practice confirms no new campaigns were filed after the vehicle left production and verifies documentation of any completed recall work.
- The 2021 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, the cleanest possible defect record for this nameplate and a key reason its defect record sub-score reached 18 out of 20.
- The Safety Index dropped two points from the 2020 model year's 83 to 81, a decline driven by crash protection and avoidance tech scoring rather than any recall activity.
- Lane departure warning is not standard on the 2021 Mini Hardtop, limiting the avoidance tech sub-score to 7 out of 10 despite forward collision warning and electronic stability control being standard.
- Three of the seven unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year allege Electrical System issues, making that the single most reported component category and a specific area to probe when inspecting a used example.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mini Hardtop places
The 2021 Mini Hardtop qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mini Hardtop safety questions
Was the 2021 Mini Hardtop crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Mini Hardtop, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Mini Hardtop crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Mini Hardtop earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 4 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 11.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mini Hardtop have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Mini Hardtop as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mini Hardtop?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 7 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Mini Hardtop. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Hardtop years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15261), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mini Hardtop 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 73 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.