MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Mini Hardtop

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Mini Hardtop

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
7Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE MINI HARDTOP

The Mini Hardtop is a subcompact two- or four-door sedan that has carved out a devoted following among urban drivers and enthusiasts who prize its distinctive retro-British styling and go-kart handling character. Aimed at buyers who want personality and agility in a small, city-friendly package, the Hardtop competes in one of the most style-driven corners of the American market. For model years 2019 through 2025, MotorCaliber takes a close look at how this icon stacks up where it truly matters: safety.

VERDICT

The 2021 Mini Hardtop earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally celebrate the Mini Hardtop for its entertaining driving dynamics, premium interior feel relative to its size, and strong brand identity. Most acknowledge that the cabin is tight and cargo space is limited by the body style. Safety and driver-assistance technology are typically noted as adequate for the segment rather than segment-leading, with the driving experience consistently highlighted as the model's primary selling point.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 11.1%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15261

Index breakdown

Crash protection56/70
Avoidance tech7/10
Defect record18/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Mini Hardtop at NHTSA as of 2026-07-02. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

7 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
1reported fire
2reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 3Fuel/Propulsion System 1Steering 1Air Bags 1Tires 1

Other Hardtop years

Rivals in Sedan (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15261), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Mini Hardtop 2021. Class rank 73 of 94 in Sedan 2021. Methodology · Disclosure