2009 Mini Cooper Convertible
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 96 |
| 2006 | 27 |
| 2007 | 7 |
| 2008 | 9 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2016 | 13 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 18 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
ISSUES WITH OIL SYSTEM HAVE LEAD TO ENGINE HEAD FAILURE WHERE OIL IN MIXING WITH COOLANT. THE COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS FULL OF OIL. I AM EXPERIENCING LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING AND STALLING WHEN COMING TO A STOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181229
RATTLING NOISE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE. TOOK TO MINI, TIMING CHAIN WAS STRETCHED OUT. 2000K FIX CAR HAS LESS THAN 84K MILES. HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ABOUT 13 MONTHS AGO. SAID IT WAS THE TENSIONER BUT CHAIN WAS FINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150429
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT WOULD VIBRATE AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131023
6 of 18 total reports mention: air bags.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was driving my vehicle and the driver's side airbag in the seat went off unexpectedly during normal driving operation. I was the only person in the vehicle and was able to stop quickly and safely.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240421
PASSENGER 2 AIRBAG IS OFF-YELLOW WARNING LIGHT ABOVE MIRROR AND AIRBAG WARNING ON INSTRUMENT PANEL-RED WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ON WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED OR EMPTY. THESE LIGHT ARE ON WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED AND REMAINS ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190203
PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR THAT CONTROLLS AIRBAG.THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL BY BMW FOR MINI COOPERS MADE BETWEEN 2005 AND 2008. BUT THE 2009 HAS BEEN NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, AND THE DEALER WILL ONLY CHECK IT OUT BY CHARGING THE ME THE OWNER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150818
3 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system.
2 of 18 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
1 of 18 total reports mentions: tires.
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW IS RECALLING 12 MY 2009 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE AFF
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE 15 INCH WHEELS WITH 16-INCH WHEELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-866-646-4772.
Campaign 09V143000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Mini Cooper Convertible — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V143000 (tires) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.