2006 Mini Cooper S Convertible
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
- Complaints
- 36
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2006
None on file
53% of complaints
Complaints per year
2006: 36 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 61 |
| 2006 | 36 |
| 2007 | 8 |
| 2008 | 7 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
53% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing occupant classification and sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
Passenger side seat airbag sensor (Recall 15V-205, OC3 seat occupancy mat) in my 2006 Mini Cooper S Convertible has failed. The passenger side airbag light on dash and overhead stay lit at all times.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-30
Also filed under Seats
My 2006 Mini Cooper S has a defective passenger seat air bag sensor, I was quoted $1200 to replace it. This is the exact same part that BMW recalled in 2008.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-29
Seats
17% · 6 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I put the heated seat on while driving, and the driver's seat caught fire. This with less then 50,000 miles and a cost of almost $1000. I had to pull into a gas station and put out the smoking seat with water.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-01-27
While driving with the driver seat heater on a burning smell and smoke began to fill the car. Additionally, began feeling extreme heat on my back. Immediately pulled over and found a small fire on the seat back which I had to pat out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-01-04
Steering
14% · 5 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The power steering would stop and it became hard to turn and steer. It came back on and has done this several times over the past few weeks. It effects steering when going slow more than fast.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-01-28
Power train
14% · 5 reportsEngine and engine cooling
11% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing emission control.
Show complaint excerpts
2006 Mini Cooper S. Consumer states vehicle sometimes stalls and stops while driving *tgw the dealer informed the consumer that mistakes were made in reprogramming the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-04-12
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2015-10-12Air bags15V205000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to November 28, 2006, and 2005-2008 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible vehicles manufactured...
Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. The recall began on October 12, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Buy-smart checklist
2006 Mini Cooper S Convertible — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 15V205000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2006 Mini Cooper S 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 2006 Mini Cooper S Convertible?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 Mini Cooper S Convertible have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.