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 PER YEAR
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.
53% of complaints: air bags — 19 distinct reports on file, most 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, 20180430
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, 20120329
17% of complaints: seats — 6 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20160127
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, 20160104
14% of complaints: steering — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show 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, 20110128
14% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file, most 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, 20110412
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 15V205000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Mini Cooper S Convertible — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V205000 (air bags) has been completed.
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.