2006 Mini Cooper S
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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
- 186
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2006
None on file
38% of complaints
Complaints per year
2006: 186 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 83 |
| 2003 | 217 |
| 2004 | 247 |
| 2005 | 314 |
| 2006 | 186 |
| 2007 | 249 |
| 2008 | 168 |
| 2009 | 119 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 31 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 24 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
38% · 71 reportsMost commonly citing occupant classification and frontal.
Steering
26% · 48 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Executing a left turn and all of a sudden the power steering went out. Was unable to control the car due to the fact that I was not expecting this issue. Damage front right side of car against curb. I have learned that this is a serious problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-16
Also filed under Wheels
The power steering went out while my wife was driving home making driving extremely difficult.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-14
Was driving the car on local roads and all of a sudden had a loss of power and steering was extremely hard to steer/turn
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-29
Electrical system
12% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
Dt*: the contact owns a 2006 Mini Cooper model s. Three days after purchase at 130 miles the vehicle stalled and operated at a reduced speed while attempting to accelerate.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-01-30
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling and vehicle speed control
Power train
12% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.
Seats
8% · 15 reportsSafety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 71 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 48 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 23 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 15V205000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2006 Mini Cooper S reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Mini Cooper S is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mini Cooper S?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 Mini Cooper S 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.