MYRModel Year Report

2006 Mini Cooper S

● Typical for this model
2006 Mini Cooper S
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:19:55.715Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mini Cooper S Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2006 highlighted. 2002: 83 complaints 2002 2003: 217 complaints 2004: 247 complaints 2005: 314 complaints 2005 2006: 186 complaints 2006 2007: 249 complaints 2008: 168 complaints 2008 2009: 119 complaints 2010: 59 complaints 2011: 31 complaints 2011 2012: 23 complaints 2013: 24 complaints 2014: 13 complaints 2014 2015: 18 complaints 2016: 9 complaints 2017: 5 complaints 2017 2019: 5 complaints 2020: 5 complaints 2021: 0 complaints 2021 2022: 1 complaints 2024: 1 complaints 2025: 3 complaints 2025
2006: 186 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
200283
2003217
2004247
2005314
2006186
2007249
2008168
2009119
201059
201131
201223
201324
201413
201518
20169
20175
20195
20205
20210
20221
20241
20253

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 35%

35% of complaints: air bags — 65 distinct reports on file.

STEERING 26%

26% of complaints: steering — 48 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show 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, 20120516

THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME MAKING DRIVING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120414

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, 20180329

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20060130

POWER TRAIN 10%

10% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
SEATS 8%

8% of complaints: seats — 15 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20151012 — air bags

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 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (65 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (48 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 15V205000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2011 ▲ 2010 ▲ 2002

WORST YEARS

◆ 2005 ◆ 2007 ◆ 2004

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 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 Mini Cooper S have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.