2009 Mini Cooper S
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
- 119
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2009
Opened by NHTSA
55% of complaints
Complaints per year
2009: 119 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.
Engine
55% · 65 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Fire did not occur, but there is a risk. Many Mini Cooper models with turbochargers are experiencing a leaky oil feed line to the turbo after approximately 25,000 miles. Due to a poorly insulated rubber gasket.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-12-10
Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline
I was driving down the highway and my car gave me a warning that my engine temp was way to high. I was lucky enough to have a good place to stop and check out whay was gong on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-16
This is the 2ND time this happend the car started to acelerate by its self when stopped and the brakes couldn't hold the car back, I then put the car into newtral, then into park tapped the gas and the car acted normal.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-14
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Air bags
16% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing front passenger and occupant classification.
Show complaint excerpts
I was involved in a multiple car accident. None of the air bags deployed and the seat belt did not hold me appropriately resulting in hitting the steering wheel with my face.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-06-29
Also filed under Seat belts
Power train
13% · 16 reportsEngine and engine cooling
13% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing cooling system.
Electrical system
11% · 13 reportsShow complaint excerpts
2009 Mini Cooper S. Drove car 20KM to local mall. Came out to retrieve wallet from glove box after being in mall for approximately 20MIN. Car was completely engulfed in flames.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-06-09
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-14
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-01
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2011-10-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-06-11 Engine compartment fire
-
R
2012-02-29Engine and engine cooling12V008000 BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Mini Cooper S, 2008-2011 Mini Cooper S Clubman, 2009-2011 Mini Cooper S Convertible, 2009-2011 Mini Cooper jcw, 2009-2011 Mini Cooper jcw clubman…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump free of charge. The safety recall beganduring February 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-866-275-6464.
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R
2018-06-15Engine and engine cooling18V248000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time.
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R
2024-05-13Electrical system23V337000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska,...
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024.
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Mini Cooper S — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 65 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 16 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V008000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 18V248000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 23V337000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2009 Mini Cooper S reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Mini Cooper S is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mini Cooper S?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 Mini Cooper S have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.