2006 Mini Cooper
This year had 30% to 100% more 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 187 |
| 2003 | 320 |
| 2004 | 282 |
| 2005 | 372 |
| 2006 | 200 |
| 2007 | 115 |
| 2008 | 115 |
| 2009 | 150 |
| 2010 | 92 |
| 2011 | 82 |
| 2012 | 65 |
| 2013 | 47 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 54 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
55% of complaints: air bags — 109 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CAR ACCIDENT CAUSE PROBLEMS , HAVING PROBLEMS WITH CLUTCH / FLYWHEEL WAS REPAIRED ONE TIME DRIVE SLOW WON'T MOVE FAST. NOT STEERING , HAS LEAKAGE , DAMAGE DENTS ON RIGHT SIDE FRONT END PAINT DAMAGES, NOT RIGHT COLOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191020
AIRBAG PASSENGER MAT SEAT SENSOR . THIS HAS BEEN A ONGOING PROBLEM FROM THE 2003 TO PRESENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120315
PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. HAS BEEN REPAIRED 4 TIMES. HAS NOT RECURRED THIS LAST REPAIR, HOWEVER ONLY REPAIRED 2 MONTHS AGO.
NHTSA ODI report, 20081220
27% of complaints: steering — 53 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Electronic power steering pump issue/failure. The steering wheel was so stiff when I tried to go right that I physically could not turn the wheel. This is extremely dangerous & it happens without warning. No lights come on.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250205
The contact owns a 2006 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240104
8% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: seats — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AIRBAG PASSENGER MAT SEAT SENSOR . THIS HAS BEEN A ONGOING PROBLEM FROM THE 2003 TO PRESENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120315
5% of complaints: engine — 10 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY 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 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (109 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (53 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V205000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2006 Mini Cooper reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Mini Cooper is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mini Cooper?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Mini Cooper 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.