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
- 200
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2006
None on file
57% of complaints
Complaints per year
2006: 200 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 187 |
| 2003 | 320 |
| 2004 | 282 |
| 2005 | 372 |
| 2006 | 200 |
| 2007 | 117 |
| 2008 | 115 |
| 2009 | 151 |
| 2010 | 92 |
| 2011 | 83 |
| 2012 | 66 |
| 2013 | 47 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 56 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
57% · 114 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and front passenger.
Show 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, 2019-10-20
Also filed under Structure
Airbag passenger mat seat sensor . This has been a ongoing problem from the 2003 to present.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-15
Also filed under Seats and equipment adaptive/mobility
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, 2008-12-20
Steering
27% · 53 reportsShow 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, 2025-02-05
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, 2024-01-04
Power train
10% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Seats
7% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing recliner.
Engine
5% · 10 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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2006Complaint volume 200 complaints filed for this model year.
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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 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 114 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 53 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 20 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 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 57% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 Mini Cooper have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.