2009 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 | 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.
46% of complaints: air bags — 69 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING DOWN HWY 16 (A STRAIGHT A WAY 2 LANE HWY) TOWARDS WOODLAND WHEN THE DISPLAY SHOWED WHAT APPEARED TO BE THE WATER ICON AND I NOTICED WHITE SMOKE FROM UNDER MY HOOD, SO I PULLED OVER AND SAT THERE THINKING MAYBE MY CAR WAS OVERHEATING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180215
Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
30% of complaints: engine — 46 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ON JULY 25TH, APROX 9:00PM. MY DAUGHTER (DRIVER) HAVE JUST ARRIVED FROM COLLEGE INTERNSHIP AND ARRIVED BOYFRIEND FAMILY HOME (12-15MI TRIP).
NHTSA ODI report, 20120807
17% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2009 Mini Cooper.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250123
I STOPPED AT A GROCERY STORE ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK AT APPROX. 6:30 PM ON 11/17/11. I PARKED THE CAR, TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND LOCKED IT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120626
Also filed under STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH at night, the exterior lights started flickering and started to become inoperable.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260805
5% of complaints: seat belts — 8 distinct reports on file.
3% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
A 2009 MINI COOPER CLUTCH WAS DEFECTIVE WAS REPLACED IN MAY OF 2010 AND IN AUGUST OF 2010 THE CLUTCH WENT AGAIN AND THIS TIME BURNT THE FLY WHEEL. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED SAFETY OF PASSENGER WAS COMPROMISED. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20100812
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 23V337000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Mini Cooper — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (69 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (46 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V337000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 Mini Cooper reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Mini Cooper is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mini Cooper?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Mini Cooper have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.