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
- 151
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2009
None on file
46% of complaints
Complaints per year
2009: 151 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 187 |
| 2003 | 320 |
| 2004 | 282 |
| 2005 | 372 |
| 2006 | 200 |
| 2007 | 118 |
| 2008 | 116 |
| 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
46% · 69 reportsMost commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.
Show 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, 2018-02-15
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
Engine
30% · 46 reportsShow 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, 2012-08-07
Electrical system
17% · 25 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2009 Mini Cooper.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-01-23
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, 2012-06-26
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, 2026-08-05
Seat belts
5% · 8 reportsPower train
3% · 5 reportsShow 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-08-12
Safety 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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2009Complaint volume 151 complaints filed for this model year.
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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 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 69 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 46 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 25 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 23V337000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.