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Vehicle safety record

2009 Mini Cooper Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 152 complaints about the 2009 Mini Cooper with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (62) and the engine & cooling (51). Those complaints describe 1 crash, 11 fires and 5 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in May 2023 for the electrical system. For comparison, the 2008 has 284 and the 2010 has 102.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical Cooper year, for its age

#62 most complained-about 2009 vehicle

Complaints
152
Recalls
1
Crashes
1
Fires
11
Injuries
5
Deaths
0

Most common 2009 Mini Cooper problems

Share of all 152 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2009 Mini Cooper recalls 1

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Electrical system

23V33700097,933 vehicles affected

The problem
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, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.
The risk
An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

What owners say

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152 complaints about the 2009 Mini Cooper

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 7.

Electrical system

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. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, removed the battery terminals, and performed a master reset. After the master reset, there was an abnormal clicking sound inside the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to the residence. After arriving to the residence, the failure reoccurred. The...

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vehicle was parked and turned. The vehicle was then taken to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the relays inside the junction box used to control several of the electronic features had become inoperable. The mechanic suggested that the vehicle not be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11754946
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

The seatbelt and air bag warning light for the passenger front seat stays on.

Filed Incident Air bags · Seat belts · SeatsNHTSA 11698274
Airbags

The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the seat belt warning light illuminated even though there was no passenger seated in the passenger's seat. The contact stated that the warning light remained illuminated with the passenger's seat occupied and the seat belt properly fastened. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11684570
Electrical system

When it rains, my car seems to have a short circuit and all the electrical components start going crazy, mainly the windows, locks and indoor lights/dash. There is an active recall for the same problem and car model but mine doesn't seem to fit the recall I am not sure why.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11677585
Electrical systemLights

My car has had an exterior lighting problem related to a bad FRM. This is causing my lights not to work. After seeking help, I saw that there was an actual recall on the FRM and I decided to take my car to International Mini dealership in Wisconsin. Once there, they proceeded to only fix the leak on sunroof. I then went back and explained that the leak had caused actual damage to the FRM and connectors and they told me to leave the car for another night. Next day I went to pick it up and they gave me the paperwork...

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stating that they had replaced and reprogrammed the FRM but the problem persist. The connector on the FRM are also water corroded and they just refuse to do anything else to the car. I can't drive my car due to the safety hazard of not having any exterior lights working.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 11654250
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the headlights, taillights, and the turn signal lights were inoperable. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); but the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights had remained illuminated after the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11648826
Electrical systemFire3 injuries

The contact owned a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that after the vehicle was unoccupied and parked in the residential garage, she was putting her children down for a nap and 2 minutes later, the contact and her husband smelled smoke within the residence, shortly afterward it was discovered that the garage was engulfed in flames. The contact called 911 and evacuated her family of 2 dogs, and 2 minor children. The contact sustained injuries to both arms, both legs and her rear end up to her back. The husband...

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sustained bruises right leg and back. The contact's toddler son sustained a bruise from running into the wall in the residence. No medical attention was sought. The contact mentioned that 1 of the dogs sustained abnormal breathing injuries. The police and fire departments arrived on the scene, and the firefighters extinguished the fire. The fire consumed the vehicle in the garage and resulted in damage to the residence. Police and fire department reports were filed. The contact does not have the fire report, yet, and was currently being worked by the chief of the fire department. The vehicle currently remained on the scene. The insurance company deemed the vehicle and her home totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11638081
Electrical system

See attached document for complaint.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11629733
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11602800
Electrical system

My car started acting up when it rains and all the electrical goes crazy, all the lights turning on and off and all the locks opening and closing and it seems to have short-circuit and drained my battery, car left me stranded twice in the middle of the street. No electrical wire seems to be exposed and was informed it might be a footwell module issue, I see there is a recall happening yet my vehicle doesn't seem to be included eventhough it fits the specs and the has the same issues.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11600524
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

The passenger occupancy seat sensor is defective (as reported by many other owners of this vehicle model). The sensor is very costly to replace in terms of parts ($1,500) and labor ($1,500) and MINI does not sell the sensor separately as it is embedded in the seat foam. The defective sensor does not recognize a passenger sitting in the passenger seat and deactivates the passenger airbag which is an essential, lifesaving device fitted to a small vehicle. When involved in a major vehicle collision, without a working...

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airbag, the risk of fatality drastically increases. The sensor is also responsible for NOT deploying the airbag if a passenger under 100lbs is sitting in the seat ie. a child. Again, this is a massive safety concern especially due to other owners resorting to a cheap aftermarket bypass module which will always deploy the airbag. This solution could seriously injure or cause fatalities for passengers under 100lbs. Other MINI models with the same electronic occupancy sensor problems have had recalls issued by the NHTSA and has not issued recalls for vehicles with the same issue consistently. It is the NHTSA's responsibility to hold the manufacturer accountable for ALL vehicle models with similar defects impacting the safe and consistent operation of life preservation devices such as airbags especially when repair costs for these defective devices are cost prohibitive for vehicle owners to replace.

Filed Incident Air bags · Seat belts · SeatsNHTSA 11577181
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that several electrical features had failed to operate as needed with several warning lights flickering on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that water and salt had entered the footwell circuit causing wiring corrosion. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not...

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yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11575999
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper Hardtop. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the remedy to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated less than half the lights are working on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was confirmed that water and salt could enter the circuit and corrode and this service falls under the recall repair. The contact was informed the vehicle could be repaired if the contact paid out of...

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pocket. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11571729
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

This has a major recall and won't pass inspection. Engine light is on . I've called dealership and was told parts are on back order . Last year I was told the same thing before I received a letter in the mail.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11569949
Airbags

The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the passenger occupant sensor light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the mat switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by the dealer that there was a recall for the mat switch however, neither the VIN nor the vehicle was included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11569241
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the windows failed to roll up or down intermittently. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11564174
Electrical system

The car horn was going off randomly. I inspected the interior electrical panel on the passenger side of the car and it was damp. There is water getting into the passenger side of the car and infiltrating the panel causing this one issue and likely others. There is a recall for this problems in some places, but my vehicle is not included, currently.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11553589
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the parking brake warning light and the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that after the front driver's and passenger side doors were closed, the windows failed to readjust. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and...

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confirmed that parts were not available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11545250
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11541203
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the battery was replaced four times in four years. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11534409
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFire

MINI was totally destroyed by fire after driving for 15 minutes. It was parked in a parking lot and was in flames 5 minutes after my wife entered the store. This is comparable with problem requiring recall (with no remedy). No warnings

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11533682
Fuel system

The problem was that the gas pedal began to stick. Suddenly it began to idle at 4000 rpm. I had to reach down and pull up the gas pedal while driving. I had it replaced a few weeks ago. Then I received a letter from Mini about a footwell control module. It sounds like a similar corrosion problem and it needs to be fixed as well. I had it looked at several times before it was fixed properly because a dirty throttle body can cause it to idle too fast

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11532034
Airbags

Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor fails There's a warning light for passenger airbag off , and also the airbag light on the dash panel never goes away ,even when a passenger is sitting on it. Is a common thing on minis , the dealer charges $100 to reset it within obd tool

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11529179
Airbags

Unknown. I purchased a used 2009 mini cooper in 2013. The airbag light went on for the passenger front side shortly after. I took it to be looked at and was told it would cost around 1,000 to be replaced. I couldn't afford that and felt that since it was never in an accident it must be defective. I contacted Mini cooper via email and phone calls and was told that since there wasn't any recalls, they couldn't do anything. I have always been uneasy driving with passengers, including my grandson in the car. I honestly expected Mini cooper to replace the airbag, but here we are, hoping nothing happens to the safety of my passengers... please reply with any information for me.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11520725
Fuel system

The high pressure fuel pump failed. There was a class action settlement and a warranty extension campaign for this part. Mini refused to warranty my vehicles h/p fuel pump stating it was only covered for 10 years or 120,000 miles. My vehicle only has 71,312 miles. I was informed by a local news source that manufacturers are required to honor the recall for 15 years per NHTSA, and that I should file a complaint. Please help. Thank you very much.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11512098

Mini Cooper: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20130100-A
20120100-A
20110100-A
2010102238Engine & coolingF
20091521111AirbagsF
20082841414Engine & coolingF
20073841524Engine & coolingF
200641311317AirbagsF
200584341736SteeringF
All Cooper years

2009 Mini Cooper vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2009 Mini Cooper

Does the 2009 Mini Cooper have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2009 Mini Cooper: electrical system (May 2023). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mini Cooper?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (62), engine & cooling (51), electrical system (25).

How many complaints has the 2009 Mini Cooper had?

152 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 30, 2009 and the latest on August 5, 2026. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 11 a fire, and together they report 5 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2009 Mini Cooper a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 9 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Mini Cooper year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Mini Cooper years have the most complaints?

2005 (843), 2003 (537), 2004 (529). See every Mini Cooper year compared.

What should I do if my 2009 Mini Cooper has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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