Owners filed 151 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 1 time.
When it fails
06500065,000 milesMedian miles at failure
118 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags
56
0
1
0
Engine
39
0
3
0
Electrical System
22
0
5
3
Unknown or Other
4
0
2
1
Fuel/Propulsion System
4
0
0
0
Steering
3
0
0
0
Power Train
3
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling
3
0
0
0
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification
3
0
0
0
Wheels
2
0
0
0
1 safety recall
Part 573 reports
Electrical System23V337000
Filed May 11, 202397,933 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc
Defect. 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.
Risk. An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Aug 5, 202690,000 milesFL
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 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.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 7, 2025SC
The seatbelt and air bag warning light for the passenger front seat stays on.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 2, 202592,000 milesTX
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.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 31, 2025AL
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.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 12, 2025WI
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 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.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 17, 2025150,000 milesWI
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.
Electrical SystemFire3 injured
Filed Jan 23, 2025140,000 milesAZ
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 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.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 9, 2024PA
See attached document for complaint.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 16, 2024CO
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.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 9, 2024FL
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.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 13, 2024TX
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 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.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 7, 2024100,000 milesNY
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 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.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 13, 2024110,000 milesMN
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 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.
Engine
Filed Feb 5, 2024NH
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.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger
Filed Feb 1, 202422,000 milesWI
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.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 8, 2024102,000 milesCO
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.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 4, 2023WA
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.
Electrical System
Filed Sep 18, 202370,000 milesNY
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 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.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 28, 2023MA
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.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 25, 202319,000 milesIL
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.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.