VehicleVerdict

2009 Mini Cooper Clubman problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 56 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Cooper Clubman year — the 2009 model ranks #1 of 7 Cooper Clubman years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 14 reports (25% of the total).

56

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Cooper Clubman years?

Cooper Clubman NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted56 complaints2008: 38 complaints2009: 56 complaints2010: 47 complaints2011: 27 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 3 complaints2014: 1 complaints
Cooper Clubman NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cooper Clubman years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1425%
Airbags1018%
Electrical System814%
Transmission59%
Body & Structure47%
Other35%
Fuel System35%
Seats24%
Steering24%
Lighting12%
Speed Control12%
Brakes12%
Latches & Locks12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V337000Electrical SystemMay 11, 2023 · 97,933 units

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“LOUD RATTLE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON COLD START UP. LOSS OF POWER ON ACCELERATION. BROUGHT TO DEALER AND DIAGNOSED AS BROKEN TIMING CHAIN GUIDES WITH REPAIR COST OF $2,300. HAVE PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY, SO REPAIR IS COVERED. HOWEVER, THIS IS A HIGHLY REPORTED ISSUE AND SHOULD BE DEALT WITH IN A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 13, 2012

“PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR HAS STOPPED WORKING DURING ALL STATES OF VEHICLE OPERATION. UPON STARTING THE CAR AND WHILE DRIVING, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT TURNS ON REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT. IF I WERE TO GET INTO A CRASH, MY PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG WILL NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 25, 2019

“The contact owned a 2009 Min Cooper Clubman. The contact 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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 29, 2024 · fire

“CAR STARTED MAKING RATTLING NOISE ON START UP, DROVE IT TO MINI, THEY SAY MY TIMING CHAIN IS STRETCHED AND HOUSING BROKEN, AROUND $2500, TO REPAIR. READING ONLINE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, EVEN THE BASIS OF A LAWSUIT AND I FEEL IT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 6, 2015

“THE LATCHES ON THE REAR DOORS FAILED AND WOULD NOT LATCH SHUT. HAD TO TIED DOORS DOWN WITH ROPE IN ORDER TO GET HOME. I WAS FORTUNATE THE LATCHES FAILED WHILE IT WAS PARKED AND NOT WHILE I WAS DRIVING; COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. MINI HAS THIS AS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN BUT CHARGED ME $233 TO FIX.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 16, 2012

2009 Mini Cooper Clubman — common questions

Is the 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 56 complaints put the 2009 model at #1 of 7 Cooper Clubman years. It is one of the Cooper Clubman years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 Cooper Clubman problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (14 complaints), airbags (10 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints).

Does the 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mini Cooper Clubman years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cooper Clubman years to avoid are 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among Cooper Clubman years belongs to 2012.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.