VehicleVerdict

2009 Mini Cooper Convertible problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 27 complaints on file for the 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

27

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Cooper Convertible years?

Cooper Convertible NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted115 complaints2005: 115 complaints2006: 38 complaints2007: 7 complaints2008: 10 complaints2009: 27 complaints2016: 15 complaints2025: 3 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Cooper Convertible NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cooper Convertible years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine830%
Airbags830%
Electrical System311%
Lighting27%
Steering14%
Tires & Wheels14%
Transmission14%
Fuel System14%
Seat Belts14%
Seats14%

Does the 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible have recalls?

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

09V143000Tires & WheelsApril 30, 2009 · 12 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING 12 MY 2009 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE DELIVERED WITH 15-INCH WHEELS INSTEAD OF 16-INCH WHEELS AS INTENDED, AND THE TIRE LABEL INDICATES 16 INCH WHEELS.

Consequence

THE WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE DO NOT CONFORM TO THE TIRE LABEL AS REQUIRED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE 15 INCH WHEELS WITH 16-INCH WHEELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-866-646-4772.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“PASSENGER 2 AIRBAG IS OFF-YELLOW WARNING LIGHT ABOVE MIRROR AND AIRBAG WARNING ON INSTRUMENT PANEL-RED WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ON WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED OR EMPTY. THESE LIGHT ARE ON WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED AND REMAINS ON. WE HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND SEE THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 12, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT WOULD VIBRATE AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 22, 2013

“ELECTRICAL FAILURE SINCE DAY ONE BOUGHT CAR AS A PRE-OWN. PRIOR OWNER HISTORY SAME ISSUES AS ME. MY CAR ALMOST WENT ON FIRE, POOR PERFORMANCE , LEAKS AND LEAKS WITH NO RELOAD FROM $6,000+ REPAIRS. STILL LEAKING. SUSPECTED WATER DAMAGE CAUSING ELECTRICAL OR JUST FAULTY ELECTRICAL. BULBS GO OUT WHEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 15, 2019

“ELECTRICAL FAILURE SINCE DAY ONE BOUGHT CAR AS A PRE-OWN. PRIOR OWNER HISTORY SAME ISSUES AS ME. MY CAR ALMOST WENT ON FIRE, POOR PERFORMANCE , LEAKS AND LEAKS WITH NO RELOAD FROM $6,000+ REPAIRS. STILL LEAKING. SUSPECTED WATER DAMAGE CAUSING ELECTRICAL OR JUST FAULTY ELECTRICAL. BULBS GO OUT WHEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 15, 2019

“AT ABOUT 64500 MILES THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG LIGHTS CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER THEY STAYED ON. LOCAL MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT SWITCH WAS PROBABLY THE CULPRIT. AND LOCATED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM. A CALL TO KEELER MOTOR CAR CO.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 4, 2017

2009 Mini Cooper Convertible — common questions

Is the 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible reliable?

The record is thin — 27 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2009 Cooper Convertible problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (8 complaints), airbags (8 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible have recalls?

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

Which Mini Cooper Convertible years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cooper Convertible years to avoid are 2005, 2006. The cleanest record among Cooper Convertible years belongs to 2026.

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.