VehicleVerdict

2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 64 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.5 times the median Cooper S Clubman year — the 2009 model ranks #1 of 8 Cooper S Clubman years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 48% of all reports (31 of 64), far ahead of transmission at 11.

64

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Cooper S Clubman years?

Cooper S Clubman NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted64 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 13 complaints2009: 64 complaints2010: 17 complaints2011: 23 complaints2012: 2 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 0 complaints
Cooper S Clubman NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cooper S Clubman years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3148%
Transmission1117%
Electrical System813%
Airbags69%
Brakes23%
Fuel System12%
Lighting12%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Seat Belts12%
Body & Structure12%
Other12%

Does the 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V248000EngineApril 18, 2018 · 47,806 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

Consequence

If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

12V008000EngineJanuary 11, 2012 · 90,368 units

Defect

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2011 MINI COOPER S, 2008-2011 MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 COOPER JCW CONVERTIBLE, AND 2011 COOPER S COUNTRYMAN PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 14, 2006, THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2011. THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP THAT COOLS THE TURBOCHARGER HAS AN ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CAN MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT.

Consequence

THE CIRCUIT BOARD MAY SMOLDER WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGANDURING FEBRUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-866-275-6464.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I PARKED MY 2009 MINI CLUBMAN AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 10 MILES TO THE GROCERY STORE ROUND TRIP AND UNLOADED GROCERIES, WENT BACK OUT TO THE CAR AND IT WAS SMOKING WHITE SMOKE. FLAMES STARTED SHOOTING UP FROM THE ENGINE OVER THE WINDSHIELD AND IT PROGRESSED FROM THERE. THE SMOKE TURNED BLACK ALL WINDOWS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 26, 2010 · fire

“VEHICLE FAILED DUE TO ISSUE WITH THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER. THIS CAUSED THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDES TO BREAK AND DROP INTO THE OIL PAN. ENTIRE ENGINE MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. ENGINE FAILED AS I WAS PULLING OUT ONTO A VERY BUSY STREET (7TH STREET IN PHOENIX AZ) LEAVING ME STRANDED AND UNABLE TO MOVE IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 27, 2012

“AFTER DRIVING TO WORK FOR 30 MINUTES, I PARKED MY CAR. I THOUGHT I SMELLED SOMETHING AS I WALKED AWAY, SO I STOPPED AN LOOKED, BUT I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING. FIVE MINUTES AFTER WALKING INTO MY BUILDING, SOMEONE TOLD ME MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRST WITNESS TO SEE SOMETHING (A CO-WORKER) SAID HE SAW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 7, 2011 · fire

“THE PASSENGERS SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTOR IN MY 2009 MINI COOPER CLUBMAN S IS NOT FUNCTIONING AND IT WON'T ALLOW ANY AIRBAG TO ACTIVATE. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON AND IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND I WILL NOT DRIVE THE CAR WITH NO WORKING AIRBAGS. IT STARTED WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 14, 2017

“I PARKED MY 2009 MINI CLUBMAN S ON A MODERATE HILL. AFTER 10 TO 15 MINUTES, WITH THE PARKING BRAKE FULLY ENGAGED AND THE CAR IN FIRST GEAR (STANDARD TRANSMISSION), THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARD DOWN THE HILL, STRUCK A CAR PARKED BEHIND IT, THEN PROCEEDED TO ROLL INTO A BUSY 3-LANE HIGHWAY. IF I HAD NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 13, 2011

2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman — common questions

Is the 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 64 complaints put the 2009 model at #1 of 8 Cooper S Clubman years. It is one of the Cooper S Clubman years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 Cooper S Clubman problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (31 complaints), transmission (11 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints).

Does the 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mini Cooper S Clubman years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cooper S Clubman years to avoid are 2009. The cleanest record among Cooper S Clubman years belongs to 2021.

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.