VehicleVerdict

2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2009 Mini Cooper S 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.

15

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Cooper S Convertible years?

Cooper S Convertible NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted72 complaints2005: 72 complaints2006: 53 complaints2007: 8 complaints2008: 12 complaints2009: 15 complaints2010: 12 complaints2011: 6 complaints2012: 3 complaints
Cooper S Convertible NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cooper S Convertible years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine747%
Electrical System213%
Fuel System17%
Seats17%
Speed Control17%
Airbags17%
Transmission17%
Brakes17%

Does the 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible have recalls?

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

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.

“WE HEARD A RATTLING NOISE AND THE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED. MINI OF PALM BEACH STATES TIMING CHAIN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED @ ABOUT 4,000$ FOR NEEDED REPAIRS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 21, 2019

“I OWN A 2009 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE. I BOUGHT IT 4 MONTHS AGO. I WAS DRIVING ON I35 GOING TO AUSTIN THE 26TH OF DECEMBER 2015. THE VEHICLE DIED WITHOUT A WARNING WHILE IN MOTION. I TURNED THE HAZARDS ON IMMEDIATELY DUE TO THE DANGEROUS SITUATION I WAS IN. THERE WAS NO SHOULDER TO THE RIGHT; I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 26, 2015

“MOTOR WAS FINE THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL THE OIL DRAINED OUT AND THE MOTOR DIED ALL AT ONCE NO LIGHT NO ALERTS JUST WORKING FINE ONE MIN COMPLETE DESTROYED THE NEXT THEY WANT 10K TO REPLACE IT AND THE WARRANTY COMPANY DEMANDS I PAY 3400 TO HAVE THE OLD MOTOR TESTED TO PROVE IT FAILED DESPITE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 4, 2015

“MOTOR WAS FINE THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL THE OIL DRAINED OUT AND THE MOTOR DIED ALL AT ONCE NO LIGHT NO ALERTS JUST WORKING FINE ONE MIN COMPLETE DESTROYED THE NEXT THEY WANT 10K TO REPLACE IT AND THE WARRANTY COMPANY DEMANDS I PAY 3400 TO HAVE THE OLD MOTOR TESTED TO PROVE IT FAILED DESPITE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 4, 2015

“CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING AS I WAS DRIVING (TWICE THIS HAS HAPPENED - IN A BEND IN THE ROAD--VERY SCARY). ALSO, AROUND THIS TIME, COULD NOT START UP THE CAR--CAR ENGINE WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN OVER BUT WOULDN'T UNTIL ABOUT MY 6TH ATTEMPT. I NEVER HAD PROBLEMS STARTING MY CAR BEFORE. I MIGHT ADD THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 1, 2012

2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible — common questions

Is the 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible reliable?

The record is thin — 15 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 S Convertible problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (7 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), airbags (1 complaints).

Does the 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Mini Cooper S Convertible. 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 Convertible under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Mini Cooper S Convertible years should you avoid?

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