I was driving my vehicle and the driver's side airbag in the seat went off unexpectedly during normal driving operation. I was the only person in the vehicle and was able to stop quickly and safely. The problem has not been checked or inspected by anyone. There was no warnings that had indicated a problem.
The worst 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine8
- Airbags6
- Electrical3
- Lights2
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine8
- Airbags6
- Electrical3
- Lights2
- Fuel system1
- Seat belts1
- Seats1
- Steering1
- Tires1
- Transmission1
Recalls 1
Tires
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 09V143000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible 83
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years
- New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models
- OC3 seat occupancy mat - limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
- Class action settlement: N14 high-pressure fuel pump (HDP) service benefit class vehicles
- Checking or Replacing the Door Sill Trim Strips
- Air Conditioning System Leak Testing
- OC3 seat occupancy mat: limited warranty extension to 10 years/120.
- Manual transmission - stiff diagonal gearshift lever movement.
- Aisin automatic transmisison: right side output shaft seal replacement
- Automatic Deactivation of Recirculation Mode
2009 MINI Cooper Convertible fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | FWD | 25-28 | 34-36 | 29-32 |
What 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Timing chain guides are broke into alot of pieces into the engine.
While driving the car the engine stalls due to timing chain issues . These timing chain issues were part of a safety recall but this car's vin number doesn't qualify! The car will stall at full speed
1.Electronic power steering gearbox. Connections almost caught on fire. And yes it is available for inspection upon request. 2. If it would’ve caught on fire. the whole vehicle would’ve torched. I noticed there’s a lot of Mini Cooper engine fires. 3. No it has not been confirmed by dealer. 4. No it has not been inspected by the manufacturer. I didn’t feel it was safe to drive the vehicle. I did make them aware of it and ask him how much a New power steering gearbox would be. they said $2200 just for the part. Will also need the connecting wiring also.. so that will ensure more cost. 5. There was no warning lamps messages or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Not sure exactly when it first appeared. But there are several Mini Cooper‘s that have electrical fires and I just think I caught mine before it went to that level.
Red airbag warning light and white warning too" passenger airbag off" warning always on when ignition is on.
Have a assenger restraing malfunction, also high pressure fuel pump fault. Was driving out of the driveway.
A warning light came on the display screen saying there is an error with the airbag. I had just turned on the car, wasn't moving when it beeped and turned on. I have driven with it, and it is still on.
My car I bought as a pre-own and the owner before e had leaks as well. These leaks caused electrical damage on the circuit boards that made the circuit board shoulder and heat up so hot it almost went on fire. Also the tires were the wrong size and sales person would not admit fault so I had to pay to replace them all. I was driving when I felt the car lose control on the highway and streets, then I was driving when car overheated. I paid to fix leaks more than $7000 and still leaking. Now another light bulb is out my back break light so I cannot drive it because that is unsafe to others driving behind me.
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 car not even driven, canopy broke at service dept and they won't repair free of charge. Battery did not work and issues with key fob recognition.
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 with the mini cooper.
Compare the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible
Other model years
Questions about the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible
Is the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible reliable?
Owners have filed 18 complaints about the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible, 1.4 times a typical Cooper Convertible model year.
What is the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible year score?
The 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible scores 63 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the MINI Cooper Convertible: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible?
Engine and cooling, with 8 complaints, typically around 75,000 miles. Next is airbags (6).
How many recalls does the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible have?
1 recall, covering tires.
What gas mileage does the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible get?
Official estimates for the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible range from 29 to 32 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 25-28 city and 34-36 highway.
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