2008 MINI Cooper S airbags problems

Filed Oct 28, 2020 · Airbags · 81,253 miles · KY

The front passenger seat occupant detection mat sensor has failed. The front passenger air bag is not activate in a crash when the seat is occupied. Recalls active for this exact issue for the same make in other years and models are currently recalled however others are excluded.

Filed Sep 29, 2020 · Airbags · 90,000 miles · WA

To the best of my knowledge the airbag system is off line. The passenger airbags do not turn on when a passenger is seated. The passenger airbag indicator light shows that it is not turning on with or without a passenger. Also the drivers side airbag indicator light comes on the dashboard and the tachometer when I start the vehicle. This problem began while the vehicle was parked and stationary.

Filed Jun 4, 2020 · Airbags, Seat belts · TX

Warning message for seat belt tension/air bag malfunction and both lights are on. The vehicle has 40+ thousand miles on it, I am a second owner. This problem just started on may 29, 2020. No accidents for this vehicle. Cost for repair is over $2000 and so far there's only recalls for 2008 convertible which I totally don't understand. This looks to be an ongoing problem with the mini and needs to be addressed due to the air bags being affected. I currently have no photos but can readily supply photos upon request. The seat belt light/air bag emblem shows on the dash screen when entering the key while stationary, no one is sitting in the passenger seat when this happens and does not go away when occupied.

Filed Dec 2, 2019 · Airbags · 96,000 miles · TX

Passenger side airbag seat mat is defective. Just stopped working. Cost to replace is over $2000. So, the warning light for defective airbag sensor remains on.

Filed Sep 16, 2017 · Airbags, Seat belts · 113,500 miles · PA

Seat belt warning light comes on when starting car. Called local mini dealership and was told there was an "extended warranty" for seat mat sensor.

Filed May 1, 2017 · Airbags · 80,000 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

I was in a bad car accident in which my car was rear ended. I was in the very most right hand lane on the highway, at a stop in stop and go traffic. The vehicle behind me did not stop, hitting me at approximately 75 MPH. As a result, my car spun out to the right and hit the guard rail on the side of the highway head on. The car then bounced off of the guard rail, and spun about 180 degrees to the left, where the rear end of the car then hit the same guard rail and finally stopped. When the car crashed into the guard rail head on, the air bag did not deploy and I hit my head and my chest against the steering wheel. I sustained a fracture in my t2 vertebrae and bad chest bruising.

Filed Mar 29, 2017 · Airbags · PA

Airbag passenger side light on w only 25000 miles on it, mechanic told me it's a short in the wiring caused by sunroof slicing into it. Said he could fix it but headliner has to come down and he doesn't do that kind of work. Contacted mini USA and was told it's out of warranty and dealer prob won't fix it without charge. When someone gets killed or mamed, maybe they'll recall. Cost to repair about $5k...

Filed Aug 30, 2016 · Airbags · 65,000 miles · KS

Starting around 65,000 miles passenger airbag sensor appeared on the dashboard when car would be turned on and would remain on while driving even though no one was in the passenger seat. Had it checked by local mini workshop and they said it was due to the defective passenger airbag mat in 2001-2008 models. They looked up my car for recall using my VIN and my car was not included, though the 2008 cooper s convertible that uses the same exact part was included. This makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. This is a safety recall!! All models should be included since all models have the problem!! It is completely absurd that mini would pick and choose which of their customer's lives they want to save. I am being quoted between $700 and $1200 to get this issue fixed. Mini should foot that bill; they installed a defective part that is crucial in the safety of their customers and they need to own up to it.

Filed May 9, 2016 · Airbags · 63,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mini cooper s. While driving various speeds, the front passenger side air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the seat occupancy mat would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.

Filed May 2, 2016 · Airbags · 13,588 miles · FL

Takata recall: my 2008 mini cooper s hardtop began experiencing issues with the "passenger air bag off" light staying lite whether or not a passenger is in the car. On april 28, 2016, I took my car to a mini cooper dealership to have the issue diagnosed (at a cost of $53.95). The diagnosis states "fault passenger side seat mat sensor" (invoice copy attached). I don't understand why my vehicle that meets the criteria for the april 2015 air-bag recall except it is a hardtop instead of a convertible is not included in the recall. To fix this item will be over 1300. My car only has 14,000 miles on it. Due to the cost, at this point I do not plan on having it fixed and will say my prayers every time I travel with a passenger in the vehicle.