2009 Mini Cooper S Problems & Complaints

Most common 2009 Mini Cooper S problems

• Engine & cooling~52,000 miles
  8768%
• Air bags~47,000 miles
  1814%
• Transmission & drivetrain~52,000 miles
  1713%
• Electrical system~55,000 miles
  1310%
• Fuel & propulsion system~44,000 miles
  75%
• Seats~45,000 miles
  54%
• Seat belts~30,000 miles
  43%
• Speed control & acceleration~120,000 miles
  43%
• Other / not specified~80,000 miles
  32%
• Stability & traction control~50,000 miles
  32%
• Brakes~41,000 miles
  11%
• Steering~80,000 miles
  11%
• Body & structure~80,000 miles
  11%

Share of the 128 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mini Cooper S complaints by model year

Best Cooper S years: 2017, 2016, 2021. Years to avoid: 2005, 2007, 2004, 2006, 2003. Compare all years →

2009 Mini Cooper S recalls (3)

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2009 Mini Cooper S:

What 2009 Mini Cooper S owners say

Engine & cooling all 87 →

2009 Mini Cooper s - I, like so many other Mini Cooper owners, have just fallen victim to the "death rattle" of the [known by BMW] defective/faulty and non-recalled timing chain issue. It's absurd that we continue to expose this far too common defect of a product that was originally deemed as a "non-service" item good for the operating life of the engine. Most owners experience problems within the first 50,000 miles. I purchased this well maintained (at a local Mini dealer) Mini from a private party just days after they performed an expensive 'walnut treatment' to clear out excessive carbon build up. Within 100mi of this service, the 'death rattle' starts. …

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 let the car coast until I saw that I could safely stop. A san marcos cop came to help push the car further in to safety before the electricity of the car completely shut down and my key fob was stuck in the ignition. I had it towed to a BMW repair shop. I waited another day for them to open being it a holiday weekend. Then they checked what happened. They gave me a list. They said the vacuum pump melted. The report said that, pull valve cover found timing chain guides broken due to loose chain slapping them needs timing chain, guides and all associated seals and bolts. …

Air bags

The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that an airbag warning light would intermittently flash on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the passenger's side airbag would remain off with or without a passenger seated in the passenger's side seat. The dealer had been notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was also informed that there was a 10-year warranty placed on the vehicle for the airbag; however, the 10-year warranty had expired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

I had an accident on 6-30-2016 where I lost control of my car due to hitting first a soft shoulder of the hwy. Sr145 travelling at a speed of approx. 50-55 MPH. I grazed a power pole on driver's side door and ran through three large wooden posts on a ranchers property. The car spun at an180 angle leaving me in the field facing the opposite direction for which I was headed. Not one airbag deployed on impact!!! I am concerned that these airbags and/or installation is faulty and chp office said I could have been killed if the right front tire had not blown causing me to veer just to the right of the power/telephone pole. Power to the area was knocked out for approx. 1 hour. I do have copies of the police report and about 18 pictures of the accident with two pictures being a closeup of my 2009 Mini Cooper. Please let me know if you need anything else?

Transmission & drivetrain

Vehicle was in motion at 55-60 MPH. Vehicle cut off and would not start or turnover. 15 minutes of rest and car was started and rpms were fluttering. Mini Cooper of grand rapids stated the timing chain was "most likely" "out". They also stated no goodwill assistance could be provided while acknowledging the window, for a previous lawsuit involving thee 2009 Mini Cooper s, was closed and the defective tensioner and guide rails (to include engine design) were still in my Mini Cooper. Car has started once since but will not stay running. Other cases of fuel pumps failing on said model were acknowledged but "no recalls have been issued" said Mini, thus not warranting any repair or concern for my failed Mini. Repair estimate was 3,985$. After mentioning the previous lawsuit during 2015, a 'random' discount was announced of 10-15% to bring said total to est. 2,900$. …

Car went into limp gear mode on freeway, high RPM at 40 MPH. Vehicle shipped to Mini dealer 05/09/17 saying there was a transmission error code. Dealer said they tested vehicle and it wasn't the transmission it needed a water pump and cylinder need valve cover. 67,117 miles on odometer. Also front cv axle boot leaking. Had repairs done ($1692.58) after discount. At time of pickup, dealer asked to keep the vehicle a few more days to double check the transmission. A few days later they say yes there is a transmission error with the car going at higher highway speeds and it will need a new transmission! Cost ($9000) I did not have this done.the service advisor told me the vehicle was not safe to drive! This vehicle is driven by my 16 year old daughter to and from school!

2009 Mini Cooper S engines & fuel economy

EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.