Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Mini Cooper owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Mini Cooper Convertible. The contact stated that the front passenger's seat occupant detection mat was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V205000 (Air Bags) three years ago; however, the front passenger's side air bag warning light had been illuminating intermittently. The contact stated that the front passenger's side air bag warning light would illuminate whenever a lightweight passenger or a heavier passenger would sit in the front passenger's seat. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
BMW issued a Recall 15V-205 Safety Recall, to cover the Airbag sensor in the passenger seat of my vehicle, a 2006 Mini Cooper S. The failure error was in the airbag sensor in the passenger seat, and the system warned of potential hazard with the passenger airbag. My car had a recall fix in 2018 for this fault. Now some 4 years later the same fault has arisen in the same sensor and system. I returned to BMW Mini who carried out the previous recall to have this fixed again. They said that while their repairs and parts generally carry an 8-year warranty, they do not warrant Recall repairs. They wanted over $2,000 to fix this issue. As this is a repeat of the original fault, and the car has under 100,000 miles I believe it should be covered, as their repair and or part has again failed. The date below is when I took it for the recall and was refused the warrenty repair.
Passenger air bag light went on and i took it to Mini dealer who diagnosed that ht passenger seat matt sensor failed and recommendedreplacement of seatmatt sensor I called Mini about safetyrecall NHTSA15V20500 of 4/6/2015, and they informed me my VIN/vehicle was not part of thatrecall
Car accident cause problems , having problems with clutch / flywheel was repaired one time drive slow won't move fast. Not steering , has leakage , damage dents on right side front end paint damages, not right color. Back bumper damage scratches , hatchback lock needs be replaced. Wheels damage lt rt . ABS symptom light on, airbag light on, front rear hood light on problems not closing. In motion street .
I was a passenger in a Mini Cooper 2006, my friend was hit head on by a drunk driver on a city street. My friend's Mini Cooper 2006 was totaled. The airbags did not deploy as a result of the front passenger mat sensor defect. I suffered multiple injuries to my chest, hands, arms, and neck that are very serious.
Blindsided Drive side impact car ignited I was cut from my car suffering emence Injuries due to the malfunction of the airbags . No air bags deployed.
I noticed that the airbag light in the passenger side came on, I kept an eye on it and at first it would go on and off. Then it got worse, it would go on and off when I would hit a bump in the road. Now its always on, I researched this issue and I found this site w/over 130 complaints on it. I see that BMW had the same issue and did a recall of all airbag issues. Mini is made by BMW why would they not cover any year that has the same airbag problem. I'm a teenager and can't afford to fix the issue that's approx $1,500-2,000. Or do I wait till my friend or someone gets seriously hurt, or even worse dies from this problem. For BMW and the cost of their cars this is small potatoes for them. For me to fix it mind as well be a million dollars, or the cost of a friend or family member..god forbid!!! If there's this many complaints then shouldn't the manufacturer be held responsible? …
Air bag warning light (passenger side) on the dashboard came on intermittently at first and now stays on all of the time, regardless if someone is sitting in the passenger seat or not. Took the vehicle to the local Mini dealer (international autos, milwaukee, wi) and was told that there was a "faulted air bag oc3 mat" that could be repaired/replaced for $1163.00. As this was an obvious safety issue unrelated to the age or accumulated mileage on the vehicle, I felt that Mini USA should authorize a no-cost repair or, at a minimum, provide a replacement part(s) at no cost. The cost to remedy other wear-related issues noted during the inspection of the vehicle are clearly my responsibility. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, there was a loss of power steering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the power steering pump was replaced however the failure recurred the next day. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic and unknown repairs were performed. In addition, the air bag warning indicator illuminated continuously. On a separate occasion, the alternator failed and was not replaced. The contact mentioned that the engine cooling fan also failed to function, which caused the radiator to be replaced twice. The engine was replaced at a different time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the passenger side seat belt warning light and the air bag disabled light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In April 2015, the recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 15V205000 (air bags) was received. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be given. The failure mileage was 100,000. Ma 10/5 updated 10/06/15
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to November 28, 2006, and 2005-2008 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to July 31, 2008.
Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. The recall began on October 12, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Airbag complaints in other Cooper years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2006 Mini Cooper?
NHTSA has 125 complaints about the air bags of the 2006 Mini Cooper, 55% of the model year's 227 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Mini Cooper airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 15V-205 (frontal, Apr 6, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Mini Cooper airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.