Most common 2009 Mini Cooper problems
Share of the 169 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mini Cooper complaints by model year
Best Cooper years: 2018, 2020, 2024. Years to avoid: 2005, 2004, 2003, 2006, 2002. Compare all years →
2009 Mini Cooper recalls (2)
Electrical system
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky,…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024.
Tires
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…
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.
What 2009 Mini Cooper owners say
Air bags all 68 →
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the seat belt warning light illuminated even though there was no passenger seated in the passenger's seat. The contact stated that the warning light remained illuminated with the passenger's seat occupied and the seat belt properly fastened. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the passenger occupant sensor light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the mat switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by the dealer that there was a recall for the mat switch however, neither the VIN nor the vehicle was included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
Engine & cooling all 58 →
MINI was totally destroyed by fire after driving for 15 minutes. It was parked in a parking lot and was in flames 5 minutes after my wife entered the store. This is comparable with problem requiring recall (with no remedy). No warnings
This has a major recall and won't pass inspection. Engine light is on . I've called dealership and was told parts are on back order . Last year I was told the same thing before I received a letter in the mail.
Electrical system all 28 →
The contact owned a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that after the vehicle was unoccupied and parked in the residential garage, she was putting her children down for a nap and 2 minutes later, the contact and her husband smelled smoke within the residence, shortly afterward it was discovered that the garage was engulfed in flames. The contact called 911 and evacuated her family of 2 dogs, and 2 minor children. The contact sustained injuries to both arms, both legs and her rear end up to her back. The husband sustained bruises right leg and back. The contact's toddler son sustained a bruise from running into the wall in the residence. No medical attention was sought. The contact mentioned that 1 of the dogs sustained abnormal breathing injuries. The police and fire departments arrived on the scene, and the firefighters extinguished the fire. …
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH at night, the exterior lights started flickering and started to become inoperable. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, removed the battery terminals, and performed a master reset. After the master reset, there was an abnormal clicking sound inside the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to the residence. After arriving to the residence, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was parked and turned. The vehicle was then taken to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the relays inside the junction box used to control several of the electronic features had become inoperable. The mechanic suggested that the vehicle not be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. …
2009 Mini Cooper engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 28 / 37 / 32 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 25 / 34 / 29 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 26 / 34 / 29 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 32 / 27 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Mini Cooper a good car?
Based on 169 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Cooper rates avoid: 2.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Cooper at the same age. It is one of the Cooper years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Mini Cooper?
The air bags — 68 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year, most often about sensor › occupant classification. Next are the engine & cooling (58) and electrical system (28).
How many recalls does the 2009 Mini Cooper have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2009 Mini Cooper, the most recent from May 11, 2023 (electrical system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mini Cooper?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2020 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005, 2004, 2003, 2006 and 2002. See the full Mini Cooper years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Mini Cooper problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 32% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.