RoadVitals

2007 MINI Cooper Convertible

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
7
Latest Dec 7, 2017
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Apr 6, 2015
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 7 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2007 MINI Cooper Convertible, most frequently naming the airbags, electrical and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 17 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags457.1%
  • Electrical114.3%
  • Engine114.3%
  • Powertrain (other)114.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
15V205000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Apr 6, 2015
91,800 units potentially affected
The defect: 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. Due to manufacturing, installation, and exposure issues, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat may not function properly and, as a result, the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash.
The risk: An improperly functioning mat may cause the passenger frontal air bag to be inactive when the seat is occupied, and in the event of a crash, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the passenger's risk of injury.
The 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.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
07V533000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Nov 20, 2007
320 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.' THE STANDARD REQUIRES THAT THE TIRE SIZE AND CORRESPONDING TIRE PRESSURE BE INDICATED ON THE LABEL AND THE LABEL DOES NOT CORRESPOND TO THE ACTUAL TIRES MOUNTED ON THE VEHICLE.
The risk: INCORRECT TIRE PRESSURE CAN CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR AND TIRE DAMAGE WHICH COULD LEAD TO UNFAVORABLE DRIVING CONDITIONS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW TIRE INFORMATION PLACARDS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MINI AT 1-866-275-6464.
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Dec 7, 2017
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END SUSTAINED FIRE DAMAGE. PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, DEALER, OR INSURANCE COMPANY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

NHTSA ID
11053300
Incident
Dec 2, 2017
Mileage
72,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 18, 2017

I SCHEDULED 2 APPOINTMENTS WITH BRIAN HARRIS MINI. THEY HAD MY VEHICLE FOR AROUND 8 HOURS AND BOTH TIMES THE REPLACEMENT PART WAS BROKEN. NOW ALL OF MY AIRBAG LIGHTS ARE ON AND I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF THE DRIVER AIRBAG IS FUNCTIONING. THEY SAID THEY WOULD CALL ME AS SOON AS ANOTHER PART CAME IN AND COME PICK UP MY VEHICLE SO I DIDN'T HAVE TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO LEAVE IT THERE. I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THEM IN 2 WEEKS. I EVEN CONTACTED MINIUSA ABOUT THIS.

NHTSA ID
11047141
Incident
Oct 27, 2017
Mileage
44,444 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 28, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTIONED AND THE GAUGES DISPLAYED INACCURATE READINGS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CIRCUIT BOARD CONNECTION MALFUNCTIONED, BUT IT DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000...UPDATED 11/03/14 *BF UPDATED 4/28/2015 *JS

NHTSA ID
10629050
Incident
May 1, 2013
Mileage
92,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 1, 2014

THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR TURNS OFF THE AIR BAGS BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE MAT SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY WITH A PASSENGER. MINI HAS A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX TO REPLACE THE SENSOR AT ABOUT $1200. HUNDREDS OF MINI OWNERS COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND MINI WILL NOT FIX IT. BMW ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE SAME PART. *TR

NHTSA ID
10595404
Incident
Jun 1, 2009
Mileage
50,150 mi
Airbags
Filed May 30, 2014

THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS ALSO ON EVEN IF THERE IS A PASSENGER SEATING. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART (POSSIBLY THE AIRBAG WEIGHT SENSOR) ITS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED IF THE AIRBAGS DO NOT DEPLOY. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM FOR THE 02-06 MODELS AND THIS RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED FOR LATER MODELS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10595041
Incident
May 30, 2014
Mileage
76,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jul 12, 2013

THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS OFF LIGHT IS ALSO ON EVEN IF THERE IS A PASSENGER SEATING. BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS HERE FOR THE SAME ISSUE, IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WHERE THE AIRBAG MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALER WANTS $1,200 TO GET THIS FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10524552
Incident
Jul 1, 2013
Mileage
84,300 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 28, 2011

AT APPROXIMATELY 35,000 MILES, CAR MADE HOWLING TYPE NOISE WHEN REACHED APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND THE NOISE BECAME VERY NOTICEABLY ONCE IT REACHED 60+ MPH. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER AT SOUTH BAY MINI TWICE, BOTH TIME SOUTH BAY CLAIMED THAT IT WAS 'TIRE' NOISE. TOOK THE CAR TO LOS ANGELES DOWNTOWN DEALER, THEIR COMMENT WAS THE NOISE CAME FROM THE TRANSMISSION, ALTHOUGH THEY CAN NOT PINNED DOWN EXACTLY WHERE AS THE TRANSMISSION IS A CLOSED COMPARTMENT. EXTENDED WARRANTY (FIDELITY) REFUSED TO COVER COST OF REPLACEMENT AS THEY CLAIMED THAT THEY NEED THE DEALER TO TEAR APART TRANSMISSION COMPARTMENT AND IDENTIFY WHERE THE PROBLEM HAPPENED EXACTLY. DOWNTOWN DEALER REFUSED TO TEAR APART TRANSMISSION COMPARTMENT. CAR IS STILL HAVE NOT FAIL (AS OF 2011-10-28) BUT THE NOISE MAY (OR MAY NOT) CAUSE FAILURE AT ANYTIME GOING FORWARD. AS AN OWNER, I DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR KNOWING THAT IT MAY FAIL CAN CAUSE CASUALTY TO MYSELF AND OTHERS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10433102
Incident
Aug 22, 2011
Mileage
35,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

M610607

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can have various causes, most of which are not due to the battery itself. For this reason, a battery replacement will permanently eliminate the problem only in the rarest of cases. The energy diagnosis test module helps to localize these causes. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of a discharged battery cannot be identified. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time, it is very important that the diagnostic test plan is performed to completion; with all results taken into consideration.

M320214

STEERING

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 32 02 14 dated August 2014. SUBJECT Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle is No Longer Required. Left-hand drive steering spindles are currently available.

12 09 15

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

MINI: FAULTY SOFTWARE FOR THE TANK VENTILATION CONTROL DISPLAYS ENGINE THROTTLE REACTION WHEN TEMPERATURE IS HIGH OUTSIDE, AND MORE OBVIOUS IF THE TANK IS ONLY PARTLY FILLED. *MA

SIM-11-10-14

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

MINI: SOME VEHICLES HAVE TURBOCHARGER NOISE AND A LACK OR LOSS OF PERFORMANCE, DUE TO RESTRICTION OF TURBOCHARGER OIL SUPPLY, RESULTING IN OIL STARVATION AND SEIZING OF TURBOCHARGER ASSEMBLY. MODEL ALL. *PE

M010514

POWER TRAIN

MINI CVT Replacement Parts Warranty Extension: Additional 12 Months with Up to 50,000 Accumulated Miles. A MINI vehicle's CVT assembly or component that was previously repaired and/or replaced by an authorized MINI dealer or BMW center may experience a subsequent failure.

M320214

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; STEERING

Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle. Supply shortage of left-hand drive steering spindles

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

MINI Cooper Convertible by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026110—
2025110—
2016133052.3
2009181037.0
2008910—
2007Viewing720—
2006271031.6
2005961250.6

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.