ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2009 MINI Cooper S
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 119 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 MINI Cooper S, most frequently naming the engine, airbags and powertrain (other) categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 115 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2013 | 2 | 20 |
| Feb 2013 | 1 | 21 |
| Mar 2013 | 3 | 24 |
| Apr 2013 | 2 | 26 |
| May 2013 | 1 | 27 |
| Jun 2013 | 3 | 30 |
| Jul 2013 | 2 | 32 |
| Aug 2013 | 2 | 34 |
| Sep 2013 | 2 | 36 |
| Oct 2013 | 1 | 37 |
| Nov 2013 | 6 | 43 |
| Dec 2013 | 3 | 46 |
| Jan 2014 | 3 | 49 |
| Mar 2014 | 1 | 50 |
| Jun 2014 | 1 | 51 |
| Jul 2014 | 2 | 53 |
| Aug 2014 | 1 | 54 |
| Oct 2014 | 1 | 55 |
| Nov 2014 | 1 | 56 |
| Jan 2015 | 1 | 57 |
| Feb 2015 | 3 | 60 |
| Mar 2015 | 3 | 63 |
| Apr 2015 | 4 | 67 |
| May 2015 | 2 | 69 |
| Jun 2015 | 2 | 71 |
| Aug 2015 | 1 | 72 |
| Sep 2015 | 1 | 73 |
| Oct 2015 | 1 | 74 |
| Nov 2015 | 1 | 75 |
| Dec 2015 | 2 | 77 |
| Jan 2016 | 3 | 80 |
| Feb 2016 | 1 | 81 |
| Mar 2016 | 1 | 82 |
| Apr 2016 | 1 | 83 |
| May 2016 | 2 | 85 |
| Jun 2016 | 1 | 86 |
| Jul 2016 | 1 | 87 |
| Sep 2016 | 1 | 88 |
| Dec 2016 | 1 | 89 |
| Mar 2017 | 3 | 92 |
| Apr 2017 | 1 | 93 |
| May 2017 | 2 | 95 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 96 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 97 |
| Dec 2017 | 1 | 98 |
| Jul 2018 | 2 | 100 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 101 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 102 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 103 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 104 |
| Aug 2019 | 1 | 105 |
| Oct 2019 | 2 | 107 |
| Jan 2020 | 2 | 109 |
| Apr 2020 | 1 | 110 |
| Sep 2020 | 1 | 111 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 112 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 113 |
| Dec 2023 | 3 | 116 |
| Jan 2024 | 2 | 118 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 119 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine8054.8%
- Airbags1711.6%
- Powertrain (other)1611.0%
- Electrical138.9%
- Fuel system64.1%
- Driver assistance42.7%
- Interior & seats42.7%
- Seat belts42.7%
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
3 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.govENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Engine compartment fire
In a January 10, 2012 letter to NHTSA, BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the electric auxiliary water pump in approximately 88,911 model year (MY) 2007-2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011 (Recall 12V-008).According to BMW, the auxiliary water pump on vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder turbocharged engines may overheat.Electro-migration can cause the pump electronic circuit board to overheat resulting in smoldering of the water pump. If smoldering occurs, it may lead to an engine compartment or vehicle fire.The pump supplier, Pierburg Pump Technology GmbH, redesigned the pump to address factors that may contribute to circuit board overheating.The redesigned pumps were completely implemented in production vehicles by January 2011.Recall 12V-008 was the third recall initiated by BMW to address electric auxiliary water pump fires in vehicles equipped with Pierburg pumps.In two October 20, 2011 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted DIRs for similar auxiliary water pump defect conditions in approximately 32,084 MY 2008-2011 BMW 5-Series, 7-Series, X5 and X6 models equipped with 8- and 12-cylinder engines and manufactured from May 2008 through December 2010 (Recall 11V-521); and for approximately 589 MY 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from September 2009 through September 2010 (Recall 11V-522).In three separate April 5, 2012 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted amendments to Recalls 11V-521, 11V-522 and 12V-008.The amendments all described a common defect condition related to a manufacturing process deviation in a certain production range of the redesigned Pierburg water pumps that could result in cracks in the pump housing, which may allow coolant to enter and contact the pump?s circuit board.BMW indicated that further analysis identified a specific machine process error at the sub-supplier that manufactures the water pump housing.Pump housing cracks may cause the circuit board to overheat and lead to smoldering of the water pump.Recall 12V-008 was, thus, amended to include approximately 1,457 MY 2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2011 through April 22, 2011, when pumps manufactured with the suspect manufacturing process may have been used in vehicle assembly.The amendment to Recall 11V-521 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-161, and covered approximately 2,846 MY 2011-2012 BMW 5-Series, 6-Series, 7-Series, X5, and X6 vehicles manufactured from April 1, 2011 through August 1, 2011.The amendment to Recall 11V-522 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-166, and covered approximately 69 MY 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2011 through June 2, 2011.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by BMW as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 30 unique Mini Cooper reports indicating engine fire.In addition, BMW provided warranty data showing 493 claims for replacement of the subject component on Mini Cooper vehicles.Owners of the recalled vehicles are notified to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer, who will replace the auxiliary water pump to prevent any incidents related to this issue.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers (ODI Nos.):10286597, 10286663, 10289793, 10310677, 10314796, 10342365, 10394808, 10394192, 10403982, 10418325, 10422646, 10429003.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11594759
- Incident
- May 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11567466
- Incident
- May 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the interior lights and exterior lights were turning bright and dim intermittently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11563000
- Incident
- Dec 19, 2023
- Mileage
- 87,000 mi
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11560187
- Incident
- Dec 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11557932
- Incident
- May 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11557894
- Incident
- Dec 1, 2023
The contact's wife owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that the turn lights and power windows failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the red check vehicle warning light was flashing on the instrument panel. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11536862
- Incident
- Jan 1, 2023
- Mileage
- 59,000 mi
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11440703
- Incident
- May 1, 2021
- Mileage
- 79,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
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 âÂÂdischarged batteryâ 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; WHEELS
New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models. The new wheel electronics are identified as Huf Generation 5. These new wheel electronics will need to be programmed using the new tool when replaced or when depressurized (0 psi) for more than 2 minutes.
SEATS
OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT - LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES: Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension For the above-referenced vehicles, MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC (MINI USA) is extending the limited warranty for the front passenger's OC3 seat occupancy mat (shown) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N14 HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HDP) SERVICE BENEFIT CLASS VEHICLES: The MINI vehicle may experience a sudden engine operational failure reduced or loss of power while driving and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may be illuminated along with high-pressure fuel pumprelated faults stored in the Engine Control Module (DME). PROCEDURE Perform the corresponding diagnosis/vehicle test and run the test plans to completion as applicable.
EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Service Action: Checking or Replacing the Door Sill Trim Strips. The door sill trim strips are deformed and/or peeling up at the corners. CAUSE: Insufficient surface preparation of the door sill.
ENGINE; EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL
"Cooper S with N14: Diagnosis for Misfire Faults. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is illuminated and/or the customer complains that the engine runs rough (engine cold or warm) with any of the following misfire faults stored in the DME: * 2771, 2772, 2773, 2775, 2776, 2777, 2779, 277A, 277B, 277D, 277E, 277F - "Combustion misfire, cylinder 1..4", sometimes together with: * 2781, 2782, 2783 - "Combustion misfire, multiple cylinders." On rare occasions, the Service Engine Soon lamp may not be illuminated (with misfire faults still stored in the DME) when the vehicle is brought to the workshop. Multiple causes related to electrical and mechanical engine components, or poor fuel quality in combination with unfavorable driving behavior (low loads and short driving distances). This condition may lead to possible clogging of the injector tips, causing a disturbance of the fuel spraying pattern or excessive carbon deposits on the intake valves/ports, resulting in reduced air flow into the combustion chambers."
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 3 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2021 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2020 | 5 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2019 | 5 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2017 | 5 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2016 | 9 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2015 | 18 | 4 | 1 | 62.6 |
| 2014 | 13 | 4 | 1 | 51.8 |
| 2013 | 24 | 1 | 0 | 42.9 |
| 2012 | 23 | 2 | 0 | 46.3 |
| 2011 | 31 | 3 | 1 | 57.8 |
| 2010 | 59 | 4 | 1 | 59.7 |
| 2009Viewing | 119 | 3 | 1 | 52.3 |
| 2008 | 168 | 4 | 2 | 58.6 |
| 2007 | 249 | 4 | 3 | 61.8 |
| 2006 | 186 | 1 | 0 | 40.9 |
| 2005 | 314 | 2 | 2 | 55.6 |
| 2004 | 247 | 2 | 2 | 55.4 |
| 2003 | 217 | 2 | 5 | 62.0 |
| 2002 | 83 | 1 | 3 | 53.5 |
| 2001 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
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.