2009 MINI Cooper S Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2009 MINI Cooper S.

20082010
Complaints
151
Crashes
3
Fires
5
Injuries
2
Fatalities
Recalls
3

Worst 2009 MINI Cooper S Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#165 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:71,875 mi
Fires:1
#217 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:55,593 mi
Crash-related:2
#316 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:54,680 mi
Considering a 2009 MINI Cooper S?

Check the actual VIN — every car is different.

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Check VIN Free

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2009 MINI Cooper S.

Engine Problems
65
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
71,875
Airbags
17
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
55,593
Transmission / Drivetrain
16
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
54,680
Engine & Cooling
14
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
36,651
Electrical Faults
13
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
45,165
Seat Belt Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Fuel System
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Body Structure
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 MINI Cooper S. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2009 MINI Cooper S

3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~236,107 vehicles.

23V337000Electrical System
~97,933 affected

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, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.

18V248000Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
~47,806 affected

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

12V008000Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
~90,368 affected

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2011 MINI COOPER S, 2008-2011 MINI COOPER S CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW, 2009-2011 MINI COOPER JCW CLUBMAN, 2009-2011 COOPER JCW CONVERTIBLE, AND 2011 COOPER S COUNTRYMAN PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 14, 2006, THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2011. THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP THAT COOLS THE TURBOCHARGER HAS AN ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CAN MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT.

Other MINI Cooper S Years

2009 MINI Cooper S — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2009 MINI Cooper S reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2009 MINI Cooper S has 151 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Engine Problems with 65 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2009 MINI Cooper S?
Top reported problems: Engine Problems (65 complaints, avg 71,875 mi); Airbags (17 complaints, avg 55,593 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (16 complaints, avg 54,680 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 MINI Cooper S?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 60,737 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2009 MINI Cooper S?
NHTSA complaints for the 2009 MINI Cooper S include 3 crash-related reports, 5 fire reports, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2009 MINI Cooper S have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 236,107 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2009 MINI Cooper S?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full MINI Cooper S reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 2009 MINI Cooper S

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.

Check Any VIN — $4.99