2006 MINI Cooper S recalls and problems

The 2006 MINI Cooper S has 1 safety recall and 186 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any MINI dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

186

Crashes / fires

4 / 9

Injuries / deaths

7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 MINI Cooper S vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 MINI Cooper S recalls

Recall 15V-205: Air Bags

Reported Apr 6, 2015 · 91,800 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

2006 MINI Cooper S problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	71
Steering	48
Electrical System	23
Power Train	22
Engine and Engine Cooling	15
Seats	15
Visibility	11
Unknown or Other	9
Engine	7
Fuel/Propulsion System	4
Vehicle Speed Control	3
Fuel System, Gasoline	3

Most reported parts

Visibility › Windshield — 9
Suspension › Front — 2
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 2
Air Bags › Frontal — 2
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 55,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2006 MINI Cooper S complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 90,350 miles · reported Apr 12, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 Mini Coop S. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the passengerâs side seat occupancy mat had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist since the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V205000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,350.

Steering · at 1 miles · reported Oct 17, 2019

Power steering is malfunctioning. It come and goes for a couple of days while in a winding road. Took it to the dealer and they replace some lines. A few moths later it started having issues with at the beginning of the driving after the car has been idle for more than 2 hours. Now the power steering is totally not working at all.

Power Train · at 66,000 miles · reported Nov 25, 2018

2006 mini cooper s with 66000 miles had a transmission failure that resulted in unsafe driving condition due to loss of forward propulsion while driving on highway.

Air Bags · at 53,000 miles · reported Sep 4, 2018

Upon starting my car, after being in a store, the passenger airbag light came on while a passenger was in the seat. The indicator stayed on after turning the car off and back on. I researched to see if there were any recalls for a faulty passenger airbag covering my year, make and model, and found NHTSA campaign number: 15v205000. I contacted my local mini dealer and was told that there was no information pertaining to my car and that I needed to contact mini USA directly. I did so and was told that they also could not find any information pertaining to my car and that they needed to open an…

Air Bags · at 53,000 miles · reported May 15, 2018

I have a 2006 mini cooper s. Airbags replaced due to recall (2015 or 2016) at mini dealership. Now, may 15, 2018, seatbelt/airbag red light on on console. No airbag light on near mirror. Nothing on passenger seat - I AM belted when I drive. This happens as I turn on ignition and stays on.

Other MINI Cooper S years

2025 2021 2020 2019 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 200720062005 2004 2003 2002

Compare all MINI Cooper S years · All MINI models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 MINI Cooper S have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 MINI Cooper S: 15V-205 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 MINI Cooper S?

Owners report air bags problems most often (71 reports), followed by steering (48). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 55,000 miles.

Are MINI recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized MINI dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.