2009 MINI Cooper recalls and problems

The 2009 MINI Cooper has 1 safety recall and 151 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any MINI dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
151
Crashes / fires
1 / 11
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2009 MINI Cooper vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 MINI Cooper recalls

Recall 23V-337: Electrical System

Reported May 11, 2023 · 97,933 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

2009 MINI Cooper problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags69
Engine46
Electrical System25
Seat Belts8
Unknown or Other6
Power Train5
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Steering4
Seats4
Structure3
Exterior Lighting3

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 6
  • Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger — 2
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,000 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 2009 MINI Cooper complaints

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

Electrical System · at 90,000 miles · reported Aug 5, 2026
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…
Air Bags · at 92,000 miles · reported Sep 2, 2025
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…
Electrical System · reported Jul 31, 2025
When it rains, my car seems to have a short circuit and all the electrical components start going crazy, mainly the windows, locks and indoor lights/dash. There is an active recall for the same problem and car model but mine doesn't seem to fit the recall I am not sure why.
Electrical System · reported Apr 12, 2025
My car has had an exterior lighting problem related to a bad FRM. This is causing my lights not to work. After seeking help, I saw that there was an actual recall on the FRM and I decided to take my car to International Mini dealership in Wisconsin. Once there, they proceeded to only fix the leak on sunroof. I then went back and explained that the leak had caused actual damage to the FRM and connectors and they told me to leave the car for another night. Next day I went to pick it up and they gave me the paperwork stating that they had replaced and reprogrammed the FRM but the problem persist.…
Electrical System · at 150,000 miles · reported Mar 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the headlights, taillights, and the turn signal lights were inoperable. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); but the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights had remained illuminated after the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Other MINI Cooper years

Compare all MINI Cooper years · All MINI models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 MINI Cooper have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2009 MINI Cooper: 23V-337 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 MINI Cooper?

Owners report air bags problems most often (69 reports), followed by engine (46). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,000 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.