2009 Mini Cooper Clubman: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 39 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (25% of complaints); the 2011 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The passenger-side airbag is not recognized when a passenger is in the vehicle. Mechanic says this is a known recall for Mini's and has repaired several but my model is not covered under the recall. There has not been an incident or accident to report at this time. I have reached out to Mini and asked them about the recall and they originally said they would fix it bc it was under recall. When I brought the car in they said they couldn't because the recall doesn't cover the R55 model. After months of going back and forth with them, they have concluded that they will only repair at their service cost of $1500.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2021
“Passenger seat occupancy sensor has stopped working during all states of vehicle operation. Upon starting the car and while driving, the passenger airbag light turns on regardless of whether or not a passenger is in the seat. If I were to get into a crash, my passenger seat airbag will not activate, leaving the passenger in the car unprotected.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2019
“Replaced thermostat, heater stopped working, vehicle overheated what seems to be a faulty water pump or thermostat, car smoked intensely drove short distance- thermostat melted- motor blew. This vehicle was well maintained***”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“Low oil indicator doesn't light up until the oil levels are critically low. Dealer states that they've seen this happen a lot and it's "normal." cost me over $4,000 to fix it at the dealer. 3rd door (suicide door) lock mechanism sticks/breaks down. After getting it fixed, the latch itself broke down.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 mini cooper clubman. While the vehicle was stationary, the air bag indicator illuminated without warning. The dealer replaced the passenger side air bag sensor three times, but the failure recurred. In addition, the dealer stated that the driver's air bag sensor needed to be replaced, but the repair was not completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2016
“Intermittent steering loss while driving. Mini is aware of issue... Offers no fix. Low mileage. Failure happened while driving turning and not turning. No warning lights or dashboard warning or message. After some research, it appears mini is aware and very high pete stage of owners have experienced the same .... Deaths have been reported .”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2015
“The socket that goes in the bulb for the headlights are burned on both headlights. The bulbs have been replaced and because of the burned socket that connects to the headlight apparently is unable to send a signal to the bulb and no one seems to know how to fix the problem.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Nov 2015
“My son has a 2009 mini cooper clubman and the airbag light stays on there is a recall on the 2008 mini coopers but not the 2009 the code for the air bag light is the same as the 2008 code I am wondering why the 2009 mini is not recalled also”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2015
“The passenger air bag is active with no person in the seat, it go on and off every time. I desactive but go on again. The no active the air bag when somebody is in the seat and goes on and off.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2015
“Air bag not active / no passenger light stays on even when a passenger is in the seat. It will randomly turn on and off. Same complaint as the 2008 recall. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Cooper Clubman by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman reliable?
NHTSA has 39 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman. The most complained-about area is air bags (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 71,000 miles or less.
Does the 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning electrical system. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.