2009 Mini Cooper Convertible: problems, recalls and reliability

“My car I bought as a pre-own and the owner before e had leaks as well. These leaks caused electrical damage on the circuit boards that made the circuit board shoulder and heat up so hot it almost went on fire. Also the tires were the wrong size and sales person would not admit fault so I had to pay to replace them all. I was driving when I felt the car lose control on the highway and streets, then I was driving when car overheated. I paid to fix leaks more than $7000 and still leaking. Now another light bulb is out my back break light so I cannot drive it because that is unsafe to others driving behind me.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2019

“Electrical failure since day one bought car as a pre-own. Prior owner history same issues as me. My car almost went on fire, poor performance , leaks and leaks with no reload from $6,000+ repairs. Still leaking. Suspected water damage causing electrical or just faulty electrical. Bulbs go out when car not even driven, canopy broke at service dept and they won't repair free of charge. Battery did not work and issues with key fob recognition.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2019

“Passenger 2 airbag is off-yellow warning light above mirror and airbag warning on instrument panel-red warning light remains on when the passenger seat is occupied or empty. These light are on when the vehicle is started and remains on. We have researched this issue and see this is a common issue with the mini cooper.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2019

“Issues with oil system have lead to engine head failure where oil in mixing with coolant. The coolant reservoir was full of oil. I am experiencing loss of engine power while driving and stalling when coming to a stop. I've been told that it is too dangerous to drive.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2018

“At about 64500 miles the passenger seat belt and air bag lights came on intermittently and shortly thereafter they stayed on. Local mechanic determined that the passenger seat switch was probably the culprit. And located a technical service bulletin for this problem. A call to keeler motor car co. Said the bags would work as designed, but wouldn't put that in writing and furthered "clarified" her answer by adding "as far as I know". A second call from a different person said if the lights are on then the bags would probably not work. But couldn't tell me if just passenger side would or wouldn't work or all the air bags.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2017

“Timing chain problems at 75,000 miles on base model 2009 mini cooper convertible. Well known "death rattle" when engine first starts. Also oil dipstick will not go fully back into the tube (sticks out about 4 inches). Dealer and mini contacted. Dealer says timing chain issue and quoted ~$1400 repair. Also said oil pan needs replacing, another ~$300. Mini not willing to pay for repair. Well known problem. 500,000 mini's recalled (s model). Not sure why base model was not included in this recall. It should be.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2015

“Rattling noise from the passenger side of the engine. Took to mini, timing chain was stretched out. 2000k fix car has less than 84k miles. Had the same problem about 13 months ago. Said it was the tensioner but chain was fine. That was at 64k miles. In 13months spent 3k on the same issue. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2015