YearToAvoid

2009 MINI Cooper Clubman Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman has a Complaint Index of 100, the highest of any year in this model's data, and ranks worst (1st) among 7 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine problems, especially timing chain issues, dominate the complaints.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
100/100
#1 of 7 Cooper Clubman years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
39
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
0
reported in complaints
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2008
lowest-risk (no Good/Best year)

Top 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine15 (38%)
  2. Airbags10 (26%)
  3. Electrical System9 (23%)
  4. Structure & Body6 (15%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain5 (13%)
  6. Fuel System3 (8%)
  7. Other3 (8%)
  8. Steering2 (5%)
  9. Brakes1 (3%)
  10. Seat Belts1 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Timing chain tensioners and guides wear out and leak, sometimes leading to a loud rattle at cold start and eventual engine damage.
  • A turbocharger oil inlet line was reported to leak, raising fire-safety concerns among owners.
  • Power steering assist cut out temporarily during low-speed maneuvers like parallel parking, then returned after the car sat off for a while.
  • Rear door latches failed to catch, forcing one owner to tie the doors shut with rope.
  • The speedometer was reported to read faster than actual speed by as much as 10 percent.
  • A recall repair for the electrical system (sunroof drain/footwell/FRM) was reported unavailable at the dealer for an extended time.
2009 MINI Cooper Clubman complaints: complaints filed per month3Jul 2011Jun 2013May 2014Jul 2015Dec 2015Jul 2017Jul 2020May 2024
39 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2011 to Oct 2024; peak Aug 2012 (3).

2009 MINI Cooper Clubman recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V337000May 11, 2023Electrical System97,933 vehicles

    Electrical system

    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.

    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.

2009 compared with other Cooper Clubman years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002008200920102011201220132014
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2008Caution67271—
2009Avoid100391—
2010Avoid83281—
2011Caution50182—

All MINI Cooper Clubman years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 Cooper Clubman has a Complaint Index of 100, the worst among the 7 model years with data, and carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Clubman years.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman?
Engine issues make up 38% of complaints (15 of 39), with a median failure mileage of 72,000 miles. Airbags (26%) and electrical system problems (23%) follow, the latter including a reported fire.
Does the 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman have a recall?
Yes, one recall (campaign 23V337000) covers the electrical system, addressing sunroof drains, the interior footwell area, and the FRM module on 2008-2014 Clubman and related MINI models.
How does the 2009 Clubman compare to other years?
The 2009 model's Complaint Index of 100 is higher than 2008 (67), 2010 (83), and 2011 (50), making 2009 the worst-ranked year among the 7 years with data.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.