2009 MINI Cooper Convertible Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible has a complaint index of 86, ranking 2nd worst among 8 model years with data, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine problems account for 44% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 65,000, plus one recall covering 12 vehicles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 86/100
- #2 of 8 Cooper Convertible years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 18
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 30.5
- 26.5 city / 35 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine8 (44%)
- Airbags6 (33%)
- Electrical System3 (17%)
- Fuel System1 (6%)
- Seat Belts1 (6%)
- Steering1 (6%)
- Structure & Body1 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (6%)
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 stretches and produces a rattling noise on engine startup, sometimes recurring within about 13 months of a prior repair.
- Engine vibrates and the check engine light comes on shortly after starting.
- Flywheel and clutch burned out at low mileage, with owners saying dealers resisted covering the repair.
- Oil mixes with coolant, leading to engine head failure, loss of power while driving, and stalling.
- Passenger airbag warning light stays on intermittently or continuously, which owners link to a seat sensor issue similar to a recall on earlier model years.
- Electrical faults cause bulbs to fail, water intrusion, and poor overall performance.
2009 MINI Cooper Convertible recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 09V143000Apr 30, 2009Suspension, Wheels & Tires12 vehicles
Tires
Bmw is recalling 12 my 2009 mini cooper convertible vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." the affected vehicles were delivered with 15-inch wheels instead of 16-inch wheels as intended, and the tire label indicates 16 inch wheels.
Risk: The wheels on the vehicle do not conform to the tire label as required.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the 15 inch wheels with 16-inch wheels free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2009. Owners may contact bmw at 1-866-646-4772.
2009 MINI Cooper Convertible fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 26.5 MPG
- Highway
- 35 MPG
- Combined
- 30.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,625
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other Cooper Convertible years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible reliable?
- Compared to other MINI Cooper Convertible model years, the 2009 ranks 2nd worst out of 8 years with data, with a complaint index of 86 and an Avoid verdict. Engine issues make up 44% of its complaints.
- What is the most common problem with the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible?
- Engine problems are the top issue, making up 44% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 65,000. Owners describe timing chain rattling and oil mixing with coolant.
- Does the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 09V143000, covering 12 vehicles for noncompliant wheel and tire selection under federal safety standard 110. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2009 model compare to other MINI Cooper Convertible years?
- The 2009 model's complaint index of 86 is worse than the 2007 (29, Good) and 2008 (43, Good) model years, and second only to the 2005 model year's index of 100.