YearToAvoid

2009 MINI Cooper Convertible Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

86/100

#2 most-complained of 8 Cooper Convertible years

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

The 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible has 18 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 86 out of 100 — #2 highest of 8 Cooper Convertible model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is engine (8 complaints, 44% of the total). Complaints report 1 injury.

Complaints
18
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
30.5
26.5 city / 35 hwy

Top 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine8 (44%)
  2. Airbags6 (33%)
  3. Electrical System3 (17%)
  4. Fuel System1 (6%)
  5. Seat Belts1 (6%)
  6. Steering1 (6%)
  7. Structure & Body1 (6%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (6%)
  9. Transmission & Powertrain1 (6%)
2009 MINI Cooper Convertible complaints: complaints filed per month2Aug 2011Aug 2015Sep 2017Aug 2019Jan 2021Sep 2022
23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2011 to Apr 2024; peak Sep 2017 (2).

2009 MINI Cooper Convertible recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020052006200720082009201620222025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007Good297225.5
2008Good439125.5
2009Avoid8618130.5
2016Caution7113330
2022No verdict01031.5

All MINI Cooper Convertible years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible ranks #2 of 8 among Cooper Convertible model years (Complaint Index 86/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 18 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible?
The most reported problem areas are engine (8 complaints), airbags (6 complaints), and electrical system (3 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 47,357 miles.
Does the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible, most recently reported 2009, covering suspension, wheels & tires.
What is the fuel economy of the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible?
EPA rates the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible at 30.5 MPG combined (26.5 city / 35 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,625. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

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.