What year MINI Cooper S Convertible should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 and 2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible have the highest Complaint Index among 8 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2005 model year ranks worst with 61 complaints and 1 recalls.

What is the best year for the MINI Cooper S Convertible?

The 2007 MINI Cooper S Convertible has the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track (8 complaints, 2 recalls).

What are the most common problems with the MINI Cooper S Convertible?

Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are airbags (45, 33%), steering (44, 32%), and engine (24, 17%).

How many recalls does the MINI Cooper S Convertible have?

NHTSA lists 4 distinct recall campaigns covering MINI Cooper S Convertible model years 2005–2012. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.

MINI Cooper S Convertible Best and Worst Years (2005–2012)

MINI Cooper S Convertible years to avoid: 2005 and 2006. Based on 138 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns across 8 model years (2005–2012).

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2005 Avoid 2006

Model years: 8; 2005–2012
NHTSA complaints: 138
Recall campaigns: 4
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 10
Top problem area: Airbags

Cooper S Convertible Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

MINI Cooper S Convertible problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	Avoid	100	61	4	1	Steering	24	—
2006	Avoid	86	36	2	1	Airbags	24	—
2007	Good	29	8	1	2	Airbags	23.5	—
2008	Caution	57	7	1	1	Structure & Body	23.5	—
2009	Good	43	9	0	1	Engine	28	—
2010	Caution	71	10	1	1	Engine	28	—
2011	No verdict	14	4	1	2	Electrical System	29	—
2012	No verdict	0	3	0	1	Electrical System	29	—

Cooper S Convertible years to avoid: what went wrong

2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible Index 100 · 61 complaints · 1 recalls

Owners filed 61 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible, led by steering (37), airbags (15), and transmission & powertrain (6). NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this year. Complaints mention 4 fires.

2005 steering problems →2005 airbags problems →

2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible Index 86 · 36 complaints · 1 recalls

Owners filed 36 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible, led by airbags (18), structure & body (7), and engine (6). NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this year. Complaints mention 2 fires.

2006 airbags problems →

Most common MINI Cooper S Convertible problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Airbags45 (33%)
Steering44 (32%)
Engine24 (17%)
Structure & Body16 (12%)
Transmission & Powertrain14 (10%)
Electrical System10 (7%)
Brakes8 (6%)
Other8 (6%)
Seat Belts4 (3%)
Fuel System2 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

What year MINI Cooper S Convertible should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 and 2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible have the highest Complaint Index among 8 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2005 model year ranks worst with 61 complaints and 1 recalls.
What is the best year for the MINI Cooper S Convertible?: The 2007 MINI Cooper S Convertible has the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track (8 complaints, 2 recalls).
What are the most common problems with the MINI Cooper S Convertible?: Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are airbags (45, 33%), steering (44, 32%), and engine (24, 17%).
How many recalls does the MINI Cooper S Convertible have?: NHTSA lists 4 distinct recall campaigns covering MINI Cooper S Convertible model years 2005–2012. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.