2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
43/100
#5 most-complained of 8 Cooper S Convertible years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible has a complaint index of 43, ranking 5th out of 8 model years, with a Good verdict relative to other years. It has 9 complaints and 1 recall, with engine issues (water pump, timing chain) making up 89% of reported problems at a median 46,118 miles.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 28
- 24.5 city / 33 hwy
Top 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine8 (89%)
- Brakes3 (33%)
- Airbags1 (11%)
- Fuel System1 (11%)
- Structure & Body1 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (11%)
What owners report
- Engine loses power or stalls unexpectedly while driving, including in turns, at a median mileage around 46,118 miles.
- Difficulty restarting the engine after it stalls, requiring multiple attempts to turn over.
- Water pump failure causes fluid leaks under the car, with some owners reporting their car wasn't covered by the recall despite matching model and year.
- Vehicle dies without warning while in motion on the highway, with brake-related failure reported at 50,486 miles.
- Passenger airbag indicator shows off even after seat occupancy, with owners told the vehicle was excluded from a related airbag recall.
- Rattling noise and check engine light linked to timing chain wear at higher mileage.
2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 12V008000Jan 11, 2012Engine90,368 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 mini cooper s, 2008-2011 mini cooper s clubman, 2009-2011 mini cooper s convertible, 2009-2011 mini cooper jcw, 2009-2011 mini cooper jcw clubman, 2009-2011 cooper jcw convertible, and 2011 cooper s countryman passenger cars manufactured from november 14, 2006, through january 18, 2011. The electric auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger has an electronic circuit board that can malfunction and overheat.
Risk: The circuit board may smolder which could result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump free of charge. The safety recall beganduring february 2012. Owners may contact bmw at 1-866-275-6464.
2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24.5 MPG
- Highway
- 33 MPG
- Combined
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,850
- 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 S Convertible years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible reliable?
- It has a Good verdict compared to other MINI Cooper S Convertible model years, with a complaint index of 43 and only 9 complaints logged with NHTSA.
- What is the main problem with the 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible?
- Engine problems dominate, making up 89% of complaints, mostly water pump failures and stalling issues, with a median failure mileage of 46,118 miles.
- Does the 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall (12V008000) covering engine water pump replacement, which is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2009 model compare to other MINI Cooper S Convertible years?
- It ranks 5th worst out of 8 years, with a complaint index of 43, better than 2005 (100), 2006 (86), 2008 (57), and 2010 (71).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible?
- EPA rates it at 28 mpg combined (24.5 city, 33 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,850.