2009 Mini Cooper problems
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Mini Cooper may refer to:
- Performance Cars of the original Mini series with uprated drive train and brakes, called the "Mini Cooper", made by the British Motor Corporation and its successors 1961–1971, and 1990–2000
- Cars of the Mini (marque), including a number of different models produced by BMW since 2000 with the "Mini Cooper" title: MINI Hatch, introduced in early 2000, second generation from 2006, third from 2014
See also
- Cooper Car Company
Social links
Common 2009 Mini Cooper problems
The 2009 Mini Cooper has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to the engine and electrical systems.
One of the most frequently reported issues is carbon buildup in the engine, which can cause skipping in first gear, decreased performance, and other oddities.
Another common problem with the 2009 Mini Cooper is rough idling and jerking while driving, which has been attributed to a defective timing chain tensioner. This issue can lead to total engine failure if not addressed, but there has been no recall on the matter.
The 2009 Mini Cooper has also had issues with airbags, with drivers reporting that the warning lights stay on without explanation.
In addition to these issues, the 2009 Mini Cooper has been reported to have problems with the power steering pump, which can fail due to low fluid or a faulty coolant fan. This issue can be expensive to fix and may require replacement of related parts such as the coolant fan and belts.
The timing system in the Mini Cooper requires an ample amount of oil to perform as intended, and if the timing assembly does not have enough oil, increased friction can lead to damage. To prevent this damage from occurring, it's important to check and change the oil as part of routine maintenance.
The water pump and thermostat housing are prone to leaking and must be replaced every 50,000 miles. This issue can be costly and should be addressed by a qualified import car repair shop before damage begins to occur.
Finally, the Mini Cooper has struggled with transmission issues, with the manufacturer suggesting that the transmission fluid not be changed. Qualified mechanics strongly advise changing the transmission fluid at regular intervals to prevent problems.
Overall, the 2009 Mini Cooper has several common problems that can be expensive to fix and may require frequent trips to the dealership or a qualified repair shop.
What is the engine problem with the 2009 Mini Cooper?
The high-pressure fuel pump has been known to fail on the Mini Countryman and the 2007 through 2009 Mini Cooper S models. If it does, this can result in a lack of power, rough running, and significantly reduced performance. You may notice that your check engine light comes on and the engine goes into “limp mode.”
Is a 2009 Mini Cooper a good car?
If you want high style and high performance in a small package, the 2009 MINI Cooper is for you. It combines excellent handling and charming looks.
What is the most common problem with Mini Cooper?
Issue #1: Engine Overheating in Mini Cooper S (2007-2010)
Oil cooler leaks have also been reported on some vehicles. These problems cause the engine to gradually overheat, leading to coolant loss and severe damage if left unchecked. Head gasket failure is a common result of the engine overheating in the R56 Cooper S.
What year is bad for Mini Cooper?
According to Consumer Reports surveys, Mini Cooper released from 2006–2012 is considered the worst years. Having said that, there have been problems in the earlier 2000's as well. First and second-generation MINI's had quite a few problems, of which the most significant was the transmission malfunction.
2009 Mini Cooper car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mini Cooper problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Mini Cooper vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2009 Mini Cooper
The NHTSA has received 144 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Mini Cooper. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2009 Mini Cooper vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-16
- VIN: WMWMF33559T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-16
- VIN: WMWMF33559T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: My car started acting up when it rains and all the electrical goes crazy, all the lights turning on and off and all the locks opening and closing and it seems to have short-circuit and drained my battery, car left me stranded twice in the middle of the street. No electrical wire seems to be exposed and was informed it might be a footwell module issue, I see there is a recall happening yet my vehicle doesn't seem to be included eventhough it fits the specs and the has the same issues.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-13
- VIN: WMWMF93549T
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: The passenger occupancy seat sensor is defective (as reported by many other owners of this vehicle model). The sensor is very costly to replace in terms of parts ($1,500) and labor ($1,500) and MINI does not sell the sensor separately as it is embedded in the seat foam. The defective sensor does not recognize a passenger sitting in the passenger seat and deactivates the passenger airbag which is an essential, lifesaving device fitted to a small vehicle. When involved in a major vehicle collision, without a working airbag, the risk of fatality drastically increases. The sensor is also responsible for NOT deploying the airbag if a passenger under 100lbs is sitting in the seat ie. a child. Again, this is a massive safety concern especially due to other owners resorting to a cheap aftermarket bypass module which will always deploy the airbag. This solution could seriously injure or cause fatalities for passengers under 100lbs. Other MINI models with the same electronic occupancy sensor problems have had recalls issued by the NHTSA and has not issued recalls for vehicles with the same issue consistently. It is the NHTSA's responsibility to hold the manufacturer accountable for ALL vehicle models with similar defects impacting the safe and consistent operation of life preservation devices such as airbags especially when repair costs for these defective devices are cost prohibitive for vehicle owners to replace.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-01
- VIN: WMWMF33589T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that several electrical features had failed to operate as needed with several warning lights flickering on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that water and salt had entered the footwell circuit causing wiring corrosion. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-10
- VIN: WMWMF33599T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper Hardtop. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the remedy to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated less than half the lights are working on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was confirmed that water and salt could enter the circuit and corrode and this service falls under the recall repair. The contact was informed the vehicle could be repaired if the contact paid out of pocket. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-05
- VIN: WMWMF33569T
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: This has a major recall and won’t pass inspection. Engine light is on . I’ve called dealership and was told parts are on back order . Last year I was told the same thing before I received a letter in the mail.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-10
- VIN: WMWMF33539T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the passenger occupant sensor light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the mat switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by the dealer that there was a recall for the mat switch however, neither the VIN nor the vehicle was included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-12
- VIN: WMWMF33559T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the windows failed to roll up or down intermittently. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-04
- VIN: WMWMF33569T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The car horn was going off randomly. I inspected the interior electrical panel on the passenger side of the car and it was damp. There is water getting into the passenger side of the car and infiltrating the panel causing this one issue and likely others. There is a recall for this problems in some places, but my vehicle is not included, currently.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-18
- VIN: WMWMF335X9T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the parking brake warning light and the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that after the front driver’s and passenger side doors were closed, the windows failed to readjust. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-28
- VIN: WMWMF73549T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-16
- VIN: WMWMF33579T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the battery was replaced four times in four years. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-13
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMWMF73549T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: MINI was totally destroyed by fire after driving for 15 minutes. It was parked in a parking lot and was in flames 5 minutes after my wife entered the store. This is comparable with problem requiring recall (with no remedy). No warnings
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-13
- VIN: WMWMF33509T
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The problem was that the gas pedal began to stick. Suddenly it began to idle at 4000 rpm. I had to reach down and pull up the gas pedal while driving. I had it replaced a few weeks ago. Then I received a letter from Mini about a footwell control module. It sounds like a similar corrosion problem and it needs to be fixed as well. I had it looked at several times before it was fixed properly because a dirty throttle body can cause it to idle too fast
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-27
- VIN: WMWMF33519T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor fails There's a warning light for passenger airbag off , and also the airbag light on the dash panel never goes away ,even when a passenger is sitting on it. Is a common thing on minis , the dealer charges $100 to reset it within obd tool
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-07
- VIN: WMWMF33509T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Unknown. I purchased a used 2009 mini cooper in 2013. The airbag light went on for the passenger front side shortly after. I took it to be looked at and was told it would cost around 1,000 to be replaced. I couldn't afford that and felt that since it was never in an accident it must be defective. I contacted Mini cooper via email and phone calls and was told that since there wasn't any recalls, they couldn't do anything. I have always been uneasy driving with passengers, including my grandson in the car. I honestly expected Mini cooper to replace the airbag, but here we are, hoping nothing happens to the safety of my passengers... please reply with any information for me.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-19
- VIN: WMWMF73519T
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The high pressure fuel pump failed. There was a class action settlement and a warranty extension campaign for this part. Mini refused to warranty my vehicles h/p fuel pump stating it was only covered for 10 years or 120,000 miles. My vehicle only has 71,312 miles. I was informed by a local news source that manufacturers are required to honor the recall for 15 years per NHTSA, and that I should file a complaint. Please help. Thank you very much.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-01
- VIN: wmwmf33529t
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: SRS warning light on. Intermittent at first. Passenger seat occupancy light on and off intermittently, occupied or not. SRS code reader indicates the problem is the passenger seat occupancy sensor. Mini dealer states the repair is not covered under warrantee. I fear for the safety of my front seat passenger if airbag does not deploy and/or the safety of a smaller child if it does deploy.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-09
- VIN: WMWMF33549T
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG AND THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 156,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-12
- VIN: WMWMF73599T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG NOT ACTIVATED WHEN SIT IS OCCUPIED. AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON ALL TIMES.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-01
- VIN: WMWMF33569T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON AND IT IS DEACTIVATED WHEN I AM DRIVING. THIS APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH NO RECALL IN EFFECT. I AM SEEKING BYPASS OPTIONS ONLINE TO BUY TO ALWAYS KEEP THE AIRBAG ON REGARDLESS OF HAVING A PASSENGER SITTING THERE. STILL VERY UNSAFE IF A KID SITS IN THAT SEAT. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-01
- VIN: WMWMF33509T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIRBAG FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT STOPPED WORKING 3 YEARS AGO. I CHECKED SEVERAL TIMES FOR A RECALL BUT COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. I WENT TO A DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IF THERE ISN'T A RECALL, THERE WAS NOTHING MINI COOPER COULD DO ABOUT IT. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND IT WILL BE OVER 900.00 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. ISN'T IT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CAR MANUFACTURER TO FIX SOMETHING THAT JUST STOPPED WORKING (NO ACCIDENTS OR ANY REASON), ESPECIALLY SINCE IT IS SUCH A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE?
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-12
- VIN: WMWMF33519T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT. MINI OF STEVENS CREEK LOCATED AT (4201 STEVENS CREEK BLVD, SANTA CLARA, CA 95051) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS NO ASSISTANCE PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-26
- VIN: WMWMF33549T
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: PASSENGER AIRBAG 'OFF' WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON AT ALL TIMES EVEN WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-19
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMWMF33579T
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: HELLO, YESTERDAY AFTERNOON I STARTED MY 2009 MINI COOPER AND NOTED THAT MY GAUGES SUDDENLY FAILED. THE TACH DROPPED TO ZERO. SUDDENLY I RECEIVED A TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT. I DECIDED I WOULD MOVE THE CAR TO A MORE FAVORABLE LOCATION TO LOOK UNDER THE HOOD. AS I PLACED THE CAR IN REVERSE I NOTED THAT MY POWER STEERING HAD FAILED. I STOPPED THE CAR IMMEDIATELY AND POPPED THE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THE SMELL OF BURNING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. I RAN DOWN TO THE BASEMENT TO GRAB A WRENCH TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. WHEN I RETURNED I COULD HEAR POPS AND CRACKS AND NOTED CHAR ON THE HOOD INTERIOR. THOUGH THE KEYS WERE OUT I CONTINUED TO HEAR POPS AND CRACKS AND FELT HEAT ACCUMULATING . I FINALLY GOT THE BATTERY DISCONNECTED AND THE POPPING STOPPED. AFTER SOME INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THE WIRING NEAR THE POWER STEERING MODULE WAS COMPLETELY BURNT OUT. THE CAR DROVE FINE THE DAY PRIOR. MY WIFE IS 38 WEEKS PREGNANT AND I AM SHAKEN BY THE IDEA THAT THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING THE DAY BEFORE.
2009 Mini Cooper recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2009 Mini Cooper.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 2009 Mini Cooper car reviews
Positive 2009 Mini Cooper car reviews
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I completely understand that some reviews of Mini Coopers suggest that the back seats are not very spacious. However, I have a different experience. I am 6'2'' and I have ridden in the backseat of my Mini Cooper without any issues. In fact, my family of 4 fits comfortably in my Mini Cooper. Additionally, the hatchback rear of the car allows for more cargo space than a standard 4-door compact car. I absolutely love my Mini Cooper and it never fails to put a smile on my face. Do you feel the same way about your car?
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your car! It's great to hear that you're happy with the gas mileage and handling, and even happier to hear that your love for it has grown over the past 7 months.
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It sounds like you have a great car! Your daughter must be thrilled with it. Although, I can imagine that driving it halfway across the country may not have been the most comfortable experience for you. On the bright side, it's great to hear that it gets such good gas mileage.
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I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your new MINI! It sounds like it handles really well and you're getting great gas mileage. The power and handling seem to be standout features of the car. It's great to hear that you're such a fan and plan to stick with MINI in the future.
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I owned a BMW M3, Jeeps, and a Nissan Xterra. However, I needed a fuel-efficient vehicle for my 70-mile per day commute. My husband and I test drove the Toyota Prius, but unfortunately, we didn't like anything about it. Then, we stopped at the Mini dealership, and after a test drive, we were hooked. I can confidently say that I will never be without a Mini again. The gas mileage runs at an impressive 38-40 mpg, and it is an absolute joy to drive.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2009 Mini Cooper problems:
2009 Cooper S - Major Engine Problem - Advice? - North American ...
Apr 24, 2018 ... Stock Problems/Issues - 2009 Cooper S - Major Engine Problem - Advice ... 2009 Cooper S - Major Engine Problem - Advice? ... I have a 2009 MINI ...
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Known issues in 2009 to 2011 cooper S JCWs : r/MINI
Jun 19, 2023 ... i have this same engine at almost 200k miles, if you look after it, it's not as bad as people are saying. You need good service history with ...
2009 Mini Cooper Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Top 2009 Mini Cooper Problems · Clutch May Wear Prematurely. 170 people have reported this · Electric Door Locks May Malfunction. 163 people have reported this.
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Newb Inquiry - How Reliable is 2009 Mini Cooper S JCW : r/MINI
Oct 26, 2022 ... Timing chain, HPFP, valves, valve cover gasket, water pump, turbochargers, oil consumption, ECU's can fry from water intrusion…..
2009 Mini Cooper Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Jul 7, 2023 ... Great gas mileage and maneuverability. Pretty reliable with no major headaches or engine problems. Does need frequent oil changes and coolant ...
Raymundo Bayer 2025-02-20
I recently purchased a 2009 Mini Cooper with 92,000 miles on it, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a major mistake. If you're considering buying a Mini, I would recommend only purchasing or leasing a new one. This is because when they approach 100,000 miles, they require a lot of expensive work. Due to their compact size, mechanics have to remove other parts to access certain components, which results in higher labor costs. Additionally, the parts themselves are quite expensive. I bought my Mini for $7500, but ended up spending a couple of thousand dollars on replacing the water pump, water pipe, radiator, thermostat, AC, brake rotors, and battery. Two years later, when the transmission went out, I could only sell it for $1800. Although I had it inspected prior to purchase and everything seemed fine, except for the brake rotors, the cost of repairs on an older Mini can be quite traumatizing. While Minis are incredibly fun and great for parking and gas, they are not meant to be driven past 95,000 miles. I hope this helps you make an informed decision!
Mario Huel 2025-01-05
The first year of owning a MINI can be a wonderful experience, often referred to as the 'honeymoon period'. However, after that, some customers may encounter issues with the service department. It can be frustrating when the customer's concerns are not heard and the department looks for alternative reasons to blame the issue on. In my case, I experienced carbon deposits in the motor, which can happen to any MINI. Unfortunately, it took four trips to MINI, including two with the engine light on, before the issue was identified as 'engine buildup'. This issue typically occurs between 30-40K miles and can cause skipping in 1st gear, decreased performance, and other oddities. Despite the challenges, I wish you good luck with your MINI and hope you have a positive experience. I eventually traded my MINI, but I will always cherish the fun-loving memories it brought me!
Keon Grant 2024-11-07
The Porsche for the budget-conscious may not be the best choice due to early problems (Turbo out - fixed under warranty) that hint at a mixed future. At only 55k miles, things start to go wrong. However, if reliability issues can be resolved, this car could be a winner. It may be worth researching whether the issues experienced in 2009 were a fluke. Personally, I decided to sell mine early at a loss.
Maximo Wehner 2024-11-07
This car seems to be giving me a lot of trouble. It has been in the shop constantly and despite having new parts installed, it still needs a clutch. It's frustrating, but I'm hopeful that it can be fixed. I wouldn't recommend buying this car though.
Lexus Jaskolski 2024-10-08
Sorry to hear about your experience with the car. It sounds like it has been a constant source of frustration for you. It may be best to avoid purchasing a Mini or BMW in the future. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.