MINI Cooper Convertible Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 170 consumer complaints across the 6 model years of the MINI Cooper Convertible (2005–2016) that have at least 5 complaints. 2005 has the most, with 96. Across all years, the part named most often is steering (88 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Cooper Convertible model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 13 | 6,000 | 3 | 251 | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 18 | 47,356 | 1 | 83 | — | Falling |
| 2008 | 9 | 55,000 | 1 | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 7 | 72,000 | 2 | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 27 | 71,500 | 1 | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 96 | 69,998 | 1 | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Steering88 47%
- Air bags34 18%
- Electrical system17 9.1%
- Transmission and drivetrain14 7.5%
- Engine12 6.5%
- Seats10 5.4%
- Exterior lighting6 3.2%
- Other or unknown5 2.7%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2005: “Power steering pump goes out from time to time, brought it to Mini dealerships once and was working fine when we brought it in, and was told nothing was wrong, and was sent on our way. Now had to disconnect battery to replace a part, and when reconnecting the battery, power steering pumps runs and wont shut off. Vehicle was stationary. Please hep, and thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10949672, filed 2017-02, 185,005 miles2016: “We purchased this all-new model in march 2016 and have been unable to ascertain a crashworthiness rating through your administration or the iihs. I once assumed that these tests were conducted prior to the public sale of automobiles. How long must a consumer wait for a test to be conducted? The insurance companies seem to depend heavily on these evaluations when determining their rates.”
NHTSA complaint #10918101, filed 2016-10, 6,000 miles2009: “Electrical failure since day one bought car as a pre-own. Prior owner history same issues as me. My car almost went on fire, poor performance , leaks and leaks with no reload from $6,000+ repairs. Still leaking. Suspected water damage causing electrical or just faulty electrical. Bulbs go out when car not even driven, canopy broke at service dept and they won't repair free of charge. Battery did not work and issues with key fob recognition.”
NHTSA complaint #11246389, filed 2019-08, 20,000 milesOther MINI models
2,232 complaintsMINI Cooper S
1,777 complaintsMINI Cooper S Convertible
131 complaintsMINI Cooper Clubman
112 complaintsMINI Cooper Countryman
107 complaintsMINI Countryman
97 complaintsMINI Cooper S Clubman
88 complaintsMINI Clubman
75 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology