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EnginePart report

2009 MINI Cooper Convertible Engine Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
44%of 18 total for the year
Median mileage
65,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine of the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible, 44% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 miles

“Issues with oil system have lead to engine head failure where oil in mixing with coolant. The coolant reservoir was full of oil. I am experiencing loss of engine power while driving and stalling when coming to a stop. I've been told that it is too dangerous to drive.”

NHTSA complaint #11163915, filed 2018-12, 78,464 miles

“My car I bought as a pre-own and the owner before e had leaks as well. These leaks caused electrical damage on the circuit boards that made the circuit board shoulder and heat up so hot it almost went on fire. Also the tires were the wrong size and sales person would not admit fault so I had to pay to replace them all. I was driving when I felt the car lose control on the highway and streets, then I was driving when car overheated. I paid to fix leaks more than $7000 and still leaking. …”

NHTSA complaint #11253486, filed 2019-09, 55,000 miles

“Rattling noise from the passenger side of the engine. Took to Mini, timing chain was stretched out. 2000k fix car has less than 84k miles. Had the same problem about 13 months ago. Said it was the tensioner but chain was fine. That was at 64k miles. In 13months spent 3k on the same issue.”

NHTSA complaint #10713688, filed 2015-04, 83,234 miles

“Timing chain problems at 75,000 miles on base model 2009 Mini Cooper Convertible. Well known death rattle when engine first starts. Also oil dipstick will not go fully back into the tube (sticks out about 4 inches). Dealer and Mini contacted. Dealer says timing chain issue and quoted ~$1400 repair. Also said oil pan needs replacing, another ~$300. Mini not willing to pay for repair. Well known problem. 500,000 Mini's recalled (s model). Not sure why base model was not included in this recall. It should be.”

NHTSA complaint #10780893, filed 2015-10, 75,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201618%
2009844%
2007114%
200522%

Other parts of the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible

Air bags
6 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology