2005 MINI Cooper S Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 71about this part
- Share
- 23%of 314 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,319miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 71 complaints about the air bags of the 2005 MINI Cooper S, 23% of the 314 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,319 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When adjusting the driver and passenger seats, the airbag light illuminated. After researching online, I conducted troubleshooting. I verified that the wiring harnesses and connectors for the airbag sensors under both seats had come loose, and certain wires de-pinned. The car was running, and parked when this occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #11186059, filed 2019-03, 62,527 miles“My air bag light on the passenger side is on. Mini dealer says it is a broken sensor in the seat. I checked online forums and this is a common problem lots of complaints. Mini will not correct the problem unless I pay. It seems as if this is a safety issue and not an isolated case. I would think because of the nature of the problem there should be a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10512832, filed 2013-05, 68,563 miles“The passenger air bag weight sensor stop working. As a result my vehicle displays a warning that the passenger side air bags are off. My driver side fog light housing melted and crack apart. I used stock 55w halogen bulbs. My passenger side fog light housing has also begun to melt. My power steering is not leaking now. But it has been replaced 3 times.”
NHTSA complaint #10474200, filed 2012-09, 75,000 miles“My passenger air bag sensor lights goes on and off. It does not matter if a person is in the seat. I don't know if the air bags will work or not. My research on the internet suggest this is a common problem with the minin passenger weight sensor similar to the ones in bmws.”
NHTSA complaint #10637116, filed 2014-09, 61,322 miles“I have a 2005 Mini cooper. The airbag sensor in the passenger seat failed around 50,000 miles. I was told that the passenger seat had to be replaced at a cost of $1400.00. This is a know issue with this year of Mini Cooper S. Dealships need to be aware of this problem and Mini/bmw needs to have a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10371078, filed 2010-12, 50,000 milesRelated recalls
- 15V205000Apr 6, 2015BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to November 28…Covers: MINI Cooper S 2005–2006, Cooper Convertible 2005–2008, Cooper S Convertible 2005–2008 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10043927Mar 1, 2012Bmw mini: airbag warning light is on: mrs fc 02, 03, 05, 06.
- 10039593May 1, 2011Bmw: the airbag warning light is on with a fault stored. The wiring under the seat may be pinched or damaged.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 17% |
| 2015 | 2 | 11% |
| 2014 | 2 | 15% |
| 2013 | 4 | 17% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2011 | 3 | 10% |
| 2010 | 6 | 10% |
| 2009 | 17 | 14% |
| 2008 | 30 | 18% |
| 2007 | 28 | 11% |
| 2006 | 67 | 36% |
| 2005 | 71 | 23% |
| 2004 | 8 | 3% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 13 | 16% |
Other parts of the 2005 MINI Cooper S
212 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsSeats
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 MINI Cooper S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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