2009 MINI Cooper S Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 13%of 119 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,560miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 MINI Cooper S, 13% of the 119 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,560 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Since I get my until now I repair two times . The first time I was change the part of the top of the motor I don't remember the name. But this one that is the most strage I was driving and in the middle of the road the motor stop intanly. The most strange is 10 minutes after drive the car all this happen so that mean is no safe. And now what I have to do....”
NHTSA complaint #10749937, filed 2015-08, 29,800 miles“On 8-28-16 the timing chain failed on the engine of my 2009 Mini Cooper S, which lead to catastrophic engine failure, requiring the engine to be replaced. At the time of failure I was driving at full speed on the highway. There was sudden power loss and I had to avert traffic to safely pull over. During power loss there was lots of smoke pouring out of the car. Timing chain failures are a known issue with Mini, and the subject of a recent lawsuit against Mini. …”
NHTSA complaint #10908298, filed 2016-09, 86,000 miles“I purchased a brand new Mini Cooper S in 2009 w/ standard 3 years of factory maintenance and I later added on an extended warranty a few years later. 2014 I entered into a 3 year lease on a bmw. Aside from maintenance, the Mini was mostly garaged except for maintenance until th after a month of driving it, I heard a ticking sound that made me think it needed oil added, despite having one about 2 months prior. I added the Mini synthetic oil to the car and the ticking sound stopped for a week or two. Then it started rattling and shaking severely when driving low speeds or at an idle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10990672, filed 2017-05, 73,000 miles“I was driving my Mini cooper on I-95 when the I noticed a very strong burning smell and the clutch was giving me difficulty changing gears. As I was getting off I-95 the gears were not responding and the car began to slow down. I got off I-95 and just made it to a main blvd. When the clutch gave out and the car would not move. I could see the cars in the rear view mirror coming at full speed and honking at me to move out of the of the way. I called 911 and asked for a patrol to spot traffic and then tried to get out of the car to ask for help but almost got ran over by cars passing by. …”
NHTSA complaint #10652572, filed 2014-11, 13,000 miles“Car went into limp gear mode on freeway, high RPM at 40 MPH. Vehicle shipped to Mini dealer 05/09/17 saying there was a transmission error code. Dealer said they tested vehicle and it wasn't the transmission it needed a water pump and cylinder need valve cover. 67,117 miles on odometer. Also front cv axle boot leaking. Had repairs done ($1692.58) after discount. At time of pickup, dealer asked to keep the vehicle a few more days to double check the transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10990880, filed 2017-05, 67,117 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10152680Nov 1, 2018"MANUAL TRANSMISSION - STIFF DIAGONAL GEARSHIFT LEVER MOVEMENT. The customer may complain of a ""stiff diagonal shift"" (e.g., N-R, R-N, 2-3/3-2 or 4-5/5-4). Also, in some cases…
- 10134994Feb 1, 2018Aisin automatic transmisison: right side output shaft seal replacement
- 10146924Oct 1, 2016"ENGINE POWER REDUCTION WITH "CLUTCH DAMAGED"" FAULTS STORED This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M12 06 15 dated July 2015. A drivetrain malfunction check control…
- 10148206Dec 1, 2014Dual Mass Flywheel: Diagnosis and Inspection. INFORMATION The following three criteria must to be checked, evaluated and the resulting findings documented on the repair order…
- 10150145Mar 1, 2013Clutch Is Slipping or Grabbing. The customer states that the clutch is slipping or grabbing.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 20% |
| 2016 | 2 | 20% |
| 2015 | 1 | 6% |
| 2014 | 6 | 46% |
| 2013 | 2 | 8% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 5 | 8% |
| 2009 | 16 | 13% |
| 2008 | 9 | 5% |
| 2007 | 26 | 10% |
| 2006 | 22 | 12% |
| 2005 | 13 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2009 MINI Cooper S
65 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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