2009 MINI Cooper Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 46about this part
- Share
- 30%of 151 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 46 complaints about the engine of the 2009 MINI Cooper, 30% of the 151 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car started off with a rough idle and occasionally wouldn't start. The engine light came on and the car became jerky while driving. It has sudden spurts when it wants to take off. I ran the code and got p0012. From there I have replaced multiple parts but I think I landed on the timing chain. I know there was a settlement with these years but for some reason this particular model wasn't included in the settlement”
NHTSA complaint #11223064, filed 2019-06, 138,247 miles“I was driving home from work on 21 november 2013 when the check engine light on my Mini came on. I called the dealer to schedule the appointment. By the time I got off the phone with the dealer, the light turned off. Around 5 miles further down the road the light came back on and then the car erupted in flames. I am unsure where else to file a complaint but I thought I would begin here.”
NHTSA complaint #10553278, filed 2013-11, 85,000 miles“The thermostat failed, the temperature elevated, the freeze plug fell out/broke out of place causing the head gasket to blow out. The coolant leaked into the oil and caused it to become milky therefore blowing out my engine. I was driving on the freeway at the time of the incident and the car failed to accelerate. Luckily people were kind enough to let me pass from the far left lane to the nearest exit and I did not crash.”
NHTSA complaint #10587111, filed 2014-05, 45,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11269786, filed 2019-10, 120,000 miles“I was driving on the road, and suddenly I saw the car start to stop in the middle of the road,and I saw the smoke coming out of engine .the diagnostic was the engine totally is collapsing,and need new engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10705095, filed 2015-04, 66,586 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10171506Jan 1, 2020CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N14 HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HDP) SERVICE BENEFIT CLASS VEHICLES: The MINI vehicle may experience a sudden engine operational failure reduced or loss of…
- 10059114Jul 1, 2015Mini: faulty software for the tank ventilation control displays engine throttle reaction when temperature is high outside, and more obvious if the tank is only partly filled.
- 10059112Jul 1, 2015Mini: because of the dme software, and a damaged clutch, the drivetrain malfunction check message appear.
- 10059098Jul 1, 2015Mini: different faults activates engine malfunction and oil warning.
- 10059113Jun 1, 2015Mini: faulty software causes the check control and engine power reduced light to appear.
- 10059111Jun 1, 2015Mini: due to faulty dme software, the service engine lights comes on, including the check control message for motor force decrease.
- 10059094Jun 1, 2015Mini: a mechanical failure and dme software error of the vanos actuators cause the engine to run rough which activates the malfunction warning light.
- 10147108Feb 1, 2015SI M11 01 12February 2015 EngineTechnical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M11 01 12 dated March 2014. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT N16 and…
- 10148441Nov 1, 2014N16 Engine: Oil Leak from Cylinder Head Sealing Plug. An oil leak can develop at a sealing plug located in the cylinder head, just below the vacuum pump. The sealing plug was not…
- 10148391Aug 1, 2014N16 Engine: Oil Leak from Cylinder Head Sealing Plug. An oil leak can develop at a sealing plug located in the cylinder head, just below the vacuum pump. CAUSE The sealing plug…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 14% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2018 | 1 | 13% |
| 2017 | 6 | 21% |
| 2016 | 10 | 36% |
| 2015 | 14 | 25% |
| 2014 | 8 | 24% |
| 2013 | 4 | 9% |
| 2012 | 17 | 26% |
| 2011 | 12 | 14% |
| 2010 | 32 | 35% |
| 2009 | 46 | 30% |
| 2008 | 44 | 38% |
| 2007 | 30 | 26% |
| 2006 | 10 | 5% |
| 2005 | 6 | 2% |
| 2004 | 4 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2009 MINI Cooper
62 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 MINI Cooper
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