2009 MINI Cooper Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 151 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,900miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2009 MINI Cooper, 2% of the 151 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,900 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.
“My car has had an exterior lighting problem related to a bad FRM. This is causing my lights not to work. After seeking help, I saw that there was an actual recall on the FRM and I decided to take my car to International Mini dealership in Wisconsin. Once there, they proceeded to only fix the leak on sunroof. I then went back and explained that the leak had caused actual damage to the FRM and connectors and they told me to leave the car for another night. Next day I went to pick it up and they gave me the paperwork stating that they had replaced and reprogrammed the FRM but the problem persist. …”
NHTSA complaint #11654250, filed 2025-04“I filled out your safety complaint portable from but could not submit it. When I used the link on the pdf form, it told me there was no such address, and when I used the link in the covering e-mail, I repeatedly received the message file selected is not a portable form!. Is there another way to submit it?”
NHTSA complaint #10380019, filed 2011-02“The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. While driving approximately 60 MPH the headlights did not have sufficient illumination range. The dealer was contacted and stated they are required by law to illuminate that way so other drivers are not blinded. The contact had not experienced a failure but was concerned about the illumination range . The contact stated that they do not illuminate far enough to see in front of him. The VIN was not available. The current mileage was 11,900.”
NHTSA complaint #10380205, filed 2011-02, 11,900 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10151347May 1, 2016Delay in Automatic Driving Light Switching on/off. When driving out of a tunnel or exiting underground parking, the automatic driving light remains switched on for two minutes…
- 10030667Mar 1, 2009Mini vehicles: while driving or at idle, the headlamps flicker or sporadically move up or down by themselves. The headlamp wiring harness is damaged due to chaffing at the engine…
- 10030164Mar 1, 2009Mini: while driving or at idle, the headlamps flicker or sporadically move up or down by themselves. The headlamp wiring harness is damaged due to chaffing at the engine ground…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2017 | 6 | 21% |
| 2016 | 8 | 29% |
| 2013 | 3 | 6% |
| 2012 | 5 | 8% |
| 2011 | 9 | 11% |
| 2010 | 11 | 12% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 3% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2009 MINI Cooper
62 complaintsEngine
46 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsSteering
4 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 29, 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