2009 MINI Cooper Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 151 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 MINI Cooper, 3% of the 151 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,500 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.
“Light is coming on and transmission shifts smoothly but when you decelerate it bucks down. It happens anywhere on the roads when driving and you decelerate. The light that indicates issue with transmission, in the book it says I won't be able to shift out of park but there is no issue shifting out of park, so not sure if it is considered electrical or if it is powertrain”
NHTSA complaint #11133209, filed 2018-10, 128,500 miles“Noticed decreased acceleration performance and visibly noticed leaking oil from the top of the turbo system next to the heat shield after returning home after a drive on the freeway. Mini dealer identified the problem as a turbo oil feed line leak. Noticed on NHTSA forums that this is a common issue with Mini owners and could become a fire hazard under the hood if not detected and quickly repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10587349, filed 2014-05, 77,500 miles“The timing tensioner on my Mini Cooper s backed out, resulting in a massive oil loss while at highway speeds. This is apparently a known issue by Mini, but no known recall has been issued at this point.”
NHTSA complaint #10499379, filed 2013-02, 29,000 miles“2009 Mini Cooper. Consumer states that clutch was compromised and the vehicle needed to be towed. She would like this issue to be looked into. She paid to have the flywheel replaced. The flywheel was replaced twice within three months. The second time the flywheel was replaced, the consumer was informed it was burnt and not covered under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10380661, filed 2011-02Related 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2020 | 1 | 14% |
| 2019 | 2 | 17% |
| 2017 | 6 | 21% |
| 2016 | 6 | 21% |
| 2015 | 10 | 18% |
| 2014 | 8 | 24% |
| 2013 | 3 | 6% |
| 2012 | 3 | 5% |
| 2011 | 9 | 11% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 5 | 3% |
| 2008 | 12 | 10% |
| 2007 | 5 | 4% |
| 2006 | 20 | 10% |
| 2005 | 25 | 7% |
| 2004 | 26 | 9% |
| 2003 | 89 | 28% |
| 2002 | 43 | 23% |
| 2001 | 3 | 50% |
Other parts of the 2009 MINI Cooper
62 complaintsEngine
46 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 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 28, 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