2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › MINI › Cooper S Convertible › 2006
These records cover every 2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible. Newest first.
BMW 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, 2006, and 2005-2008 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to July 31, 2008. Due to manufacturing, installation, and exposure issues, the front passenger…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An improperly functioning mat may cause the passenger frontal air bag to be inactive when the seat is occupied, and in the event of a crash, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the passenger's risk of injury.
Remedy
MINI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. The recall began on October 12, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Owner complaints
36 complaints2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s convertible. While driving 30 mph, the vehicle became extremely difficult to steer without warning. The contact managed to drive home. MINI of st. Louis (40 sunnen dr, maplewood, mo 63143, (314) 644-6464) stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed and…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s convertible. While driving 30 mph, the vehicle became extremely difficult to steer without warning. The contact managed to drive home. MINI of st. Louis (40 sunnen dr, maplewood, mo 63143, (314) 644-6464) stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed and referenced nhtsa campaign number: 15v660000 (steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
- Air bags · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification · Seats
Passenger side seat airbag sensor (recall 15v-205, OC3 seat occupancy mat) in my 2006 MINI cooper s convertible has failed. The passenger side airbag light on dash and overhead stay lit at all times. Recall issued by MINI in 2015 covering exact problem described for same make and model for years…
Passenger side seat airbag sensor (recall 15v-205, OC3 seat occupancy mat) in my 2006 MINI cooper s convertible has failed. The passenger side airbag light on dash and overhead stay lit at all times. Recall issued by MINI in 2015 covering exact problem described for same make and model for years 2005 - 2008. Dealer ship and MINI USA both say the vin number for my 2006 s convertible IS not included with this recall. How can this be, the exact problem for the exact vehicles identified for this recall. MINI states that this vehicle IS the correct type, model and year but not part of the recall because it probably didn't have the same part that has been identified as failing installed. I was told there IS nothing they will do for me and what I've been told IS that the cost for the fix will be at least $1,200 out of pocket. This cost IS ridiculous and should be included under the standing recall from the manufacturer. The fact that this IS a manufacturing defect IS obvious and IS a serious safety issue!
- Engine
I bought my 2006 MINI cooper s convertible for $9,393 in november 2016 . When driving it home from the dealership I heard some noise, so I stopped at a foreign auto service and was told the clutch and transmission was going out. I called the dealership, but they refused to help, so I had them…
I bought my 2006 MINI cooper s convertible for $9,393 in november 2016 . When driving it home from the dealership I heard some noise, so I stopped at a foreign auto service and was told the clutch and transmission was going out. I called the dealership, but they refused to help, so I had them replaced at a transmission repair shop for $2,500 . Then had a brake job for $394 and spent over $1,000 at a MINI dealership . And then put the car in storage for 5 months. I drove it for two days ( about an hour each day ) when I heard a new noise and it would hardly run , so I pulled it off the road and had it towed to a dealership where they just notified me that the engine would need to be replaced , costing me between $5,000 and $8,000 !!! not sure what to do.....help !!!!
- Power train
6 speed automatic transmission failed catastrophically after 82,000 miles. This in spite of proper dealer recommended mainainance. Cost to repair was the same as the value of the vehicle.
- Seats
I put the heated seat on while driving, and the driver's seat caught fire. This with less then 50,000 miles and a cost of almost $1000. I had to pull into a gas station and put out the smoking seat with water. I've complained to MINI cooper USA, with no results.
- Seats
While driving with the driver seat heater on a burning smell and smoke began to fill the car. additionally, began feeling extreme heat on my back. immediately pulled over and found a small fire on the seat back which I had to pat out. no injury was sustained. the seat heater had been in…
While driving with the driver seat heater on a burning smell and smoke began to fill the car. additionally, began feeling extreme heat on my back. immediately pulled over and found a small fire on the seat back which I had to pat out. no injury was sustained. the seat heater had been in operation roughly 5 minutes. this IS a significant safety concern as the seat heater switches are in a location where they are easily turned on by accident. had I not been able to pull off the road immediately the damages could have been significantly worse and injury would have occurred.
- Steering
The power steering in the car has stopped working, very hard to turn the wheel. I just replaced the alternator and battery due to the battery not charging correctly, now the electric power steering pump has failed and the battery light on the console has turned on. I noticed that there IS a…
The power steering in the car has stopped working, very hard to turn the wheel. I just replaced the alternator and battery due to the battery not charging correctly, now the electric power steering pump has failed and the battery light on the console has turned on. I noticed that there IS a recall for 2002 - 2005 cars of the same type for this reason. I believe the problem to be the same and would like the recall extended to at least the 2006 year model. we went into an office and when we came out the power steering IS not working. we drove it home and are now waiting on the parts to replace the power steering pump.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s convertible. After the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s convertible. After the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s convertible. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Electrical system · Steering
This historical issue has plagued many drivers of MINI USA and many have reported accidents. IS it going to take the loss of innocent lives to have you force MINI USA do the right thing and include all of these known defects fixed?
- Engine
Back again! I just can't catch a break with this car! I was taking a road trip and had all my fluids checked and filled prior to leaving.while driving hwy99 my thermostat gauge went fine to danger zone! I immediately called the shop and was told to pull into a gas station and check the water and…
Back again! I just can't catch a break with this car! I was taking a road trip and had all my fluids checked and filled prior to leaving.while driving hwy99 my thermostat gauge went fine to danger zone! I immediately called the shop and was told to pull into a gas station and check the water and coolant. He stayed on the phone with me while I reported what the temp gaugue was doing. Every time I turned the the guage would drop to fine until the next turn which it went to danger. When I pulled into the gas station I heard a loud clunk.i turned the car off and check the fluids and found that everything was full but the water pump was low. I checked under the car and found a leak. I had the vehicle towed to the shop which the following was found.1. Malfunction of the water pump 2. Warp headgasket 3. Warp cylinders the extended warranty company agreed to the engine replacement then later stated they would only pay 1500 to replace the water pump, and have the head and cylinders refurbished. My shop has called and spoken to them numerous times without any outcomes. MINI IS requesting me to pay out of expenses to have the car put back together and towed 75 mi away to the nearest MINI certified service center, as well as paying for them to tare down the engine for them run their own tests.the service shop said it would be 3500 for everything to be gone through! After MINI completes the above, then they would try to have warranty company replace any items and if they are not covered they would ask MINI to provide it, however I would be out of pocket again! The car IS still at the service shop as of today. I am very unsure about the safety of this vehicle and whether I should fix it or sell it. I am already paying for the vehicle loan and insurance for a car that I can not even drive with countless problems. Recalls need to be made! Please end this nightmare!
- Service brakes
I have had my car about for about 2 weeks and when I start my car the ABS warning light comes on. It has also come on while driving, and the brakes will go all the way to floor, then catch after several times. I have been in a few close accidents as a result of this. I again went back to the…
I have had my car about for about 2 weeks and when I start my car the ABS warning light comes on. It has also come on while driving, and the brakes will go all the way to floor, then catch after several times. I have been in a few close accidents as a result of this. I again went back to the shop and had diagnostic tests performed. Nothing came back from the test. The problem still exists. I find myself turning of the car and waiting a minute, upon restart the ABS warning light IS not being shown. this IS a major safety risk as one can not say when it will happen but that it does happen randomly.
- Power train
2 days after purchasing a used MINI cooper s convertible 2006, the car began to self shift at improper times, causing the engine to rev at high rpm's. I contacted the dealer immediately and he test drove the car trying to get the vehicle to respond the same way. After 15 minutes of driving it the problem did not occur and I was sent on my way. The problem continued to persist when I was at low speeds. *tr
- Unknown or other
I purchased a used 2006 MINI cooper s convertible from a dealer and after signing the papers and getting the keys I turned the car on and all the warning lights came on. The dealer took it back to the shop and did a diagnostic test revealing nothing was wrong, reset the vehicle and handed me the keys. The problem continues intermittently still.
- Air bags
Our 2006 MINI cooper air bag sensor goes on and off. the dealership indicated the entire seat would need to be replaced as IS an embedded sensor. this does appear to be a safety issue but the vehicle IS not one of the recalled MINI coopers.
- Power train
Automatic transmission electronically disengages (random occurrences) while shifting between 3RD and 4TH gear, allowing the engine to rev uncontrollably. Since this happens while accelerating, it creates an unsafe condition in traffic as there IS no power to the wheels. When the transmission…
Automatic transmission electronically disengages (random occurrences) while shifting between 3RD and 4TH gear, allowing the engine to rev uncontrollably. Since this happens while accelerating, it creates an unsafe condition in traffic as there IS no power to the wheels. When the transmission re-engages, it can happen at a very high rev (3000-5000, or more rpm) which causes an unsafe condition because of the sudden engagement. If roads are wet, the re-engagement can easily produce wheel spin and skidding when it happens during a turning maneuver. The sudden re-engagement at high revs can also break a cv joint or other drive component, which would cause the vehicle to be uncontrollable while in traffic. *tr
- Electrical system
My wife's 2006 MINI cooper s convertibles airbag light stays on. This should be a recall, as I'm seeing. On the internet, that many owners of coopers and bmws have this same problem. Very much a safety issue and be advised that you are officially on notice, that this IS a problem. also a tire safety issue included.
- Air bags · Structure › Body · Wheels
Airbag warning light stays on. Bubbles on run flat tires (one replaced). Rubber seals deteriorating on outside of vehicle. Water pump leaking (replaced). Upholstery IS coming apart on drivers seat. *tr
- Air bags · Engine and engine cooling
My 2006 MINI cooper convertible has intermittent experienced with passenger air bag warning light staying on even when passenger IS in seat and properly buckled in. This should be a recall by BMW. Also, harmonic balancer broke at just under 60,000...and have heard this IS a major problem on many…
My 2006 MINI cooper convertible has intermittent experienced with passenger air bag warning light staying on even when passenger IS in seat and properly buckled in. This should be a recall by BMW. Also, harmonic balancer broke at just under 60,000...and have heard this IS a major problem on many MINI coopers. BMW should be responsible for replacement. Faulty equipment. Also, convertible gasket needs replacing. Inferior material used by BMW. Very expensive to replace. *tr
- Air bags · Seats
Passenger side airbag sensor IS faulty, causing the airbag to not deploy in the event of a crash, even though there IS a passenger in the car. This IS a huge safety concern, and MINI needs to do a recall. There are thousands out there with the same problem. *Tr
- Engine · Power train
On 2/16/2013 my harmonic balancer went out while driving on the freeway their are no warning lights . what happens IS a loud pop then a bunch of crunching noises from that shock your car will go from 55 mph to 20 mph in a matter of seconds ...extremely scary when you see a semi behind you . MINI…
On 2/16/2013 my harmonic balancer went out while driving on the freeway their are no warning lights . what happens IS a loud pop then a bunch of crunching noises from that shock your car will go from 55 mph to 20 mph in a matter of seconds ...extremely scary when you see a semi behind you . MINI paid for this malfunction because they know this issue IS a major flaw and will cause an accident or possibly someone's death . on 8/29/2013 my transmission failed at 55,123 ...no warnings just slow lunching and grinding also during this event I found out my engine and transmission mounts were cracked. seat belts are constantly curling backwards and don't lay flat . convertible roof drip seal rubber has been replaced more than twice making me believe that MINI has used a sub standard rubber therefore using it in their engine parts ...please note that I've had numerous hoses replaced due to being brittle and sub standard ... Power steering ,radiator,and other hoses . MINI copper IS currently battling a class action law suit why do I know about every other car company benign sued ? does it really take a death,accident ,or other issue to make car companies accountable ? please note current mileage IS at 68,000 meaning I don't trust this car nor do I feel safe in selling it to some high schooler or other person because this manufacture isn't honest and rushed out a product all in the name of profit . *tr
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s convertible. The contact stated that the passenger side air bag sensor was constantly illuminated. The dealer stated that the sensor malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.
- Air bags · Seats
The passenger seat air bag sensor IS defective, does not register that anybody IS sitting in the seat and airbag system does not "arm". Airbag disabled lights stay illuminated. I'm concerned that air bags will not deploy properly in the event of an accident. needs to be fixed. *tr
- Air bags · Seat belts
The seat belt indicator and air bag indicator lights have been intermittently coming on whether or not someone IS in the seat. Now the air bag indicator light IS always lit and the seat belt indicator IS still intermittent. I spoke to the dealer we bought the car from and they will not test the…
The seat belt indicator and air bag indicator lights have been intermittently coming on whether or not someone IS in the seat. Now the air bag indicator light IS always lit and the seat belt indicator IS still intermittent. I spoke to the dealer we bought the car from and they will not test the condition under the warranty. We purchased the car on 12/22/2012. It will cost over $100 just for them to tell us if there IS a malfunction. Sounds as though the repair will cost well over $1,000. From research on the internet, it sounds as though this IS a common problem and BMW recalled the BMW models for a similar issue, but MINI will not fix this known problem. I feel this IS a safety issue as we do not know if the airbag system IS working properly or not. Thank you for any assistance you can provide. *tr
- Air bags · Seats
In 2010 my car's passenger air bag system warning came on and I took to the dealer to have repaired under warranty. The dealer replaced the seat because the seat mat occupancy detector had failed. In 2013, the lights came on again. I took back to the dealer and asked them to fix at no charge, as to…
In 2010 my car's passenger air bag system warning came on and I took to the dealer to have repaired under warranty. The dealer replaced the seat because the seat mat occupancy detector had failed. In 2013, the lights came on again. I took back to the dealer and asked them to fix at no charge, as to have the same system fail twice on a car with less than 50,000 miles on it signaled a defective design. MINI refused to repair at no cost and instead provided me with a $1,700 estimate to replace the seat and system. I have filed a formal complaint with MINI USA and am awaiting a response. This IS a safety issue as the passenger airbag IS effectively permanently off. I have read on this website and elsewhere that many owners are experiencing similar issues with this car. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10244507MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can have various causes, most of which are not due to the battery itself. For this reason, a battery replacement will permanently eliminate the problem only in the rarest of cases. The energy diagnosis test module helps to localize these causes. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of a discharged battery cannot be identified. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time, it is very important that the diagnostic test plan is performed to completion; with all results taken into consideration.
- 10193497MINI Water Pump Class Action Settlement
- 10162443Programming a Replacement EGS Module with ISTA/P. Programming a replacement electronic transmission control module (EGS) with ISTA/P requires the manual entry of the correct target basic and programmed part numbers. Programming concept.
- 10151228This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 32 02 14 dated August 2014. SUBJECT Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle is No Longer Required. Left-hand drive steering spindles are currently available.
- 10150304State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails to Read 17-Character VIN. An affected vehicle may fail to pass a state-mandated Inspection and/or Emission (I/M) test due to a noncompliant 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) being read out and displayed on the state's required tester report printout. In accordance with the OBD regulation, all MY 2005 and newer vehicles are required to support the display of their compliant 17-character VINs. These vehicles were produced to be in compliance with this regulation. If the DME was reprogrammed using the previously available BMW service equipment (e.g., Progman, GT1), it was possible that only the last 7 of the VIN were entered into the DME, and positions 4 through 10 may only contain default characters. For example: The state I/M tester or OBD scan tool may read out WBAAA00000A123456 instead of the correct full 17-digit VIN, WBAZZ03492A123456.
- 10150204State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due to an Invalid VIN Number. The affected vehicle may fail to pass a State Inspection and Emission (I/M) test due to a noncompliant 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) stored in the DME (Digital Motor Electronic). The VIN read-out displayed on the state test printout does not match the actual VIN of the vehicle. If the DME was reprogrammed using the previously available BMW service equipment (e.g., Progman, GT1), it was possible that only the last 7 of the VIN were entered into the DME, and positions 4 through 10 may only contain default characters. For example: The state I/M tester or OBD scan tool may read out WBAAA00000A123456 instead of the correct full 17-digit VIN, WBAZZ03492A123456.
- 10150086Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Warranty Extension to 13 years/150,000 miles. On affected vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) pump can fail.
- 10150044Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Warranty Extension to 13 years/150,000 miles. On affected vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) pump can fail.
- 10149392MINI CVT Replacement Parts Warranty Extension: Additional 12 Months with Up to 50,000 Accumulated Miles. A MINI vehicle's CVT assembly or component that was previously repaired and/or replaced by an authorized MINI dealer or BMW center may experience a subsequent failure.
- 10148439Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Limited Warranty Extension to 13 Years/150,000 Miles. On affected vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) pump can fail.
- 10148394Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle. Supply shortage of left-hand drive steering spindles
- 10148241MINI CVT Replacement Parts Warranty Extension: Additional 12 Months with Up to 50,000 Accumulated Miles. A MINI vehicle's CVT assembly or component that was previously repaired and/or replaced by an authorized MINI dealer or BMW center may experience a subsequent failure.
- 10057570MINI: some vehicles have turbocharger noise and a lack or loss of performance, due to restriction of turbocharger oil supply, resulting in oil starvation and seizing of turbocharger assembly. Model all.
- 10044719MINI: there IS a software error causing the service engine soon light to be illuminated that IS related to valvetronic diagnostics. Models R55, R56, R58, R57, R60, R59. No model years listed.
- 10044699MINI: when resealing engine oil pan, engine oil pan gasket replacement should no longer be used due to causing sealing flange becoming deformed. Models R55, R56, R59, R60, R57, and R58. No model years listed.
- 10044680MINI: on certain model vehicles, an engine oil leak may occur, due to the compromised oil pump volume control solenoid valve, from the underside of engine. No model years listed. Updated 4/19/2013. Updated 3/11/14.
- 10043725MINI: after drive-away locking activates, it IS not possible to unlock the boot.
- 10041389BMW: service engine soon light may be on with stored trouble codes and reduced engine power. The high pressure fuel pump malfunctions.
- 10040741BMW: engine too hot message IS displayed with stored trouble codes. The water pump doesnt power up.
- 10040372BMW: the crimping process of the oxygen sensor could lead to an electrical failure inside the sensor. There may be a malfunction light on with a fault code stored.
- 10039593BMW: the airbag warning light IS on with a fault stored. The wiring under the seat may be pinched or damaged.
- 10037305BMW: description and specifications of crankcase ventilation system.
- 10035884MINI: teileclearing for n14/n18 engine drivability and fuel system. Enhanced technical support (teileclearing) process has been developed to help identify the root causes ofcustomer complaints relating to the n14/n18 drivability and fuel system *e.g., long crank, loss of power, ses lamp on, etc.). This process can also help expedite the defect eradication process, once the root cause has been determined. No model years listed.
- 10034867MINI (BMW): service engine soon (mil) lamp IS illuminated; the engine runs rough with any misfire faults stored in the dme-2771, 2772, 2773, 2775, 2776, 2777, 2779, 277A, 277B, 277D, 277E, 277f-combustion misfire, cylinder 1..4. Updated 3/4/11. Updated 4/20/11. Updated 8/10/11. Updated 9/13/11. Updated 10/23/12.
Every MINI Cooper S Convertible model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.