Total Complaints
38 filings
MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE · model year
38 NHTSA complaints, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2006MINICOOPER CONVERTIBLE carries 38 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2006 COOPER CONVERTIBLE is air bags with 12 filings, followed by steering (10) and electrical system (5). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2006 COOPER CONVERTIBLE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
38 filings
Crashes Reported
0 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 12 |
| STEERING | 10 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 5 |
| SEATS | 5 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 2 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN | 1 |
| AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER | 1 |
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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 manufacturin
Power steering pump grinding. This was a recall on the 2002-2005 model but not the 2006. The same issue is happening with this car that happened with the recall vehicles and I would expect bmw to fix this problem. Thanks
Power steering pump went out while driving the car. Car was extremely hard to steer. Almost hit a guard rail. Had the car towed home and then to a garage. This is a known problem with Mini Coopers from year 2002 to 2006. Websites and Mini Cooper Forums are loaded with Power Steering Pumps failing. No warning. Pump was confirmed to be the problem by an independent garage that only services high end german cars. Power Steering Pump was diagnosed to be bad on 8/04/2022. Car has a little over 60,000 miles on it.
The contact owns a 2006 Mini Cooper Convertible. The contact stated that the front passengerâs seat occupant detection mat was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V205000 (Air Bags) three years ago; however, the front passenger's side air bag warning light had been illuminating intermittently. The contact stated that the front passenger's side air bag warning light would illuminate whenever a lightweight passenger or a heavier passenger would sit in the front passengerâs seat. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Mileage: 125,000
Passenger air bag light went on and i took it to Mini dealer who diagnosed that ht passenger seat matt sensor failed and recommendedreplacement of seatmatt sensor I called Mini about safetyrecall NHTSA15V20500 of 4/6/2015, and they informed me my VIN/vehicle was not part of thatrecall
I DROVE THE CAR EARLIER AND IT WAS FINE. I RETURNED HOME AND THEN HOURS LATER TRIED TO PULL OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY TO FIND I COULDN'T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THANK GOODNESS I WASN'T DRIVING WHEN IT WENT OR I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL. APPARENTLY AFTER READING ONLINE QUITE A BIT THIS IS A PROBLEM AND THERE IS NO RECALL OR EVEN A CAMPAIGN OR BULLETIN. THIS IS GOING TO BE A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. DUE TO THE SAFETY ISSUE ALONE I'M FRANKLY SHOCKED. APPARENTLY BMW DEALERS ARE CLEANING UP DUE TO THE EXPENSE OF THE REPAIR. I'M LOOKING AT A MINIMUM OF $1500. APPORX 60% OF VEHICLES HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE.
POWER STEERING GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, WITHOUT ANY WARNING. VERY STIFF. HARD TO CONTROL. CAN'T TURN. SCARY!!!
Mileage: 122,000
POWER STEERING RANDOMLY WHEN OUT WHILE IN MOTION. THANKFULLY, I WAS ON A LOCAL ROAD GOING SLOWLY WHEN IT HAPPENED. PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE, TURNED OFF THE CAR AND TURNED IT BACK ON. POWER STEERING CAME BACK.
Mileage: 122,000
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF. SEAT CANNOT DETECT PASSENGER AND DISABLE AIRBAG. THERE IS A RECALL GOING ON, BUT IT DID NOT INCLUDE MY VIN NUMBER. MINI USA REPRESENTATIVE GAVE NO ANSWER, NO TIMELINE, NO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. JUST TOLD ME TO WAIT. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT'S BMW/MINI.
Mileage: 42,000
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF. SEAT CANNOT DETECT PASSENGER AND DISABLE AIRBAG. THERE IS A RECALL GOING ON, BUT IT DID NOT INCLUDE MY VIN NUMBER. MINI USA REPRESENTATIVE GAVE NO ANSWER, NO TIMELINE, NO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. JUST TOLD ME TO WAIT. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT'S BMW/MINI.
Mileage: 42,000
FEBRUARY OF 2014 DRIVING MY 2006 CONVERTIBLE ON CURVY HIGHWAY AT 50 MPH. LOUD SHRIEKING NOISE AND THEN STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. TOWED TO MECHANIC. HAD STEERING PUMP & FAN REPLACED. TOTAL COST $1,038.54. 2005 MINI'S HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT DEFAULT. CALLED MINI AND THEY WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME BECAUSE MINE IS A 2006. HOWEVER, MY MINI WAS MADE IN 2005. *TR
Mileage: 100,823
PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR SHOWS AIR BAG DISABLED INTERMITTENTLY, EVEN WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY FULL SIZED ADULT (OVER 140 POUNDS). THIS MEANS MY PASSENGER IS AT RISK OF SEVERE INJURY IN CASE OF CRASH, AS THE AIR BAG IS DISABLED. IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, THE LIGHT IS OFF AND ON INTERMITTENTLY EVEN WHEN THE SEAT IS NOT OCCUPIED. DITTO IF A 5 POUND LUNCH BOX IS ON THE SEAT. BMW/MINI REFUSES TO CORRECT THIS SIGNIFICANT SAFETY DEFECT IN MINIS, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE MAKING FREE REPAIRS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN MANY BMWS OF SIMILAR YEARS, AND HAVE EVEN MADE AN WARRANTY EXTENSION OF MANY YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILES FOR AFFECTED BMWS. *TR
Mileage: 43,001
PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR SHOWS AIR BAG DISABLED INTERMITTENTLY, EVEN WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY FULL SIZED ADULT (OVER 140 POUNDS). THIS MEANS MY PASSENGER IS AT RISK OF SEVERE INJURY IN CASE OF CRASH, AS THE AIR BAG IS DISABLED. IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, THE LIGHT IS OFF AND ON INTERMITTENTLY EVEN WHEN THE SEAT IS NOT OCCUPIED. DITTO IF A 5 POUND LUNCH BOX IS ON THE SEAT. BMW/MINI REFUSES TO CORRECT THIS SIGNIFICANT SAFETY DEFECT IN MINIS, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE MAKING FREE REPAIRS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN MANY BMWS OF SIMILAR YEARS, AND HAVE EVEN MADE AN WARRANTY EXTENSION OF MANY YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILES FOR AFFECTED BMWS. *TR
Mileage: 43,001
PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR SHOWS AIR BAG DISABLED INTERMITTENTLY, EVEN WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY FULL SIZED ADULT (OVER 140 POUNDS). THIS MEANS MY PASSENGER IS AT RISK OF SEVERE INJURY IN CASE OF CRASH, AS THE AIR BAG IS DISABLED. IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, THE LIGHT IS OFF AND ON INTERMITTENTLY EVEN WHEN THE SEAT IS NOT OCCUPIED. DITTO IF A 5 POUND LUNCH BOX IS ON THE SEAT. BMW/MINI REFUSES TO CORRECT THIS SIGNIFICANT SAFETY DEFECT IN MINIS, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE MAKING FREE REPAIRS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN MANY BMWS OF SIMILAR YEARS, AND HAVE EVEN MADE AN WARRANTY EXTENSION OF MANY YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILES FOR AFFECTED BMWS. *TR
Mileage: 43,001
PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT KEEPS FLICKERING ON AND OFF. THIS HAPPENS A LOT. *TR
Mileage: 16,000
PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT KEEPS FLICKERING ON AND OFF. THIS HAPPENS A LOT. *TR
Mileage: 16,000
POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING. THE POWER STEERING RETURNED AFTER PARKING THE CAR AND STARTING ON THE NEXT TRIP. OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. IT COULD EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF IT HAPPENS AT THE WRONG TIME. THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED BY REPLACING THE POWER STEERING PUMP. *TR
Mileage: 75,000
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DISABLED LIGHT TURNS ON INTERMITTENTLY, EVEN WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY AN ADULT. THE AIRBAG MIGHT NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY A FAULTY PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT IN THE SEAT CUSHION. IT FAILED ONCE BEFORE AND WAS REPLACED BY THE CAR DEALER. NOW THE REPLACEMENT SENSOR MAT IS ALSO FAILING. *TR
Mileage: 80,000
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DISABLED LIGHT TURNS ON INTERMITTENTLY, EVEN WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY AN ADULT. THE AIRBAG MIGHT NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY A FAULTY PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT IN THE SEAT CUSHION. IT FAILED ONCE BEFORE AND WAS REPLACED BY THE CAR DEALER. NOW THE REPLACEMENT SENSOR MAT IS ALSO FAILING. *TR
Mileage: 80,000
PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR ILLUMINATES AT ALL TIMES INDICATING NO PASSENGER EVEN WHEN PASSENGER IS PRESENT, THEREBY PREVENTING THE AIRBAG FROM DEPLOYING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS INCIDENT IS EXTREMELY WIDESPREAD AND FOUND ON COUNTLESS BLOGS ON THE INTERNET. AT THIS POINT, PEOPLE ARE COMPLETELY DISABLING THE SYSTEM THROUGH A DEVICE FOUND ONLINE JUST TO TURN THE LIGHT OFF - MEANWHILE PUTTING THEIR PASSENGERS AT RISK. BMW (MANUFACTURER OF MINI) HAS RECALLED THE SAME ITEM ON NUMEROUS BMW'S AND EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THOSE PARTS DUE TO THE INHERENT SAFETY CONCERNS. HOW THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED YET OR LOOKED PAST FOR THE MINI IS COMPLETELY BAFFLING. SOMEBODY APPEARS TO NOT BE DOING THEIR JOB! SO ALONG WITH THE OTHER MULTIPLE POSTS ON THIS PARTICULAR SITE, I WOULD LIKE TO ADD MINE AND REQUEST PLEASE THAT SOMEBODY LOOK INTO THIS SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS REPEATEDLY COSTING MINI CUSTOMERS LARGE SUMS OF MONEY OR THEIR SAFETY. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. THANK YOU. *TR
Mileage: 65,000
PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR ILLUMINATES AT ALL TIMES INDICATING NO PASSENGER EVEN WHEN PASSENGER IS PRESENT, THEREBY PREVENTING THE AIRBAG FROM DEPLOYING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS INCIDENT IS EXTREMELY WIDESPREAD AND FOUND ON COUNTLESS BLOGS ON THE INTERNET. AT THIS POINT, PEOPLE ARE COMPLETELY DISABLING THE SYSTEM THROUGH A DEVICE FOUND ONLINE JUST TO TURN THE LIGHT OFF - MEANWHILE PUTTING THEIR PASSENGERS AT RISK. BMW (MANUFACTURER OF MINI) HAS RECALLED THE SAME ITEM ON NUMEROUS BMW'S AND EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THOSE PARTS DUE TO THE INHERENT SAFETY CONCERNS. HOW THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED YET OR LOOKED PAST FOR THE MINI IS COMPLETELY BAFFLING. SOMEBODY APPEARS TO NOT BE DOING THEIR JOB! SO ALONG WITH THE OTHER MULTIPLE POSTS ON THIS PARTICULAR SITE, I WOULD LIKE TO ADD MINE AND REQUEST PLEASE THAT SOMEBODY LOOK INTO THIS SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS REPEATEDLY COSTING MINI CUSTOMERS LARGE SUMS OF MONEY OR THEIR SAFETY. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. THANK YOU. *TR
Mileage: 65,000
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.