MINI Cooper S Convertible Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jun 2, 2026 · 138 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 138 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file for the MINI Cooper S Convertible, across 8 model years (2005–2012). The 2005 model year has the most complaints (61). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.

Peak: 2005, with 61 complaints
2005: 612005612006: 362006362007: 8200782008: 7200872009: 9200992010: 102010102011: 4201142012: 320123

n = 138 complaints · Source: NHTSA

MINI Cooper S Convertible years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Cooper S Convertible year: 2005, 2006. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2005 Cooper S Convertible: 61 complaints, 1 recall
  2. 2006 Cooper S Convertible: 36 complaints, 1 recall
  3. 2010 Cooper S Convertible: 10 complaints, 1 recall

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2012 Cooper S Convertible: 3 complaints, 1 recall
  2. 2011 Cooper S Convertible: 4 complaints, 2 recalls
  3. 2008 Cooper S Convertible: 7 complaints, 1 recall

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common MINI Cooper S Convertible problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Air Bags4570
Steering4440
Engine1650
Power Train1450
Seats1250
Electrical System1060
Engine and Engine Cooling730
Seat Belts420
Structure430
Electronic Stability Control (esc)320
Service Brakes, Hydraulic330
Fuel/propulsion System220
Service Brakes220
Equipment110
Equipment Adaptive/mobility110
Suspension110
Vehicle Speed Control110
Wheels110

All MINI Cooper S Convertible model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2012 Cooper S Convertible31—Electrical System
2011 Cooper S Convertible42—Electrical System
2010 Cooper S Convertible101—EngineMore complaints than other years
2009 Cooper S Convertible91—Engine
2008 Cooper S Convertible71—Air Bags
2007 Cooper S Convertible82—Air Bags
2006 Cooper S Convertible361—Air BagsFar more complaints than other years
2005 Cooper S Convertible611—SteeringFar more complaints than other years

More from MINI: all MINI models · MINI VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which MINI Cooper S Convertible years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2005 (61), 2006 (36) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Cooper S Convertible year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the MINI Cooper S Convertible?

Air Bags, with 45 complaints across 7 model years.

How many recalls does the MINI Cooper S Convertible have?

4 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.