Research · Subcompact Cars

2009 MINI ClubmanRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 39 owner complaints for the 2009 MINI Clubman. Most complaints involve engine (11) and air bags (10). The EPA rates it 29–32 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
29–32mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
39
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2009 MINI Clubman as of Oct 31, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 31, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

39 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2011 – Oct 2024
  1. Engine11
  2. Air bags10
  3. Electrical system8
  4. Power train5
  5. Structure4
  6. Engine and engine cooling3
  7. Seats2
  8. Fuel/propulsion system2
  9. Steering2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Clubman model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200838
200939
201028
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

11 reports
“REPLACED THERMOSTAT, HEATER STOPPED WORKING, VEHICLE OVERHEATED WHAT SEEMS TO BE A FAULTY WATER PUMP OR THERMOSTAT, CAR SMOKED INTENSELY DROVE SHORT DISTANCE- THERMOSTAT MELTED- MOTOR BLEW. THIS VEHICLE WAS WELL MAINTAINED***”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 6, 2019Unknown or other, EngineODI 11174778

Air bags

10 reports
“I recently purchased a 2009 mini cooper clubman. Within three weeks of taking possession of the car, the airbag warning light activated. Upon a diagnostic test, it was determined that the passenger occupancy sensor was malfunctioning. After discussing this with the mini cooper dealer in my area and mini USA, it was acknowledged that this was a well known and documented issue. First generation mini coopers were afforded a safety recall to rectify this safety issue while second generation cars were given an extended warranty. Unfortunately, I am now driving a car outside of the extended warranty that was only offered to the original owner with a faulty airbag system for any passenger in my car. A recall MUST be issued for the second generation mini cooper to hold the company responsible for this faulty design. Owners of these cars are avoiding the $2500 repair bill by installing sensor bypass modules in order to clear the malfunctioning light warning. NHSTA is well aware of this problem as I have read hundreds of issues and concerns in mini cooper forums. Please address this problem as force the recall on the occupancy airbag sensor before a passenger is seriously injured or killed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 16, 2024Air bagsODI 11589199

Electrical system

8 reports1 fire
“The contact owned a 2009 Min Cooper Clubman. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, turned on, and unoccupied, there was black smoke coming from the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated the footwell control module located on the driver's side had caught on fire. The vehicle was extinguished by the Fire Department. The vehicle was destroyed as it was consumed by the fire. A fire report was filed, and a fire report number was provided; however, the cause for the failure was not yet determined. A police report was not filed due to the incident occurring on private property. No injuries were sustained. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not towed and remained at the incident location. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. Parts…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 29, 2024Electrical systemFire reportedODI 11622540
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 6-spd · Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Clubman
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
283732$2,500278
Clubman
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
253429$2,750306
  • Clubman
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    28 city · 37 hwy · $2,500/yr
    32
    mpg comb.
  • Clubman
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    25 city · 34 hwy · $2,750/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 MINI Clubman as of Oct 31, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 31, 2026Vehicle 5405
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2009 Clubman questions

How many recalls does the 2009 MINI Clubman have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 31, 2026.

What are the most common 2009 MINI Clubman problems?

Owners filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (11), air bags (10), electrical system (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 MINI Clubman get?

The EPA rates the 2009 MINI Clubman at 29–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 31, 2026