Problems · by component

2009 MINI Cooper electrical system problems

25 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2009 MINI Cooper cite electrical system, 16% of all 152 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
25
16% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH at night, the exterior lights started flickering and started to become inoperable. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, removed the battery terminals, and performed a master reset. After the master reset, there was an abnormal clicking sound inside the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to the residence. After arriving to the residence, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was parked and turned. The vehicle was then taken to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the relays inside the junction box used to control several of the electronic features had become inoperable. The mechanic suggested that the vehicle not be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2026Electrical systemODI 11754946
“When it rains, my car seems to have a short circuit and all the electrical components start going crazy, mainly the windows, locks and indoor lights/dash. There is an active recall for the same problem and car model but mine doesn't seem to fit the recall I am not sure why.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 31, 2025Electrical systemODI 11677585
“My car has had an exterior lighting problem related to a bad FRM. This is causing my lights not to work. After seeking help, I saw that there was an actual recall on the FRM and I decided to take my car to International Mini dealership in Wisconsin. Once there, they proceeded to only fix the leak on sunroof. I then went back and explained that the leak had caused actual damage to the FRM and connectors and they told me to leave the car for another night. Next day I went to pick it up and they gave me the paperwork stating that they had replaced and reprogrammed the FRM but the problem persist. The connector on the FRM are also water corroded and they just refuse to do anything else to the car. I can’t drive my car due to the safety hazard of not having any exterior lights working.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 12, 2025Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11654250
“The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the headlights, taillights, and the turn signal lights were inoperable. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); but the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights had remained illuminated after the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 17, 2025Electrical systemODI 11648826
“The contact owned a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that after the vehicle was unoccupied and parked in the residential garage, she was putting her children down for a nap and 2 minutes later, the contact and her husband smelled smoke within the residence, shortly afterward it was discovered that the garage was engulfed in flames. The contact called 911 and evacuated her family of 2 dogs, and 2 minor children. The contact sustained injuries to both arms, both legs and her rear end up to her back. The husband sustained bruises right leg and back. The contact's toddler son sustained a bruise from running into the wall in the residence. No medical attention was sought. The contact mentioned that 1 of the dogs sustained abnormal breathing injuries. The police and fire departments arrived on the scene, and the firefighters extinguished the fire. The fire consumed the vehicle in the garage and resulted in damage to the residence. Police and fire department reports were filed. The contact does not have the fire report, yet, and was currently being worked by the chief of the fire department. The vehicle currently remained on the scene. The insurance company deemed…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 23, 2025Electrical systemFire reportedODI 11638081
“The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 16, 2024Electrical systemODI 11602800

Showing 6 of 25 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Electrical system

Free remedy

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.

Electrical systemReported May 11, 2023NHTSA 23V337000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026

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

Other 2009 Cooper problem areas