MINI Cooper Convertible Recalls: Every NHTSA Recall by Model Year
The MINI Cooper Convertible has 7 NHTSA safety recalls across model years 2005–2026; the most recent is 25V616000 (Sep 17, 2025) for seat belts, covering 2025–2026 models. The 2016 model year has the most, with 3.
Recall repairs are free at MINI dealers. This list is model-level, so it can't tell you whether your car is affected or already fixed. For that, check your VIN.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns · Data pulled Nov 7, 2026 · By CarWhere Research
Most Cooper Convertible recalls involve seat belts (2), air bags (1) and equipment (1).
MINI Cooper Convertible recalls by model year
Campaigns that cover each model year. One campaign can cover several years, so it is counted once in every year it covers.
| Model year | Recalls | Main components | Per-year check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | seat belts | 2026 Cooper Convertible recalls |
| 2025 | 1 | seat belts | 2025 Cooper Convertible recalls |
| 2016 | 3 | exterior lighting, seat belts, steering | 2016 Cooper Convertible recalls |
| 2009 | 1 | tires | 2009 Cooper Convertible recalls |
| 2008 | 1 | air bags | 2008 Cooper Convertible recalls |
| 2007 | 2 | air bags, equipment | 2007 Cooper Convertible recalls |
| 2006 | 1 | air bags | 2006 Cooper Convertible recalls |
| 2005 | 1 | air bags | 2005 Cooper Convertible recalls |
Biggest MINI Cooper Convertible recalls
Ranked by the number of vehicles NHTSA lists for the whole campaign. That total often includes other models.
Cooper Convertible model years: 2005–2008
Cooper Convertible model years: 2016
Cooper Convertible model years: 2016
Cooper Convertible model years: 2025–2026
Cooper Convertible model years: 2007
All 7 MINI Cooper Convertible recalls (newest first)
Sep 17, 202525V616000Seat belts2025–2026
Component: Seat belts (front, retractor)
Cooper Convertible model years: 2025–2026 · about 1,571 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2025-2026 X1 and X2, MINI Cooper Convertible, MINI Cooper, Mini Countryman S ALL4, and 2025 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. The torsion bar in both front seat belt retractors may have been damaged during production.
The risk: A damaged seat belt retractor may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace both front seat belt retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 13, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 7, 2025.
Mar 31, 201717V222000Exterior lighting2016
Component: Exterior lighting (brake lights)
Cooper Convertible model years: 2016 · about 16,883 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 MINI Cooper Clubman, Cooper S Clubman and JCW Clubman vehicles. When the affected vehicles are braking and the turn signals are on, the inner, bumper-mounted, brake light will go out. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: If the brake light does not illuminate when a turn signal is activated, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the vehicle to correct the brake lighting, free of charge. The recall began May 22, 2017. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Oct 17, 201616V747000Seat belts2016
Component: Seat belts (front, retractor)
Cooper Convertible model years: 2016 · about 15,455 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, MINI Hardtop 4 Door Cooper, Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper S, MINI Cooper Clubman, and Cooper S Clubman, 2017 Rolls-Royce Ghost, and 2016 528i vehicles. The vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism of the seat belt Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for the driver's seat may not lock as designed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
The risk: In the event of a crash where heavy braking is applied, the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) may activate when the occupant is more forward in the seat, possibly increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Dec 30, 201515V887000Steering2016
Component: Steering (gear box (other than rack and pinion))
Cooper Convertible model years: 2016 · about 2 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one model year 2016 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door vehicle manufactured November 24, 2015, and one BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) manufactured October, 19 2015. The steering gearbox may have been manufactured with incorrect parts.
The risk: A gearbox malfunction may cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will replace the steering gearbox, free of charge. Affected vehicles are located in dealer inventory and will be remedied before customer retail. The recall began on December 28, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Apr 6, 201515V205000Air bags2005–2008
Component: Air bags (frontal)
Cooper Convertible model years: 2005–2008 · about 91,800 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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 seat occupant detection mat may not function properly and, as a result, the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash.
The 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.
The fix: 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.
Apr 30, 200909V143000Tires2009
Component: Tires
Cooper Convertible model years: 2009 · about 12 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: BMW IS RECALLING 12 MY 2009 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE DELIVERED WITH 15-INCH WHEELS INSTEAD OF 16-INCH WHEELS AS INTENDED, AND THE TIRE LABEL INDICATES 16 INCH WHEELS.
The risk: THE WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE DO NOT CONFORM TO THE TIRE LABEL AS REQUIRED.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE 15 INCH WHEELS WITH 16-INCH WHEELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-866-646-4772.
Nov 20, 200707V533000Equipment2007
Component: Equipment (other, labels)
Cooper Convertible model years: 2007 · about 320 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: CERTAIN CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.' THE STANDARD REQUIRES THAT THE TIRE SIZE AND CORRESPONDING TIRE PRESSURE BE INDICATED ON THE LABEL AND THE LABEL DOES NOT CORRESPOND TO THE ACTUAL TIRES MOUNTED ON THE VEHICLE.
The risk: INCORRECT TIRE PRESSURE CAN CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR AND TIRE DAMAGE WHICH COULD LEAD TO UNFAVORABLE DRIVING CONDITIONS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW TIRE INFORMATION PLACARDS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MINI AT 1-866-275-6464.
How to check if your Cooper Convertible has an open recall
- Find the 17-character VIN on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the door-jamb sticker, or your registration.
- Enter it in the free VIN recall check. It queries NHTSA for your exact vehicle, not just the model.
- If a recall is open, call any MINI dealer's service department to book the free repair. Bring the recall number from the list above.
- Buying used? Ask the seller for the dealer's recall-completion printout before you pay.
Or browse by year, for example the 2026 MINI Cooper Convertible recall check.
Recalls are only part of the picture. Owner complaints show which years have the most problems: MINI Cooper Convertible years to avoid.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the MINI Cooper Convertible have?
7 NHTSA safety recall campaigns cover the MINI Cooper Convertible across model years 2005–2026. A single campaign often spans several model years, so the per-year counts in the table add up to more than 7. The 2016 model year has the most, with 3.
What is the latest MINI Cooper Convertible recall?
25V616000, filed with NHTSA on Sep 17, 2025: seat belts (front, retractor), covering 2025–2026 Cooper Convertible models. The fix is free at MINI dealers.
What is the biggest MINI Cooper Convertible recall?
By vehicles covered, 15V205000 (Apr 6, 2015), a air bags campaign covering about 91,800 vehicles in total. That count is for the whole campaign, which can include other models besides the Cooper Convertible.
How do I check if my MINI Cooper Convertible has an open recall?
Run your 17-character VIN through a VIN recall check. A model-level list can't tell you whether your car was built in the affected range or has already been repaired. Any MINI dealer can also look up the VIN and do the repair.
Are MINI recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety-recall repairs are done free at franchised MINI dealers, whether or not the warranty has expired and wherever you bought the car. Manufacturers must offer a free remedy for vehicles up to 15 years old at the time the recall is filed, and many still repair older ones.
Sources and method
- NHTSA recalls database: every campaign for the MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE, queried by model year through NHTSA's public recalls API (api.nhtsa.gov).
- Affected-vehicle counts are NHTSA's "potential units affected" for the whole campaign, which can include other models.
- Campaigns filed under a separate NHTSA model name (for example a hybrid or heavy-duty variant) are not included here.
- Data pulled Nov 7, 2026. Problem, risk and fix text is NHTSA's own campaign wording.