Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 MINI Clubman S, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 16 | 31% |
| Electrical system | 6 | 12% |
| Power train | 6 | 12% |
| Air bags | 4 | 8% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 6% |
| Power train | 2 | 4% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 4% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 4% |
| Air bags | 1 | 2% |
| Power train | 1 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I am writing to formally request reimbursement for a timing chain replacement performed on my vehicle, which was the subject of a specific safety recall issued by BMW. The timing chain defect in this vehicle represents a
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contacted became aware of a failure with the electrical system. The contact stated that the instrument panel fa
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S 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 contact stated
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was mad
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the contact stated that there was a leak on the passenger’s side which cau
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Copper S 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 contact stated
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System);
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR IS MALFUNCTIONING. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR FAILURE RESULTS IN THE AIRBAG FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE BEING DISABLED WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION/DRIVING REGARDLESS OF WHETHER A PERSON IS SITTING IN TH
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
| Reliability raw | 86 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 75 | good |
| Maintenance | 80 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 54 | average |
| Performance | 47 | below average |
| Efficiency | 44 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other compact cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 16 of them (31%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 86/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 75/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2009 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 70/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.