Problems with 2006 MINI Cooper AIR BAGS

The seat sensor for the passenger airbag was replaced once under a recall. after 2 years, it has failed again. the dealer stated that there is only a two year warranty on teh part. it is a safety issue that makes the care unsafe and unusable.

Car accident cause problems , having problems with clutch / flywheel was repaired one time drive slow won't move fast. not steering , has leakage , damage dents on right side front end paint damages, not right color. back bumper damage scratches , hatchback lock needs be replaced. wheels damage lt rt . abs symptom light on, airbag light on, front rear hood light on problems not closing. in motion street .

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. while driving 20 mph, the air bag indicator illuminated. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags). the approximate failure mileage was 92,455.

2006 mini cooper. consumer writes in regards to passenger front seat occupant detection mat sensor failure. *ld the consumer stated the vehicle experienced a detection mat failure. the consumer received a recall notice, but was in accident before it could be completed. the air bags did not deploy. as a result of the failure,the consumer received a skull fracture and other upper body damages. updated 08/31/2017*js

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 mph, there was a loss of power steering. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the power steering pump was replaced however the failure recurred the next day. the vehicle was taken back to the mechanic and unknown repairs were performed. in addition, the air bag warning indicator illuminated continuously. on a separate occasion, the alternator failed and was not replaced. the contact mentioned that the engine cooling fan also failed to function, which caused the radiator to be replaced twice. the engine was replaced at a different time. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact stated that the passenger side air bag warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags). the consumer was informed the air bag control module needed to be replaced. the consumer believed that either the mat sensor or control modules were defective. updated 03/23/16.*jb updated 04/14/16*lj *js *ln*as

I was a passenger in a mini cooper 2006, my friend was hit head on by a drunk driver on a city street. my friend's mini cooper 2006 was totaled. the airbags did not deploy as a result of the front passenger mat sensor defect. i suffered multiple injuries to my chest, hands, arms, and neck that are very serious.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags) and stated that the parts needed for the recall repair were not available. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure. updated 11/09/15*lj

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was not notified of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure. the vin was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure.updated 10/19/15 *bf *cn

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contac stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was not available. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 3,500. updated 10/27/15. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure.

The airbag light is malfunctioning on my mini cooper s convertible. it says on the mini cooper compliant list there is an issue. the dealer says its a seat problem, requiring 1,800.00 for a new seat. this site shows 14 other cars with the same issue. i don't know if the airbag will truly work if i was in an accident. no recall has be issued as of 5-28-2015. please help us get this fixed.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was not available. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide the part to do the repair. the contact had not experienced a failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact received a notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags) however, the remedy and recall part were not available. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was not notified of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure. the vin was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure. the vin was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the front passenger seat occupant detection mat sensor failed. the vehicle was not repaired. in june of 2015, nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags) was received. after contacting both the dealer and the manufacturer, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were not available. the failure mileage was 80,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. when the vehicle was powered on, the air bag warning indicator was consistently illuminated. the failure recurred each time the vehicle was started. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and was not diagnosed. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags); however, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact stated that the front passenger seat no longer detected that a passenger was occupying the seat. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger seat occupant detection mat failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred numerous times. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact stated that the passenger seat air bag light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the air bag seat sensor needed to be replaced. no repairs were made to the vehicle. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 63,000.

The passenger air bag sensor went on in my mini cooper. i noticed this seems to be a common issue. i also had to replace the steering components in the mini cooper, which again seems to be a common issue. i am concerned regarding all the air bag recalls, but at 1,7k to replace the entire seat; that is quite a burden upon a tight budget. i just wanted to use this website as a place where i have documented these issues, so that if there is a insurance claim down the road, because of these faulty issue, i have a documented complaint. *tr

I noticed that the airbag light in the passenger side came on, i kept an eye on it and at first it would go on and off. then it got worse, it would go on and off when i would hit a bump in the road. now its always on, i researched this issue and i found this site w/over 130 complaints on it. i see that bmw had the same issue and did a recall of all airbag issues. mini is made by bmw why would they not cover any year that has the same airbag problem. i'm a teenager and can't afford to fix the issue that's approx $1,500-2,000. or do i wait till my friend or someone gets seriously hurt, or even worse dies from this problem. for bmw and the cost of their cars this is small potatoes for them. for me to fix it mind as well be a million dollars, or the cost of a friend or family member..god forbid!!! if there's this many complaints then shouldn't the manufacturer be held responsible? they had a recall until 05, obviously the problem still cont. into 06 and should be recalled and repaired. they made the car, so i guess they also made the mistake..can someone please take some responsibility. *tr

Passenger seat airbag warning light illuminated and remains on. inspection is due 5/31/2015 so i had it diagnosed by mini dealer. diagnosis was a fault in the sensor system in a module located in the dashboard, behind the glove box - repair cost, $2,000+. they said they had never before experienced a failure in this part. to my understanding, this is not related to the recall in process, which has to do with the sensor in the seat itself (which i have already replaced, december 2012.).

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact stated that the passenger side seat belt warning light and the air bag disabled light illuminated. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. in april 2015, the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags) was received. after contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be given. the failure mileage was 100,000. ma 10/5 updated 10/06/15*lj *cn

Air bag warning light (passenger side) on the dashboard came on intermittently at first and now stays on all of the time, regardless if someone is sitting in the passenger seat or not. took the vehicle to the local mini dealer (international autos, milwaukee, wi) and was told that there was a "faulted air bag oc3 mat" that could be repaired/replaced for $1163.00. as this was an obvious safety issue unrelated to the age or accumulated mileage on the vehicle, i felt that mini usa should authorize a no-cost repair or, at a minimum, provide a replacement part(s) at no cost. the cost to remedy other wear-related issues noted during the inspection of the vehicle are clearly my responsibility. a subsequent phone conversation with mini usa on 01/27/2015 disclosed that, while this was an legitimate vehicle safety issue, they did not feel that this was their responsibility and that i should pay the entire amount necessary to repair this vehicle defect. *tr

Air bag sensor in the detection mat of the passenger's front seat does not recognize passenger . the air bag light for the passenger in the front panel is intermittent, putting at risk of not deploying the air bag during an accident. the light will come up even when i have a purse on the seat or with a full grown adult (over 150 pounds). i recently called 2 local mini dealers in southern california (july 2015) regarding this and both stated the same: that they have not received the spare part required for this recall and cannnot perform until mini provides them with an authorization letter. called immediately the mini customer service line for recalls (1-866-825-1525) to find out when this will be solved since this has been on ongoing issue since mid 2014. mini's customer service representative stated that we needed to wait until a new re-design of this sensor in the detection mat is available from them in order to provide this spare part to the dealers. in the meantime, we are putting at risk any passenger who will ride in our cars for an issue that has been known by mini for over a year!

Right seat air bag occupancy pad sensor causes airbag light to stay on. the sensor has been tested and is inoperative. bmw has a recall for all their vehicles with the same sensor. mini cooper needs to be held accountable for this faulty design and have to replace the occupancy seat sensor at no cost to the owners. this repair cost around $1300.00. if this is not repaired it could prevent the air bags from deploying. *tr

My occupancy sensor 2 mat is bad on the passenger's side. my mechanic told me that he thought there was a recall on this part, otherwise it will be about $1400 to replace. this is a major safety issue because the sensor is unable to read whether or not a passenger is in the seat. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated continuously. the vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 15v20500 (air bags) but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was unknown.

Passenger seat occupancy sensor stop working- causing air bag in passenger seat to shut off. no way to override and seat sensor cost over $1300 to replace. i understand this very common with coopers in this date range. very similar seat sensors for the bmw model has been recalled but not the version for the mini that is failing. seems like design flaw that should be recalled. *tr

Airbag warning light on dash is illuminated after moving passenger seat back and forth. unable to clear the light. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact stated that the air bag light intermittently illuminated. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was 75,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact stated that the air bag warning lamp continued to flicker off and on even though the front passenger seat was occupied. the authorized dealer was notified of the failure several months ago and the vehicle was not repaired. the contact was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 23,000. updated 5/26/15*cn updated 05/29/15*jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger side air bag sensor light illuminated. the cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. in addition, the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags) in june of 2015. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the parts needed to remedy the failure would not be available until august of 2015. the failure mileage was 70,000.

My 2006 mini cooper air bag lights (passenger seat light as well as dash board air bag system lights) are intermittently coming on and staying on when i start my mini. the dashboard light apparently comes on when a fault is detected in the airbag system, and as a result the system is deactivated. this is very serious since i'm now driving in a mini cooper with no airbag protection. the seat light indicates the passenger air bag is turned off due to someone of light weight sitting in the passenger seat. this light is now coming on with any average adult or no one at all sitting in that seat. i decided to check the internet for this issue and was shocked to see how many people had the same issue. even more shocking was repair cost for this issue. dealers are charging customers $1000 to $2000 to replace the passenger seat sensor which appears to be the most common culprit. instead of replacing the sensor itself, the entire seat needs to be replaced. even saw some customers had the same issue reoccur 1 to 2 years after this fix. spoke to my local bmw/mini dealership who acknowledged that bmw had the same issue which is now under recall, but mini does not have a recall. this issue needs to be recalled and fixed ... someone is going to get killed because of it! i love mini but am highly disappointed with how this issue is being handled. my daughter wants to buy a mini ... i will strongly recommend she does not. *tr

Air bag light came on after small pass used the seat and did not go off. after that the light would go off for a while and then come back on. i had it looked by my mechanic and was told it was the seat mat. he cleared the light and it lasted for a couple of weeks. the cost of the part to him was 1400.00 plus labor. i received a safety recall for the same problem for my 2006 bmw. i received another letter from bmw and miss read it thinking it was for the mini cooper. i made an appointment with the mini cooper dealer in my area (raleigh nc) and was told when i showed up that the part was not under recall. i did not have the seat replaced at my cost since it is clearly a safety issue caused by a factory defect. i do not understand how it can be a covered defect in one bmw product and not in another when it is the same problem. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact stated that the passenger side air bag warning light continuously illuminated. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

The red air bag warning light came on. it won't go out. the mini dealer in birmingham said it's not covered under warranty. mini usa said the same thing. however, bmw recalled their 2006 models for the same problem. several other mini owners are reporting the same problem. the owners' manual states that the air bags may not deploy properly in the event of a crash if the warning light is on. this is a safety issue, and mini usa needs to address it. *tr

The bmw mini cooper 2006 has the same safety problem as described in the nhtsa action number : ea08001, nhtsa recall campaign number : 08v384000 but was not included in the vehicle recall list. there are many many owners having to pay $1000 - $2000 for repairs concerning defects to the front passenger seat air bag occupant detection mat. the broken circuit can lead to the deactivation of the passenger air bag and the illumination of both the air bag warning light and the passenger air light. the repair of the detection mat forces the replacement of the passenger seat. my vehicle is now one of the increasingly large number of mini coopers with the failed safety system. many states have yearly safety inspections and the airbag safety situation needs to be corrected before the inspection passes. the mini cooper "r" series vehicles need to be added into the ea08-001 nhtsa recall 08v384000. *tr

As many other mini owners have reported, my srs light is on and the passenger side airbag is continuously off (light stays on). i have no idea if i am driving with or without airbags. *js $1,500 to fix at dealer. mini did a recall on models up to 2005.

The airbag warning light came on. the sensor under the passenger seat was broken. this is a very well known problem with mini's beginning with the 2002 model, but especially with the 2006. bmw which owns mini had the same problem with the same year car and issued a recall, but mini never did. the dealer wants $1500 to fix the problem, but others with the same car have had the part break as many as three times. the sensor is to detect that there is a passenger and the weight of the passenger so that the force of the airbag can be regulated if a child or child car seat is in the passenger seat. it is unscionable that mini would jeopardize safety after they have known of this problem for years. customer relations at mini usa was unwilling to resolve this issue. *tr

In addition to my previous post, more information on this situation, this note sent to miniusa.com, my 2006 mini cooper has the airbag light illuminated above the rear view mirror and is generating an error 71, passenger occupancy sensor fault. it is my understanding this is due to a faulty sensor mat under the seat. from my research i see that this has been covered under an extended warranty for the oc3 seat mat sensor which is used in bmw as well as mini models. i am requesting that this sensor be replaced in my mini cooper as i fear the passenger airbag will not deploy in an accident due to the documented faulty sensor. the recall is stated at http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/content/contactus/voluntaryrecall.aspx, *tr

The airbag warning light is on and dealer has said the sensor in the passenger seat is bad and the pad and sensor must be replaced at a cost of $1400. i cannot believe that a car this popular has this kind of safety issue. i would expect mini to at the very least to cover the cost of the pad or sensor. unbelievable. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper. the contact stated that the front passenger side air bag warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger seat air bag sensor needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 65,000.

Passenger seat occupancy sensor srs light failed while one of my friend was trying to be seated in my car. *tr

Air bag light went on for no reason, it is due to a faulty sensor that mini is aware of the problem but refuses to correct. i don't have 1700 dollars to replace passenger seat - so all passengers will be at risk when i drive, as the air bag won't deploy or will deploy at full force. *tr

Recently purchased a 2006 mini cooper for my teen child. we now discovered that the passenger airbag notification should not be on. we took it to a bmw dealer to have this looked, and we were told that it's due to a faulty passenger occupancy sensor in the passenger seat bottom requiring a replacement at a cost of $1700. after further investigation, i see that this is a common problem. this could be safety concern, and i believe that bmw should be responsible to have this problem corrected. i am not sure if the airbag will deploy if a passenger is seated. this is a situation that needs to be remedied through a recall. mini should extended their airbag system warranty. *tr