2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible: 1 recall, 36 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V205000 · 2015 · 91,800 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (18): the most common themes are warning light on (8), fails to deploy (2).
- Seats (6): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
- Steering (5): the most common themes are steering problems (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (5): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (3), noise or vibration (2).
The 2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible has 36 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 8 Cooper S Convertible model years for complaints (2.1× the average Cooper S Convertible year). Complaints peaked in 2015 (12 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 63,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (61 complaints, 1 recalls), 2007 (8 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 24 | Premium |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible problems?
Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (18), seats (6), steering (5).
What gas mileage does the 2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.