Ten problems related to air bag not deploy have been reported for the 2006 Mini Cooper. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2006 Mini Cooper based on all problems reported for the 2006 Cooper.
2006 Mini Cooper. Consumer writes in regards to passenger front seat occupant detection mat sensor failure. 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.
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.
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.
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. . Read more...
From my research, the 2006 Mini has a faulty passenger occupancy sensor in the passenger seat bottom requiring a replacement at a cost of over $1000. Since 2006 was the first year for this requirement, I believe they did not properly test the device before releasing them into production as I have researched and read on many failures of this device. I cannot determine conclusively if the airbag will or will not deploy in this situation and Mini will be liable in a situation if it does not deploy the airbag properly with a passenger seated. This is a situation that needs to be remedied through a recall. Mini extended their airbag system warranty on the 2002 - 2005 models to 10 years or 150,000 miles and should do the same for the 2006+ models.
When I started my vehicle, 2006 Mini Cooper, the passenger airbag warning lights came on for no apparent reason there was no one in the passenger seat at the time. There was an August, 2008 BMW recall on 150,000 2002-2006 Mini Cooper's for this same passenger light airbag issue. BMW extended the warranty to 10 years on all of these recailed vehicles by VIN#. I had this diagnosed by a BMW service center & a faulty passenger sensor pad in the passenger seat is causing the issue. The sensor pad is attached to the bottom of the passenger seat so both items have to be replaced which will cost approx. $1,200. I spoke to Mini USA & my VIN# was not on the 2008 recall. I then asked Mini USA how do I get my VIN# on the recall list & was to told to go to this website & file a complaint. After your investigation, Mini USA told me that you can have my vehicle VIN# added to the August, 2008 recall. Mini USA was also unable to tell me if my passenger seat airbag will properly deploy in the event of a accident. I consider this an extremely serious safety issue (possible death) if the airbag does not properly deploy because of a faulty passenger seat sensor pad! please help. . . . . Thanks.
The seat sensor is faulty. It reads that someone under 30lbs is in it (disabling the airbag) the dash light verifies it is off. This problem is intermittent to this day. So if a crash occurs the sensor won't read correctly if anyone is in the seat or not, the airbag may not deploy and if it does will do so possibly with too much force.
The right front occupant sensor for air bag appears to be defective. It had to be replaced. We have heard of several Mini Cooper's that have defective seat sensors. When this sensor fails, the air bags may not deploy as designed. This is a safety system failure. Cost to replace this sensor was over $1,400. 00.
Our 2006 Mini Cooper hatchback's passenger side air bag indicator stays on with or without a passenger. Sometimes with a passenger, it will go on and off sporadically. If the light is on when there is a passenger it would be logical to assume that the airbag will not deploy. After researching this problem on the internet, it would appear that this problem is wide-spread and dangerous.
Airbag warning light comes on whether or not a passenger is in the front passenger seat. The dealer says the airbag sensor in the seat needs to be replaced. This cost us over $1500. In 2006 Mini issued an extended warranty for 2002 and 2003 models with the same defect. BMW's investigation of the same sensor under the passenger seats of BMW autos resulted in a recall of this part. Nhtsa action number: ea08001. This is a serious safety concern. Message boards have instances of people paying for this expensive safety defect at the dealer, and the problems returning after 1 to 2 years in some cases. Someone with be seriously hurt or killed if the passenger airbag fails to deploy.