Five problems related to air bag not deploy have been reported for the 2009 Mini Cooper. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I recently purchased a 2009 Mini Cooper and the airbag and seatbelt warning lights come on whenever I get in the car. The light came on recently when I started the car and it now occurs every time I turn the motor on. I've been online researching the problem and discovered that this may mean that the airbags will not deploy if I have an accident. This appears to be a problem facing a number of Mini Cooper owners and BMW has not resolved this problem after many complaints.
34,000 miles 2009 Mini Cooper. Passenger airbag light on and off intermittently. Quoted cost to repair about $800 just for the part, possibility of airbags not deploying when in an accident. Seems to be a typical Mini issue with a slew of similar issues (sometimes multiple replacements), sensor in seat cushion and entire seat would need replaced. Same problem that resulted in 2005-2008 model recalls, but not 2009? with the issue being this prevalent? very worrisome, passengers riding in car without the protection of an airbag deploying.
Passenger side airbag warning light keeps coming on whether a passenger is seated or not in front seat. It originally went on and off at sporadic times and mimi told me that I should not place anything on passengers seat like my handbag as it will assume a passenger is sitting in the seat. The later part of June 2016, it came on and stayed on continuously. Currently, have an outstanding repair order with Mini but was told part has been on back order for well over a month. Price quoted for repair $1240. 00. I drive the interstate on a daily basis and am concerned that the air bags will not deploy if I'm involved in an accident. The light comes on as soon as the car is started and will sometimes go off for a few minutes while driving, but will then come back on.
The passenger airbag off light illuminated. It is intermittent and diagnostics show that there is an issue with the sensor in the seat. This requires complete replacement of the seat. Although there is no danger to the passenger (airbag will not deploy), the car will not pass inspection when it comes due in Nov 2015.
Takata recall: the airbag light came on over a year ago and it says that the passenger air bag is turned off. It will come on and off randomly. I brought it in to the certified independent Mini mechanic in town who said the passenger occupancy sensor is faulty and will need to be replaced. As it is right now, the passenger airbag would not deploy in the case of an accident.