Table 1 shows one common seats related problems of the 2012 Mini Cooper.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Seats problems |
Passenger side airbag light on with no one in seat, had it checked, the repair shop stated that there is a seat sensor fault, the code is 93c3(passenger seat occupancy detector). I have done some research on this and it seems that this a common problem, but there hasn't been any recalls by Mini, and if there is an accident the airbag may not deploy. I was told to by the dealer that it will cost $2300 for parts and labor.
Warning lamp for "airbag system failed" illuminated one day while driving on a straight street "in town" approx 25mph. At first light went off if I buckled passenger seatbelt (even when seat was empty) now it won't go off even doing that. . . Also doesn't matter if driving at high or low speeds, road types, turning, stopping, parked, driving, passenger in rider's seat, no riding passenger, etc, it will illuminate (& I never place anything on my passenger seat). Took to a mechanic - he checked & provided code 9435. Stated airbags might not deploy when this warning lamp is illuminated. Said this is a common problem with Mini Coopers & is a safety issue that he thinks probably should be covered under a recall. Contacted Mini dealership - said no recall for my vehicle. From what I have found there are almost 100,000 other Minis that have had a recall for this same problem, however, they tell me my vehicle is not included in the recall - want to charge me Minimally $65 just to re-diagnose the code, then labor & parts to fix! called Mini customer service - told me no recall for my vehicle & they referred me here.
Passenger side airbag is randomly disabled (with warning light/tone) when my 63# dog is sitting in the seat. Cause is a faulty "passenger seat occupant mat" that others have reported will cost over $1500 to replace. This has happened numerous times but only while driving so can't really get a picture of the warning light safely.
Passenger seatbelt element sensor malfunctioned. We had to replace the entire passenger seat cushion with new sensor for a cost of $1843. 00. A 2012 vehicle should nor require a new seat through ordinary use. Note:Mini seatbelt sensor is molded into the cushion requiring a new cushion and not just replacing the sensor resulting in the high cost to the consumer.