general problems of the 2006 Mini Cooper S Convertible

Passenger side seat airbag sensor (recall 15v-205, oc3 seat occupancy mat) in my 2006 Mini Cooper S Convertible has failed. The passenger side airbag light on dash and overhead stay lit at all times. Recall issued by Mini in 2015 covering exact problem described for same make and model for years 2005 - 2008. Dealer ship and Mini USA both say the VIN number for my 2006 s convertible is not included with this recall. How can this be, the exact problem for the exact vehicles identified for this recall. Mini states that this vehicle is the correct type, model and year but not part of the recall because it probably didn't have the same part that has been identified as failing installed. I was told there is nothing they will do for me and what I've been told is that the cost for the fix will be at least $1,200 out of pocket. This cost is ridiculous and should be included under the standing recall from the manufacturer. The fact that this is a manufacturing defect is obvious and is a serious safety issue!.

I put the heated seat on while driving, and the driver's seat caught fire. This with less then 50,000 miles and a cost of almost $1000. I had to pull into a gas station and put out the smoking seat with water. I've complained to Mini cooper USA, with no results.

Passenger side airbag sensor is faulty, causing the airbag to not deloy in the event of a crash, even though there is a passenger in the car. This is a huge safety concern, and Mini needs to do a recall. There are thousands out there with the same problem.

The passenger seat air bag sensor is defective, does not register that anybody is sitting in the seat and airbag system does not "arm". Airbag disabled lights stay illuminated. I'm concerned that air bags will not deploy properly in the event of an accident. Needs to be fixed.

Passenger seat belt light comes on intermittently.

In 2010 my car's passenger air bag system warning came on and I took to the dealer to have repaired under warranty. The dealer replaced the seat because the seat mat occupancy detector had failed. In 2013, the lights came on again. I took back to the dealer and asked them to fix at no charge, as to have the same system fail twice on a car with less than 50,000 miles on it signaled a defective design. Mini refused to repair at no cost and instead provided me with a $1,700 estimate to replace the seat and system. I have filed a formal complaint with Mini USA and am awaiting a response. This is a safety issue as the passenger airbag is effectively permanently off. I have read on this website and elsewhere that many owners are experiencing similar issues with this car.