The contact owns a 2006 MINICooper. The contact stated that the passenger seat air bag sensor warning lamp was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the passenger sear air bag sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 82,000 and the current mileage was 83,400.

- Ashland , OR, USA

Passenger seat air bag detector is faulty. When no one is sitting on the seat, the airbag light illuminates. This was replaced by the dealer at 44300 miles. The warning light has come on once again at 67000 miles and has stayed on.

- Denver, CO, USA

Both the passenger seat belt light and the airbag system light illuminate while seat is occupied indicating the system is not operational and may not function in a crash. Internet research reveals many complaints to BMW concerning this problem in the 2006 MINIManufacturer dealerships will not diagnose without a large fee.

- Punta Gorda, FL, USA

Airbag warning light comes on when a passenger is in the front passenger seat. The dealer says the airbag sensor in the seat needs to be replaced. The cost is about $1000. In 2006 MINIissued 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.

- San Diego, CA, USA

Recently, I've been getting both the yellow overhead airbag off light (above the rearview mirror) and the red warning light on the center dash. The warning lights will go off occasionally, but always seem to return. It does not matter whether I am carrying a passenger or not. The problem appears to be a defective seat sensor or a defect in airbag wiring harness. Since this is a safety issue, I do not want to work on the system myself. MINIwebsites discuss similar problems with the airbag lights on earlier model minis. I am certain a recall was issued for '02-'03 models. Current recall does not include later build years such as my '06, but again, this is definitely a safety issue and should be addressed by the manufacturer.

- Pearl City, ID, USA

The pax airbag light both on dashboard and above rear view mirror are lit and stay that way after a period of on and off with someone stating in that seat. On the blog of MINIcoopers a lot of complaint about this happening in BMW the maker of MINIcoopers and the 05, 06 MINIcooper model. It is a safety issue! a very expensive fix at $1500 when is there going to be a recall?

- Miami, FL, USA

Passenger seat oc-3 air bag sensor failure: I have had this problem sporadically since I bought the car but recently, I've been getting both the yellow overhead airbag off light (above the rearview mirror) and the red warning light on the center dash turn on and stay on. This happens several times a week now whether the seat is occupied or not. It causes the seatbelt alarm to go off and I have to buckle an empty seat. My main concern is it jeopardizing the passenger airbag function.

- San Dimas, CA, USA

The passenger air bag light comes on intermittently. It is not covered under warranty. MINIservice wants approximately $300 to diagnose the problem.

- Punta Gorda, FL, USA

Passanger air bag sensor failed-.

- Gulf Breeze, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2006 MINICooper. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The dealer advised the contact that it could possibly be the air bag sensor that was faulty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, did not offer any assistance. No repairs were performed. The current mileage was 60,000 and the approximate failure mileage was 58,000.

- Olympia, WA, USA

The airbag sensor light along with the seatbelt light stays on constantly from startup.tried to reset by instructions in the owners manual but didn't work.MINIservice wants $100 to just evaluate the problem.the problem is that MINIBMW know there is default with the seat sensors but won't take on responsibility as the car owners are paying $1500-2200 + to have this repaired. This is a very serious safety issue as none of the airbags will work in the car at this point.

- Tahuya, WA, USA

My MINICooper has air bag light on. No car accident before.

- San Jose, CA, USA

While driving the airbag warning light came on and passenger air bag light turned off. At the same time the seat belt light came on. Had both checked and when car was returned both lights were out. Passenger seat bottom was replaced. I was told that this is common problem with the seat bottom. No problem noted for the seat belt light. 1/2 mile from dealer both warning lights again turned on and the passenger air bag light turned off. At this point I am not sure if the car is safe to drive or not.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

The contact owns a 2006 MINICooper. The contact stated that the passenger side air bag warning light was continuously illuminated. The contact stated that the sensor had failed. The manufacturer and dealer were contacted in regards to the failure but the vehicle was neither inspected nor repaired. The failure mileage was 71,000 and the current mileage was 71,800.

- Bellingham, WA, USA

Air bag failure lamp light on. 2006 jcw MINIcooper. On startup, lamps all go through startup illumination then go dark. Airbag failure lamp relights 1 second later and remains on. No interior wiring done, car is as was received new from dealer.

- Sandy Hook, CT, USA

The passenger airbag light goes on and off randomly. The light will come on regardless of whether or not a passenger is seated.

- Revere, MA, USA

On February 9, 2011, we were informed by MINIservice that the seat occupancy sensor was faulty and that it would cost us $1,245 plus tax to repair as it is not covered by the warranty package which they sold us when the vehicle was purchased in 2007. Mileage of vehicle at that time was 46,810. The light indicating that there was a problem with the airbag sensor occurred months earlier, but we did not realize that it was indicative of a serious problem as small children did sit in that seat from time to time. On March 16, 2011, hydraulic power steering pump on vehicle failed. Mileage was 47,895.

- Yardley, PA, USA

Passenger airbag problem indicator is on. The car only has 54811 miles. The dealer charged $118.37 to check. They stated a seat sensor pad was bad and would cost $1,200. To replace. They indicated the airbag system would still deploy. I contacted MINIusa to file a complaint because I thought at this mileage and safety issue the repair should be covered as warranty (recall). They denied the request and also indicated the system would still deploy in an accident. After reading several blogs, everyone seems to indicate the bags will not function properly. This problem seems to be very common on MINICoopers. I read several owners have had this issue repaired multiple times. I am concerned about the safety of this car.

- Hixson, TN, USA

The contact owns a 2006 MINICooper S. upon starting the vehicle the contact noticed that the front passenger side air bag light was illuminating on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure because the light was no longer illuminating. The contact was told the failure was most likely due to the air bag sensor failing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure continued to occur. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 61,000. Updated 12/14/11

- Potomac, MD, USA

The car is a 2006 MINICooper S coupe. The car has less than 57,000 miles. The airbag sensor light remains on even with a passenger in the seat which shows the airbag is not employed. The dealer cost to repair was $900 as quoted on 1/3/11. The airbag light goes on and off randomly. It is not clear that the airbag would function in the event of an accident.

- Helena, AL, USA