The passenger occupancy seat sensor is defective (as reported by many other owners of this vehicle model). The sensor is very costly to replace in terms of parts ($1,500) and labor ($1,500) and MINI does not sell the sensor separately as it is embedded in the seat foam. The defective sensor does not recognize a passenger sitting in the passenger seat and deactivates the passenger airbag which is an essential, lifesaving device fitted to a small vehicle. When involved in a major vehicle collision, without a working airbag, the risk of fatality drastically increases. The sensor is also responsible for NOT deploying the airbag if a passenger under 100lbs is sitting in the seat ie. a child. Again, this is a massive safety concern especially due to other owners resorting to a cheap aftermarket bypass module which will always deploy the airbag. This solution could seriously injure or cause fatalities for passengers under 100lbs. Other MINI models with the same electronic occupancy sensor problems have had recalls issued by the NHTSA and has not issued recalls for vehicles with the same issue consistently. It is the NHTSA's responsibility to hold the manufacturer accountable for ALL vehicle models with similar defects impacting the safe and consistent operation of life preservation devices such as airbags especially when repair costs for these defective devices are cost prohibitive for vehicle owners to replace.

- Austin, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2009 MINICooper. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag and the seat belt warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

- Gilroy, CA, USA

Was parked and went to start it and no warning chimes seat belt seat radio air bags

- Soledad, CA, USA

At about 64500 miles the passenger seat belt and air bag lights came on intermittently and shortly thereafter they stayed on. Local mechanic determined that the passenger seat switch was probably the culprit. And located a technical service bulletin for this problem. A call to keeler motor car co. Said the bags would work as designed, but wouldn't put that in writing and furthered "clarified" her answer by adding "as far as I know". a second call from a different person said if the lights are on then the bags would probably not work. But couldn't tell me if just passenger side would or wouldn't work or all the air bags.

- Schenectady, NY, USA

I recently purchased a 2009 MINICooper 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 MINICooper owners and BMW has not resolved this problem after many complaints.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

I went out of the country for 21 day and left my MINIparked in the garage. I am the only driver of my car and take pride in appearance and maintenance. I was extremely surprised when I returned the warning lights was on. The mileage is just under 60000. The seat belt and airbag warning light on out of the blue (stays on). When I took my MINIto the auto repair shop, it was suggested to look for recalls first. Upon research found alot of complaints about the same issue but no recalls for 2009. This is very disappointing and BMW should be ashamed. I will never purchase another product from BMW and will warn others before they consider making the same mistake. I will be trading my car in for an american made vehicle.

- Decatur, GA, USA

Airbag sensor mat does not recognize whether a person is sitting on the passenger side thereby not activating the airbag; this has been happening on & off for months; passenger airbag light comes on immediately despite occupancy while parked and during driving (all conditions-highway, city street, turning. This issue started right after the warranty was over. This is a safety hazard, as none of the airbags will deploy in case of impact. I fear for my safety. This is a manufacturing defect.

- Miami, FL, USA

The car has 55000 miles and the airbag light is on. After research the problem seems to be with the passenger occupancy sensor, also known as a passenger occupancy mat. MINIhas recalled many vehicles for this reason, however they continue to refuse the problems continues with the 2009 model. This is a safety and costly issue.

- Miami, FL, USA

While I was driving my car, the front passenger airbag got disconnected and the light came on. Now the lights indicating that the airbag is off remain on at all times. At the exact same time the light indicating that the passenger seat belt was not fasten came on as well and it remains on at all times while there is nobody on the passenger seat. The light remains on even if I fasten the seatbelt. I went to MINIdealership and was told that I had to pay $140 if I wanted them to inspect my car, I decided to take my car to an independent mechanic instead who told me after inspection ($95 for the inspection) that there was an issue with the sensors in the seat and that the entire seat had to be replaced ($1100 to replace it). This is a very serious issue since the airbag will not operate in case of accident. I know several MINIowners have experienced the same incident but MINIdealers refuse to assume that there is an issue that needs to be taken care of.

- San Diego, CA, USA

The passenger seat belt sensor light stay on continuously car is started, regardless anyone in the seat. This is a safety issue and should be recalled by manufacture.

- Sugar Land, TX, USA

I have been getting the air bag warning light (in red) coming on while driving the car started in February, 2015. I've told that MINIBMW is aware of this issue, but is not making any movement on establishing a safety recall on affected cars. Warning light comes on regardless of how many passengers are in the vehicle. Sometimes the light comes on and stays on, other times it cycles through on-off, with the audible warning, several times a minute.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

I was involved in a multiple car accident. None of the air bags deployed and the seat belt did not hold me appropriately resulting in hitting the steering wheel with my face. I had head concussion and multiple face bruises, including a deep cut in my lip. MINIBMW) is investigating.

- The Woodlands, TX, USA