Airbags only help to protect a person from injury in the event of a crash if they actually deploy. That seems to be a problem for more than 91,000 Mini Coopers being recalled because the vehicle’s detection system might not realize a passenger is present.

According to a notice [PDF] submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, BMW has issued a recall of 91,800 model year 2005-2006 Mini Cooper and Cooper S and model year 2005-2008 Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible vehicles.

The manufacturer says that due to manufacturing, installation, and exposure issues, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat may not function properly. If the mat does not detect a passenger, the frontal airbag may not deploy in the event of a crash.

BMW says it is aware of one report of one alleged minor passenger injury possibly related to the defect.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by the manufacturer and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat.

Vehicle owners who previously paid to have their vehicle’s detection mat repaired will be reimbursed for the cost.

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