Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2004 Mini COOPER S problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

247 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

74,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2004 model year. Data updated: . 231 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 202 of 247 complaints (81.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior21285.8%
Electrical and battery issues2710.9%
Engine operation156.1%
Braking behavior52.0%
Transmission and shifting20.8%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Steering
202
Electrical System
18
Air Bags
8
Visibility:Windshield
8
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Pump
6
Steering:Electric Power Assist System
4
Engine And Engine Cooling
3
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System
3
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Steering202
Electrical System18
Air Bags8
Visibility:Windshield8
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Pump6
Steering:Electric Power Assist System4
Engine And Engine Cooling3
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System3

Steering: 202; Electrical System: 18; Air Bags: 8; Visibility:Windshield: 8; Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Pump: 6; Steering:Electric Power Assist System: 4; Engine And Engine Cooling: 3; Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
12
25,000 to 49,999
34
50,000 to 74,999
72
75,000 to 99,999
56
100,000 to 149,999
46
150,000 and above
11
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00012
25,000 to 49,99934
50,000 to 74,99972
75,000 to 99,99956
100,000 to 149,99946
150,000 and above11

Under 25,000: 12; 25,000 to 49,999: 34; 50,000 to 74,999: 72; 75,000 to 99,999: 56; 100,000 to 149,999: 46; 150,000 and above: 11

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (72). 16 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2004
3
2005
3
2006
4
2007
6
2008
10
2009
3
2010
54
2011
78
2012
51
2013
14
2014
10
2015
2
2016
1
2017
2
2018
1
2019
2
2020
3
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20043
20053
20064
20076
200810
20093
201054
201178
201251
201314
201410
20152
20161
20172
20181
20192
20203

2004: 3; 2005: 3; 2006: 4; 2007: 6; 2008: 10; 2009: 3; 2010: 54; 2011: 78; 2012: 51; 2013: 14; 2014: 10; 2015: 2; 2016: 1; 2017: 2; 2018: 1; 2019: 2; 2020: 3

Pattern summary

Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 212 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 27 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 15 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10175121 · 2006-12-04 (December 4, 2006)

THE STEERING FAILED ON MY 2004 MINI COOPER S WITH 84K MILE. THE POWER STEERING FAN FAILED CAUSING THE POWER STEERING PUMP TO BURN OUT. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NTO DRIVABLE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE FORTUNATELY THE FAILURE OCCURED AFTER THE VEHICLE REACHED IT DESTINATION AND WAS PARKED. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 83,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10175121 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10200816 · 2007-08-26 (August 26, 2007)

1) NO SIGNIFICANT EVENT LEADING UP TO FAILURE 2) POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE, NO STEERING ABILITY IN VEHICLE 3) NO CORRECTION KNOWN FOR SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING. PARTS TO BE REPAIRED BELIEVED TO BE STEERING PUMP AND POTENTIAL STEERING RACK. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 58,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10200816 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10228977 · 2008-05-27 (May 27, 2008)

I OWN A 2004 MINI COOPER S MODEL, WITH 39,000 MILES. THE CAR IS WELL CARED FOR. MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 30,000 AND I BEGAN RECEIVING ANNOYING CALLS AND LETTERS FROM MINI TO PURCHASE AN ADDITIONAL EXTENDED WARRANTY. I DID NOT, BELIEVING THAT SIMPLY MAINTAINING MY CAR PROPERLY WOULD TAKE CARE OF ANY FUTURE ISSUES. I TRUSTED BMW/MINI THAT THEY WOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT IF SOME UNUSUAL FAILURE OR BREAKDOWN OCCURRED. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO MY POWER STEERING WOULD INTERMITTENTLY GO OUT. AT FIRST, ONLY AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND TH…

Owner-reported narrative. 39,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10228977 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10314771 · 2010-02-27 (February 27, 2010)

WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD, THE CENTER CONSOLE CONTROLS (HEAT, REAR DEFOGGER), THE HEADLIGHTS, FRONT/REAR WIPERS WILL NOT FUNCTION. WHEN CAR STARTS TO WARM UP, THOSE ITEMS WILL START WORKING WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED TO EITHER SIDE. WHEN CAR IS FULLY WARMED UP, WILL WORK MOST OF THE TIME UNLESS YOU HIT A BUMP. MINI SHOP SAID IT WAS A BAD COMPUTER - $800 TO FIX. ENGINE HAD AN OIL PLAN LEAK 2 YEARS AGO RESULTING IN MAJOR LOSS OF OIL. FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN GETTING ELECTRICAL PROBLEM FIXED, MINI SHOP FOUND 3 OIL LEAKS. TOTAL COST TO …

Owner-reported narrative. 39,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10314771 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10345159 · 2010-07-25 (July 25, 2010)

ON MY WAY UP DRIVEWAY I NOTICED A SHARP STINGING SENSATION IN THE LUMBAR OF MY BACK. FELT SORT OF LIKE AN "CONTINUOUS ELECTRIC SHOCK". I IMMEDIATELY ARCHED MY BACK AS A REACTION TO THE STING AND HAD TO STRAIGHTEN MY BACK IN ORDER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. WHEN STRAIGHTENING MY BACK I FELT SOMETHING HOT, VERY HOT THIS TIME LIKE SOMETHING THAT WAS ON FIRE. I COULD NOT LONGER CONTROL THE VEHICLE GRABBED FOR THE HANDLE OPENED THE DOOR AND ROLLED OUT ONTO THE DRIVEWAY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING. THE VEHICLE BUCKED AND STALLED OUT. I IMMEDIATELY LOO…

Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10345159 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10350520 · 2010-08-19 (August 19, 2010)

THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE GOING UP HILL ON A CURVY TWO LANE ROAD. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FORCED ME TO GO INTO THE OTHER LANE, WHERE FORTUNATELY NO CARS WERE PRESENT. IF I WAS GOING DOWN HILL ON THE SAME ROAD I WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY GONE AGAINST THE SIDE OF THE HILL OR OFF THE SIDE OF THE CLIFF IF NOT HITTING AN ON COMING CAR FIRST. THE DEALERSHIP CHARGED ME OVER $1000 TO CHANGE THE ELECTRO/HYDRAULIC STEERING PUMP. THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH MANY MINIS ACCORDING TO FORUM POSTS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 70,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10350520 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10216831 · 2008-02-04 (February 4, 2008)

I WAS PARKED ONE AFTER NOON LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD AND I HEARD A CRACKLING SOUND COMING FORM THE ABS PUMP. THERE WAS A SMALL PUFF OF SMOKE AND THEN THE SOUND STOPPED. AT THIS POINT I WENT ABOUT MY BUSINESS AND RETURNED TO MY 2004 MINI COOPER S AND THE ABS/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WERE OUT. A FEW DAYS LATER I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE BMW DEALER AND AFTER A FEW TESTS THEY DETERMINED IT WAS JUST BAD FUSES. A WEEK HAS PAST AND I HAVE HAD NO OTHER PROBLEMS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10216831 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10249834 · 2008-11-25 (November 25, 2008)

MY 2004 MINI COOPER S HAS 48,000 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION HAS GOTTEN SO BAD THAT I CANNOT CHANGE GEARS WITHOUT GREAT DIFFICULTY. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS REPORTS ONLINE ABOUT POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE, BRAKE FAILURE AND A HOST OF SAFETY ISSUES WITH THE COOPER. I THINK THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE EVALUATED FOR SAFETY ISSUES. THANKS, KAREN *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 48,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10249834 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10233675 · 2008-07-09 (July 9, 2008)

(1) ON THURSDAY, JULY 3RD, I ATTEMPTED TO MANIPULATE A 90 DEGREE RIGHTHAND TURN IN MY 2004 MINI COOPER S DURING MY VERY SHORT COMMUTE TO WORK AND DID SO ONLY WITH GREAT DIFFICULTLY. FROM THAT POINT FORWARD MY CAR TURNS NEITHER LEFT NOR RIGHT PROPERLY AND ONLY WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY. THERE WAS NO WARNING OR NOISES OF ANY KIND TO ALERT ME TO THE PROBLEM. MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER, WHO IS A TRAINED MECHANIC, INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND IDENTIFIED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AS THE PROBLEM. I ALSO SPOKE WITH SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS HERB CHAMBERS BMW MINI OF BO…

Owner-reported narrative. 57,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10233675 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

247 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

93.5%Usable mileage231 / 247 records
100.0%Valid incident date247 / 247 records
100.0%Valid filing date247 / 247 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates247 / 247 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2011201220132014201520162017201920202021202220242025
Steering
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 10985774 · 57,085 mi

I PURCHASED THIS MINI COOPER S ON MARCH 16, 2016 AND IT HAD 47,282 MILES ON IT. I ALSO BOUGHT A LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY OFFERED BY BUDDY'S AUTO SALES OF SPRINGFIELD, MO. I TRAILERED THE CAR TO PHOENIX WHERE MY SON WAS TO ATTEND A MOTORCYCLE MECHANIC SCHOOL IN OCTOBER. ON OCTOBER 07, 2016 WE UNLOADED IT FROM THE TRAILER AND PARKED IT AT A HOTEL. THE NEXT MORNING MY SON (A CERTIFIED MECHANIC) WENT OUTSIDE TO CHECK ON THE CAR AND THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON. ASSUMING SOMEONE WAS IN THE CAR, HE RAN TO IT AND FOUND THAT IT WAS FULL OF SMOKE AND SMELLED O…

Look up ODI 10985774 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 11663212

Loss of power steering on startup or at stop light. A message pops up indicating that the Dynamic Stability Control is re-initializing and that steering may become difficult: Drive carefully. The warning message usually appears shortly after the failure. In fact, the steering gets so stiff, that my wife can barely turn corners. The problem comes and goes unexpectedly. This is my wife's car, and it has happened to her on several other occasions. Sometimes we can reset by restarting the car, but that isn't reliable. We put the car out of ECO mod…

Look up ODI 11663212 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 11648130 · 25,500 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering feature malfunctioned, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 25,500. The VIN was not available.

Look up ODI 11648130 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
1651.6%
ODI 10559534 · 30,000 mi

PREMATURE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE MAY LEAD TO LOSS IN POWER, FURTHERING THE POTENTIAL FOR A WRECK. ENGINE ENTERS "LIMP HOME" MODE, WHICH REDUCES POWER CONSIDERABLY AND MAKES ACCELERATION MUCH SLOWER THAN NORMAL. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, SEVERAL OBD-II DIAGNOSTICS CODES APPEAR. *TR

Look up ODI 10559534 at NHTSA ↗

417.4%
ODI 10852609

ENGINE RATTLING NOISE (TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER) AT ALL TIMES, VEHICLE HAS ONLY 50,000 MILES

Look up ODI 10852609 at NHTSA ↗

729.2%
ODI 10550252

I PURCHASED A MINI COOPER S 2013 AND NOTICED THE CAR WAS HARD TO HANDLE ON THE ROAD AT ALL TIMES. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD TOLD ME THAT WAS NORMAL FOR THIS TYPE OF CAR. I KEPT COMPLAINING AND THEY FINALLY TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED. THEY TOLD ME IT THE ALIGNMENT WAS BAD AND THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS CHARGED FOR THE SERVICE, BUT I BELIEVE THIS WAS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT BECAUSE THE CAR WAS LIKE THAT FROM THE TIME I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT UNTIL THE TIME OF SERVICE. THIS, IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER IF NOT ONLY ONE CAR IS SOLD LIKE…

Look up ODI 10550252 at NHTSA ↗

323.1%
ODI 10679062 · 5,051 mi

VEHICLE LOST ALL OIL SUPPOSEDLY DUE TO A FAULTY OIL FILTER HOUSING CAR STOPPED AND WAS SMOKING. *TR

Look up ODI 10679062 at NHTSA ↗

316.7%
ODI 10910541 · 8,000 mi

WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR ITS FIRST SERVICE I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A RECALL. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE ANY SUCH RECALL. I HAVE FOUND THIS ENTIRE EXPERIENCE TO BE VERY UNUSUAL.

Look up ODI 10910541 at NHTSA ↗

444.4%
ODI 11182358 · 43,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ALERTED THE CONTACT TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL DIPSTICK SHOWED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MINI OF FT. MYERS (LOCATED AT 13880 S TAMIAMI TRAIL, FORT MYERS, FL 33908, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE OIL CONSUMPTION WAS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE W…

Look up ODI 11182358 at NHTSA ↗

233.3%
ODI 11209703 · 15,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FREEPORT MINI COOPER (280 SUNRISE HWY, FREEPORT, NY 11520, [phone removed]) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND HAD A SPECIALIST EXAMINE THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

Look up ODI 11209703 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 11737373

Starter started smoking at start up! And clutch failure at traffic light!!!! No accident occurred because of experienced driver!

Look up ODI 11737373 at NHTSA ↗

240.0%
ODI 11330340 · 1,400 mi

DURING A RAIN SHOWER, DROVE AT ABOUT 15MPH INTO ROUGHLY 4" OF WATER GATHERED ON THE SHOULDER OF AN ACCESS ROAD ADJACENT TO THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE STALLED. WOULD NOT RESTART. PUDDLE OF WATER WAS NOT HIGH ENOUGH TO BREACH THE CABIN - RUNNING BOARDS WERE STILL ABOVE WATER AND THE CURB ADJACENT TO THE STREET WAS NOT SUBMERGED. CAR WOULD NOT START AND TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP. BMW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CONTACTED AND ADVISED NOT TO START; TOW TRUCK HAD DIFFICULTY LOADING ONTO THE FLATBED BECAUSE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAD MALFUNCTIONED IN THE ELECTRI…

Look up ODI 11330340 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
39.7%
ODI 10557200 · 29,898 mi

AIRBAG SEAT SENSORS ARE FAULTY. THEY ARE TURNING OFF THE AIRBAGS EVEN THOUGHT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER ARE SEATED. *TR

Look up ODI 10557200 at NHTSA ↗

14.3%
ODI 11375677

OUR VEHICLE HAS THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON AND I AM AM VERY CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF OUR FAMILY. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, THERE ARE MANY MINI OWNERS THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS DEEPER THAN AN ISOLATED ISSUE ON MY VEHICLE. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUES THAT WAS CONVERTED INTO A RECALL FOR SEVERAL YEARS BEFORE. MINI SHOULD CONSIDERED DOING AN INVESTIGATION AND EXTENDING THE RECALL TO OTHER YEAR MODELS INCLUDING MY 2012.

Look up ODI 11375677 at NHTSA ↗

416.7%
ODI 10853874 · 42,630 mi

VIN: [XXX] AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP CAME ON ANDROID STAYS ON. VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON INTERSTATE WHEN THE WARNING LAMP CAME ON. ODOMETER READING WHEN THE WARNING LAMP CAME ON WAS: 42630 MILES. CALLED MINI CHARLESTON OF SAVANNAH AND ALSO MINI CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEORY IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PARTICULAR VIN DESPITE OTHER VIN'S OF THE SAME MODEL BEING AFFECTED BY AN AIRBAG SENSOR MALFUNCTION. AM NOW FACED WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR THE AIRBAGS TO INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY DURING NORMAL DRIVING, OR THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPL…

Look up ODI 10853874 at NHTSA ↗

215.4%
ODI 10957644 · 25,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MINI COOPER S. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT BLACKED OUT DUE TO THE DEPLOYMENT AND WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE BODY DAMAGES WERE REPAIRED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

Look up ODI 10957644 at NHTSA ↗

211.1%
ODI 11549827 · 80,000 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated stating that the air bag was turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat mat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the request for assistance was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Look up ODI 11549827 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

116.7%
ODI 11061571 · 17,200 mi

I WAS HIT HEAD ON LAST NIGHT AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAD SLOWED TO APPROX 10 MPH WHILE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS TRAVELING APPROX 20-30MPH. VEHICLE THE HIT ME WAS A MID 200'S TRAIL BLAZER. *BF *TR

Look up ODI 11061571 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
1651.6%
ODI 10454891 · 6,500 mi

AS I WAS ACCELERATING WHILE MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY, AT APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH, IT FELT AS IF THE CAR LOST ALL POWER FROM THE DRIVE TRAIN. THE POWER REENGAGED ABOUT A SECOND LATER, AND OVER THE NEXT 5-10 SECONDS THE CAR LOST POWER/REENGAGED TWO MORE TIMES. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE TRIGGERED ON THE DASH. I'VE TAKEN THE CAR INTO DEALERSHIP AND REFERENCED SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER SIM12-02-11/NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10040855. DEALER REPORTS THAT BECAUSE IT CANNOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE AND THERE ARE NO REPORTED FAULT CODES, IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS NOTHING…

Look up ODI 10454891 at NHTSA ↗

1356.5%
ODI 10958534 · 86,000 mi

VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN 24 MILES AND PARKED FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES WHEN ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE. MASTER MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT ORIGINATED WITH THE COOLANT PUMP AND CAUSED A SHORT CIRCUIT WITH THE ELECTRONICS OF THE PUMP IGNITING A FIRE.

Look up ODI 10958534 at NHTSA ↗

833.3%
ODI 11102850

AIRBAG LIGHT IS SHOWING THAT PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF EVEN THOUGH MY 100 LBS DAUGHTER IS SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. I'VE ACTUALLY HAD A 2009 MINI COOPER S, 2011 MINI COOPER S AND NOW MY CURRENT 2013 MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS WITH THE SAME EXACT TAIL LIGHT ISSUE. THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT BURNT OUT IN THE EXACT SAME WAY ON ALL 3 CARS. MY VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION WHEN THE BOTH ISSUES OCCURRED.

Look up ODI 11102850 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

211.1%
ODI 11101416 · 20,000 mi

THE HORN CONTACTS ARE CORRODED AND THE HORN WILL NOT WORK CONSISTENTLY. IT MAY TAKE 5 OR 6 TIMES PUSHING THE HORN TO GET IT TO ACTIVATE, OR HOLD IT DOWN FOR A LONG TIME AND TRY TO MOVE IT AROUND TO SCRAPE THE CORROSION OFF THE CONTACTS TO GET ACTIVATION. IT OCCURS WHETHER DRIVING OR STATIONARY. MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM ON A MINI COOPER FORUM. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 20,000 MILES ON IT.

Look up ODI 11101416 at NHTSA ↗

111.1%
ODI 11396364 · 67,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING HOME THURSDAY NIGHT I RECEIVED LEFT TAIL LIGHT MALFUNCTION WARING ON MY DASH PANEL WITH THE TURN SIGNAL BLINKING EXTREMELY FAST. AFTER ARRIVING HOME I CHECKED THE LIGHT AND FOUND THAT THE TAIL LIGHT INOPERATIVE AND THE TURN SIGNALS WERE EXTREMELY DIM. THE NEXT MORNING I CALLED TUCSON MINI AND TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM. THE SA STATED TO BRING THE CAR IN AND THEY WOULD CHECK OUT THE PROBLEM. UPON INSPECTION THEY FOUND THAT THE L/H TAIL LIGHT GROUND CONNECTOR AND THE BULB CONNECTOR MELTED. I ASK THE SA WHAT WOULD CAUSE THIS PROBLEM AND S…

Look up ODI 11396364 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 11615276

While driving in the rain, the ABS engages, slowing the front right tire dramatically causing the car to skid and lurch to the right. After some internet research, it appears that this is not an isolated incident. Mini Cooper owners also discovered that when driving in dry conditions and the windshield wiper is turned on, the front right tire slows, causing the car to skid and lurch to the right. European Automotive verified that this was the case on my vehicle. This started without any warning and was terrifying. I told both the local mec…

Look up ODI 11615276 at NHTSA ↗

240.0%
ODI 11571447

The contact's daughter owns a 2019 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal, but the rear driver's side brake light failed to illuminate. The contact stated that he was driving behind his daughter when he noticed the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the rear driver's side brake light bulb was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. Additionally, the contact st…

Look up ODI 11571447 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 11330340 · 1,400 mi

DURING A RAIN SHOWER, DROVE AT ABOUT 15MPH INTO ROUGHLY 4" OF WATER GATHERED ON THE SHOULDER OF AN ACCESS ROAD ADJACENT TO THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE STALLED. WOULD NOT RESTART. PUDDLE OF WATER WAS NOT HIGH ENOUGH TO BREACH THE CABIN - RUNNING BOARDS WERE STILL ABOVE WATER AND THE CURB ADJACENT TO THE STREET WAS NOT SUBMERGED. CAR WOULD NOT START AND TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP. BMW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CONTACTED AND ADVISED NOT TO START; TOW TRUCK HAD DIFFICULTY LOADING ONTO THE FLATBED BECAUSE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAD MALFUNCTIONED IN THE ELECTRI…

Look up ODI 11330340 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11606947

I was driving 45 MPH on a local highway, the electric door locks very rapidly switched between locked and unlocked and the passenger door popped OPEN while driving. I had to cautiously pull over to a parking lot to close the passenger door. The dashboard indicated the door was in the open position! I alerted the dealer, who indicated he would contact MINI and he did not follow up. I took the vehicle to MINI dealer to document the incident. They of course could not reproduce this on test drive and told me it was 'all clear'. Key fob history te…

Look up ODI 11606947 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
13.2%
ODI 11426543

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V248000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Look up ODI 11426543 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11737574 · 12,625 mi

The contact owns a 2024 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that a brake pad failure message was illuminated on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the brake fluid service issue. The brake fluid flush was completed, and a complimentary oil change was provided. Two days after doing so, approximately two days later, the Oil Light illuminated, advising to add a quart of oil. The vehicle was returned and inspected. It was assumed the cap was not on tight enough. The air conditioner failed shortly after. The vehicle was ret…

Look up ODI 11737574 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.3%
ODI 11133584

THERMOSTAT HOUSING BEGAN TO LEAK, THE PART IS PLASTIC AND HAD BECOME CRACKED UNDER NORMAL WEAR.

Look up ODI 11133584 at NHTSA ↗

28.3%
ODI 11124763

THE 2013 COOPER S WE STARTED HAVING ISSUES ABOUT A YEAR AGO, WHERE THE CAR HESITATED TO ACCELERATE, AS IT IS USUALLY DESCRIBED IN THE SERVICE HISTORY. WHAT HAPPENS IN REAL DRIVING SITUATIONS IS THAT WHEN YOU CRUISE AT AROUND 2,000 RPM AND THEN DECIDE TO ACCELERATE THE CAR LOSES THE POWER, COMPLETELY! SO BASICALLY, WHEN YOU'RE ON THE FREEWAY OR ON A TWO-WAY ROAD AND DECIDE TO OVERTAKE ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE MINI WILL NOT ONLY NOT ACCELERATE, BUT JUST COMPLETELY LOSE POWER FOR A SECOND OR TWO. IT IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. AT THE BEGINNING IT WA…

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646.2%
ODI 10700844 · 6,000 mi

OIL FILTER HOUSING FAILED DURING COMMUTE AND LOST ALL OIL. NEEDED TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED FOR REPAIR. RECEIVED THE CAR BACK NEXT DAY. FAILED PART IS CURRENTLY SUBJECT OF RECALL, BUT MY CAR DID NOT FALL INTO THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL SO I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE. TWO DAYS AFTER REPAIR FOR THE OIL FILTER HOUSING, THE VANOS SYSTEM FAILED. ENTIRE VANOS SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, TOOK A TOTAL OF 6 DAYS FOR REPAIR. *TR

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15.6%
ODI 11218600 · 25,000 mi

THE CARS TRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF 1ST GEAR WHEN TURNING ONTO A CITY STREET OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOPLIGHT ON A CITY STREET. I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED 3 TIMES THIS WEEK AND IT'S VERY DANGEROUS. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES THIS PAST WEEK AND IS A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH THE 2015 MINI COOPER S MANUAL. MY CAR ONLY HAS 25,400 MILES ON IT. THE WARRANTY JUST EXPIRED ON 05/18/2019 (OUT BY DATE) THIS MONTH AND THE DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY. IF THIS IS A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM, WHY DOESN'T THE DEALER TAKE THE STEPS TO FIX IT …

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111.1%
ODI 11245046 · 18,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A HILL OF A DRIVEWAY, FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND ROLLED AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED THROUGH THE CONTACT'S GARAGE DOOR. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED AND NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE APPLIED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 11245046 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 11165237 · 175 mi

175 MILES ON 2019 MINI S COUNTRYMAN. TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION INDICATOR CAME ON, CAR SHUDDERED REPEATEDLY AND DECELERATED RAPIDLY TO APPROX. 20 MPH IN 60 ZONE. CREATED INSTANT HAZARD TO MYSELF AS MULTIPLE LANES OF FASTER MOVING TRAFFIC NEEDED TO BE CROSSED TO REACH SAFETY AND NO WARNING TO TAILING VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 11165237 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
39.7%
ODI 10937963 · 70,000 mi

AFTER COMING HOME FROM A ROUTINE DRIVE. I PARKED MY CAR IN THE DRIVE WAY. ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER I SMELT SOMETHING BURNING AND NOTICED MY HOOD OF MY CAR SMOKING. I IMMEDIATELY RAN OUTSIDE AND STARTED HOUSING OF THE BUBBLING HOOD WITH A GARDEN HOSE. I MANAGED TO POP THE HOOD AND PUT OUT THE FIRE WHICH HAD COVER MOST OF THE ENGINE AT THAT TIME.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

416.7%
ODI 11113558

HORN IS NOT WORKING. MY HUSBAND HAS THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL AND HIS IS NOT WORKING AS WELL. I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND TRIED TO HONK, ON A FEW OCCASIONS, AT OTHER DRIVERS THAT WERE ABOUT TO HIT ME BUT THE HORN DIDN'T WORK.

Look up ODI 11113558 at NHTSA ↗

215.4%
ODI 10822384 · 3,400 mi

EXPERIENCED A LOUD RATTLE IN THE CAR, TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY REPLACED THE REAR SHOCKS, BUT THE RATTLE STILL HAS NOT BEEN ILLUMINATED. I EMAILED THE DEALER AND TOLD HIM THAT REPLACING THE SHOCKS DID NOT ILLUMINATE THE PROBLEM, HE SAID THAT MINI ENGINEERING IS GOING TO WORK ON THIS PROBLEM, THAT EVIDENTLY IS OCCURRING IN THIS YEAR AND MODEL.

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316.7%
ODI 10724862 · 250 mi

AIR CONDITION EMITS STRONG ODORS

Look up ODI 10724862 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

116.7%
ODI 11651162

Hi, the component is the water seals around the trunk lid of the rear boot; this results in water intrusion. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. Water has been collecting on the interior car body, including electrical components related to rear lights (brakes, turn signal, reverse) as well as resulting mold growth. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by Weatherford BMW, and despite there being a service bulletin open (MINI TSB SI M51 05 16) for a design flaw, BMW/MINI is refusing to fix the issue outside of warranty. Has th…

Look up ODI 11651162 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Visibility:Windshield
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 11679180 · 81,485 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that a rock had hit the driver's side of the windshield due to construction work on a local highway. The contact stated that the passenger's side of the windshield was also hit by a rock while driving. The contact stated that the driver's side of the windshield sustained a minor fracture; however, the passenger's side of the windshield was severely damaged. An unknown dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or re…

Look up ODI 11679180 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Steering60,000–100,053 mi79,000 mi191
ODI 10233675 · 57,800 mi

(1) ON THURSDAY, JULY 3RD, I ATTEMPTED TO MANIPULATE A 90 DEGREE RIGHTHAND TURN IN MY 2004 MINI COOPER S DURING MY VERY SHORT COMMUTE TO WORK AND DID SO ONLY WITH GREAT DIFFICULTLY. FROM THAT POINT FORWARD MY CAR TURNS NEITHER LEFT NOR RIGHT PROPERLY AND ONLY WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY. THERE WAS NO WARNING OR NOISES OF ANY KIND TO ALERT ME TO THE PROBLEM. MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER, WHO IS A TRAINED MECHANIC, INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND IDENTIFIED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AS THE PROBLEM. I ALSO SPOKE WITH SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS HERB CHAMBERS BMW MINI OF BO…

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ODI 10234352 · 65,000 mi

I OWN A 2004 MINI COOPER S AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP HAS FAILED AFTER ONLY 4 YEARS AND 65,000 MILES. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THE MANUFACTURE IS ACUTELY AWARE OF THE ISSUE, BUT WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL OR WARRANTY THE ITEM. *TR

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ODI 10246582 · 55,300 mi

AS AN OWNER OF A 2004 COOPER S I WAS GREATLY DISAPPOINTED TO LEARN THAT I NOW NEED TO REPLACE MY ELECTRIC STEERING PUMP AT ONLY 55K MILES. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE PART "GOES REGULARLY" AND THAT "WE KEEP A BUNCH IN STOCK" AND THAT IT WILL COST ME $600 FOR A NEW ONE NOT INCLUDING LABOR. WITH THIS BIT OF INFORMATION, I BEGAN TO SEARCH MINI COOPER FANSITES AND BLOGS TO SEE HOW OFTEN THIS PROBLEM OCCURS. I WASN'T SURPRISED TO FIND THAT MANY OF THE MEMBERS AND "FANS" OF THE CAR HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PUMP FAILURES, AND THAT THERE IS A GRO…

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Electrical System49,225–113,550 mi79,330 mi16
ODI 10228977 · 39,000 mi

I OWN A 2004 MINI COOPER S MODEL, WITH 39,000 MILES. THE CAR IS WELL CARED FOR. MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 30,000 AND I BEGAN RECEIVING ANNOYING CALLS AND LETTERS FROM MINI TO PURCHASE AN ADDITIONAL EXTENDED WARRANTY. I DID NOT, BELIEVING THAT SIMPLY MAINTAINING MY CAR PROPERLY WOULD TAKE CARE OF ANY FUTURE ISSUES. I TRUSTED BMW/MINI THAT THEY WOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT IF SOME UNUSUAL FAILURE OR BREAKDOWN OCCURRED. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO MY POWER STEERING WOULD INTERMITTENTLY GO OUT. AT FIRST, ONLY AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND TH…

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ODI 10256837 · 10,721 mi

A YEAR AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR, THE FRONT DRIVER'S WINDOW'S AUTOMATIC MOTOR WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THEN WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. THE DEALER FIXED IT SINCE IT HAPPENED TO BE UNDER FULL WARRANTY. TWO YEARS LATER, THE PASSENGER'S AUTOMATIC WINDOW MOTOR CEASED WORKING AT ALL. AT THE SAME TIME, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WAS MAKING A SCRATCHING SOUND AS IT WAS AUTOMATICALLY ROLLED UP /OR DOWN. I ONLY HAD A FEW MONTHS LEFT ON THE WARRANTY, AND THE DEALER WAS REQUIRED AGAIN TO REPLACE THE WINDOW MOTOR. I HAVE READ SEVERAL OTHER MINI OWNERS THAT HAD T…

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ODI 10314771 · 39,000 mi

WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD, THE CENTER CONSOLE CONTROLS (HEAT, REAR DEFOGGER), THE HEADLIGHTS, FRONT/REAR WIPERS WILL NOT FUNCTION. WHEN CAR STARTS TO WARM UP, THOSE ITEMS WILL START WORKING WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED TO EITHER SIDE. WHEN CAR IS FULLY WARMED UP, WILL WORK MOST OF THE TIME UNLESS YOU HIT A BUMP. MINI SHOP SAID IT WAS A BAD COMPUTER - $800 TO FIX. ENGINE HAD AN OIL PLAN LEAK 2 YEARS AGO RESULTING IN MAJOR LOSS OF OIL. FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN GETTING ELECTRICAL PROBLEM FIXED, MINI SHOP FOUND 3 OIL LEAKS. TOTAL COST TO …

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Air Bags37,450–122,924 mi80,000 mi7
ODI 10112628 · 5,900 mi

ON MARCH 5, 2005, A 2 INCH X 2 INCH L SHAPED CRACK WAS FIRST DEVELOPED AT THE MID BOTTOM SECTION OF THE WINDSHIELD OF MY 2004 MINI COOPER S. THE SHORT ARM OF THE L ORIGINATED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. ON THE NEXT DAY, AFTER PARKING INSIDE MY GARAGE OVERNIGHT, THE LONG ARM OF THE L PROPAGATED ANOTHER 2 INCHES. TODAY, WHILE DRIVING, THE CRACK FURTHER EXTENDED ANOTHER 1/4 INCH. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE CRACK STARTED WITH NO OBVIOUS REASONS. THE ONLY SENSIBLE EXPLANATION IS DUE TO DESIGN OF THE BODY STRUTURE OR DEFECT FROM MINI COOPERS, AND…

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ODI 10399355 · 5,000 mi

2004 MINI COOPER S AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON. DEALER WANTS $1000 TO FIX. *TR

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ODI 10468162 · 69,000 mi

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. SHUTTING OFF AND RESTARTING CAR, THE LIGHT WILL GO OUT BUT COMES BACK ON WITHIN SECONDS. THIS OCCURRED AFTER ADJUSTING PASSENGER SEAT. *JS

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Visibility:Windshield7,363–19,454 mi14,625 mi6
ODI 10062573 · 3,500 mi

04 MINI COOPER S HAD A CRACK IN WINDSHIELD OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN (PROBABLY STRESS). HAD FIXED 2 WEEKS AGO UNDER WARRANTLY. NEW CRACK HAS DEVELOPED ALREADY. IN THE PROCESS OF RESOLVING CURRENT DEFECT. *AK THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DESIGN FLAW. YOU GUYS NEED TO ADD MINI TO THE LIST OF YOUR CARS. I AM GOING TO SELECT BMW BECAUSE BWM OWNS MINI.

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ODI 10086536 · 11,750 mi

FIRST OCCASION - WINDSHEILD CRACKED ADJACENT TO VIN # LOCATION. SEPERATED FROM VEHICLE BODY. DEALERSHIP REPLACED BUT TOOK 5 TO 6 WEEKS. EXCUSE WAS SUPPLIER CHANGED. SECOND OCCASION - ROCK CHIP ON INTERSATE. RESULT. SURFACE CHIP AND LAMINANT CRACK (1/4" TO 1/2" LONG). HAVE NOT REPLACED WINDSHIELD. WATCHING FOR ANY PROGRESSION IN SIZE. I'VE OWNED OTHER VEHICLES THAT HAD ROCKS AND SUCH COLLIDE WITH THE WINDSHIELD, BUT NONE THAT CRACKED SO EASILY.

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ODI 10112628 · 5,900 mi

ON MARCH 5, 2005, A 2 INCH X 2 INCH L SHAPED CRACK WAS FIRST DEVELOPED AT THE MID BOTTOM SECTION OF THE WINDSHIELD OF MY 2004 MINI COOPER S. THE SHORT ARM OF THE L ORIGINATED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. ON THE NEXT DAY, AFTER PARKING INSIDE MY GARAGE OVERNIGHT, THE LONG ARM OF THE L PROPAGATED ANOTHER 2 INCHES. TODAY, WHILE DRIVING, THE CRACK FURTHER EXTENDED ANOTHER 1/4 INCH. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE CRACK STARTED WITH NO OBVIOUS REASONS. THE ONLY SENSIBLE EXPLANATION IS DUE TO DESIGN OF THE BODY STRUTURE OR DEFECT FROM MINI COOPERS, AND…

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Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Pump55,059–66,445 mi57,891 mi6
ODI 10206653 · 54,412 mi

DRIVING DOWN ROAD STARTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILS. I BARELY MANAGED TO KEEP CAR ON THE ROAD. UNBELIEVABLE DIFFICULT TO STEER AND CRUCIAL TURN. HAVE YET TO REPLACE PART AND UPON RESEARCH FIND MINI KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND PUT OUT A DUCT WORK AND IMPROVED PUMP. THEY HOWEVER HAVE NOT VOLUNTARILY RECALLED VEHICLES TO RETROFIT. *TR

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ODI 10208473 · 49,900 mi

2004 MINI COOPER S POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE THREE TIMES WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE NOT YET REPLACED NO CONSEQUENCES YET BEYOND FRIGHTENING. *TR

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ODI 10212903 · 58,781 mi

MY 2004 MINI COOPER S LOST STEERING CONTROL APPROACHING A VERY DANGEROUS CORNER ON CALIFORNIA SR 330. IT TOOK ALL MY STRENGTH TO TURN THE WHEEL AND I NEARLY AVOIDED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, BUT WAS ABLE TO GET THROUGH THE TURN AND THEN GET THE CAR OFF THE ROAD. SEARCHING ON THE WEB, I SEEN HUNDREDS OF REPORTS OF STEERING FAILURE IN 2002 THROUGH 2006 MINI COOPERS. MY DEALER WAS KNEW ABOUT THE ISSUE AND REPLACED THE STEERING PUMP. MY MINI HAS 58,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

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Steering:Electric Power Assist SystemToo few reports for a range68,439 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10413788 · 60,000 mi

LOSS OF POWER STEERING. AT FIRST INTERMITTENT, NOW COMPLETE. *KB

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ODI 10429383 · 169,975 mi

THE VEHICLE'S POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CAR IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. *KB

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ODI 10437620 · 68,439 mi

POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY WORKING CAUSING SEVERE OVERSTEER WHILE ENTERING HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. HAD NO INDICATION OF PROBLEM WHILE ON INTERSTATE. UPON EXITING INTERSTATE ON A 30 MPH LOOP STEERING FAILED . PRESENTLY POWER STEERING IS INTERMITTENT SO THE WIFE NO LONGER GETS TO DRIVE THE COOPER. GOOD FORTUNE WAS WITH ME AND I HAVE DRIVEN CARS WITHOUT POWERSTEERING. EVEN SO I WAS CAUGHT OFF GUARD AND I AM HOPEFUL THIS REPORT WILL PREVENT OTHERS WHICH MAY BE LESS FORTUNATE OR EXPERIENCED. THE MINI DEALERSHIP DIDN'T SEEM TO CARE. *KB

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Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range60,950 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10251418 · 60,950 mi

SUPERCHARGER FAILED AT 60,950 MILES, RESULTING IN COMPLETE REBUILD OF UNIT. FAULTY GEAR AND LUBRICATION DESIGN. *TR

Look up ODI 10251418 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10383877 · 55,000 mi

FAILED COMPONENT 1: LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS DIAGNOSED AT DEALERSHIP AS BAD AND OIL LEAK IS DUE TO FAULTY O RING. FAILED COMPONENT 2: POWER STEERING TOTAL FAILURE. DEALER STATED THIS WAS DUE TO POOR DESIGN OF STEERING PUMP FAN (POOR PLACEMENT OF THE FAN). DEALER STATED THERE WAS A POSSIBLE RECALL REGARDING POWER STEERING FAILURE DUE TO THIS POOR DESIGN POSSIBLY PENDING. WORK TO REPAIR THESE FAILED COMPONENTS HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED PENDING A DEALER RECALL. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE.

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ODI 10478230 · 113,400 mi

COOLING FAN STOPPED WORKING ALREADY INSTALLED 3 FANS FROM TIME OF PURCHASE OF VEHICLE THIS WILL BE MY FOURTH ONE ITS HAS ISSUE WITH LOW SPEED. IT BURNS ONLY LOW SPEED ON IT TRIED TO INSTALL AFTERMARKET FAN DID NOT LAST MORE THAN A MONTH HAD TO PURCHASE FROM A DEALER NOW ANOTHER ONE THIS CAN HAS NOTHING BUT A PROBLEM WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10478230 at NHTSA ↗

Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist SystemToo few reports for a range58,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10175121 · 83,800 mi

THE STEERING FAILED ON MY 2004 MINI COOPER S WITH 84K MILE. THE POWER STEERING FAN FAILED CAUSING THE POWER STEERING PUMP TO BURN OUT. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NTO DRIVABLE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE FORTUNATELY THE FAILURE OCCURED AFTER THE VEHICLE REACHED IT DESTINATION AND WAS PARKED. *NM

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ODI 10200816 · 58,000 mi

1) NO SIGNIFICANT EVENT LEADING UP TO FAILURE 2) POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE, NO STEERING ABILITY IN VEHICLE 3) NO CORRECTION KNOWN FOR SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING. PARTS TO BE REPAIRED BELIEVED TO BE STEERING PUMP AND POTENTIAL STEERING RACK. *TR

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ODI 10209866 · 33,542 mi

COMPLETE AND INSTANTANEOUS POWER STEERING FAILURE. THERE IS PLENTY OF FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR AND THERE ARE NO BLOWN FUSES. *TR

Look up ODI 10209866 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2021: 0 complaints · 2022: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2021000
2022001
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2021000
2022100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentSteeringElectrical SystemAir BagsVisibility:WindshieldSteering:Hydraulic Power Assist:PumpSteering:Electric Power Assist SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSteering:Hydraulic Power Assist System
Steering—
9
ODI 10370482 · 66,000 mi

MY CAR HAS HAD INTERMITTENT POWER FAILURE SINCE 2008, USUALLY LASTING A FEW DAYS. MORE RECENTLY MY POWER STEERING HAS BEEN OUT FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS. TODAY IT STARTED WORKING ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK BUT THE POWER STEERING FAN REMAINS ON AFTER I TURN THE CAR OFF. I HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY IN ORDER TO KEEP THE FAN OFF. CONSEQUENCES HAVE RESULTED IN NEAR ACCIDENTS ON THE HIGHWAY AND ROAD WHEN FAILURE OCCURS (FAILURES HAPPENED WHEN I HAVE GONE INTO TURNS). POWER STEERING PUMP AND FAN WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10370482 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10403568 · 112,000 mi

POWER STEERING FAILS. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE POWER STEERING HAS FAILED, BOTH WHILE DRIVING AS WELL AS AFTER JUST STARTING THE CAR. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND I SEE NO PATTERN TO IT'S OCCURRENCE. TYPICALLY IT IS REMEDIED BY TURNING OFF THE CAR AND RE-STARTING. THERE HAS BEEN A FEW OCCASIONS WHERE IT WILL SPUTTER IN AND OUT BEFORE IT GOES OUT COMPLETELY BUT THE MOST COMMON OCCURRENCE IS WHEN I START THE CAR, THERE'S IS NO POWER STEERING.

Look up ODI 10403568 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10431049 · 46,901 mi

THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED... SAW SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE AREA, EVEN WHEN POWER TO ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF AND KEY REMOVED. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART VEHICLE AFTER TALKING WITH SERVICE MECHANIC, HE ADVISED TO "RESTART" CAR UNTIL THE POWER STEERING UNIT POSSIBLY TURNED BACK ON. AFTER 6 ATTEMPTS (APPOX 3 MINS APART), THE SYSTEM STARTED TO WORK AGAIN, BUT WITH A "STIFF & GRINDING" NOISE COMING FROM THE PUMP BEING TRANSMITTED THRU THE STEERING WHEEL. CAUSE OF FAILURE IS "POWER STEERING PUMP/FAN UNIT". VERY DANGEROUS, AS THIS HAPPE…

Look up ODI 10431049 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 10439916 · 69,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE STARTED THE VEHICLE THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME ABNORMALLY STIFF. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000...UPDATED 01/04/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $866.67 . THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 01/09/12

Look up ODI 10439916 at NHTSA ↗

4
ODI 10413788 · 60,000 mi

LOSS OF POWER STEERING. AT FIRST INTERMITTENT, NOW COMPLETE. *KB

Look up ODI 10413788 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10425663

POWER STEERING JUST CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING FOR NO REASON. YOU HAVE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND TURN OFF ENGINE AND THEN TURN IT BACK ON TO (I GUESS) RESET THE POWER STEERING. THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE IF YOU ARE DRIVING ON A ROAD THAT YOU CANNOT PULL OVER AND ESPECIALLY ON A CURVY ROAD. *KB

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ODI 10429383 · 169,975 mi

THE VEHICLE'S POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CAR IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. *KB

Look up ODI 10429383 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10383877 · 55,000 mi

FAILED COMPONENT 1: LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS DIAGNOSED AT DEALERSHIP AS BAD AND OIL LEAK IS DUE TO FAULTY O RING. FAILED COMPONENT 2: POWER STEERING TOTAL FAILURE. DEALER STATED THIS WAS DUE TO POOR DESIGN OF STEERING PUMP FAN (POOR PLACEMENT OF THE FAN). DEALER STATED THERE WAS A POSSIBLE RECALL REGARDING POWER STEERING FAILURE DUE TO THIS POOR DESIGN POSSIBLY PENDING. WORK TO REPAIR THESE FAILED COMPONENTS HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED PENDING A DEALER RECALL. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE.

Look up ODI 10383877 at NHTSA ↗

0
Electrical System
9
ODI 10370482 · 66,000 mi

MY CAR HAS HAD INTERMITTENT POWER FAILURE SINCE 2008, USUALLY LASTING A FEW DAYS. MORE RECENTLY MY POWER STEERING HAS BEEN OUT FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS. TODAY IT STARTED WORKING ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK BUT THE POWER STEERING FAN REMAINS ON AFTER I TURN THE CAR OFF. I HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY IN ORDER TO KEEP THE FAN OFF. CONSEQUENCES HAVE RESULTED IN NEAR ACCIDENTS ON THE HIGHWAY AND ROAD WHEN FAILURE OCCURS (FAILURES HAPPENED WHEN I HAVE GONE INTO TURNS). POWER STEERING PUMP AND FAN WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10370482 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10403568 · 112,000 mi

POWER STEERING FAILS. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE POWER STEERING HAS FAILED, BOTH WHILE DRIVING AS WELL AS AFTER JUST STARTING THE CAR. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND I SEE NO PATTERN TO IT'S OCCURRENCE. TYPICALLY IT IS REMEDIED BY TURNING OFF THE CAR AND RE-STARTING. THERE HAS BEEN A FEW OCCASIONS WHERE IT WILL SPUTTER IN AND OUT BEFORE IT GOES OUT COMPLETELY BUT THE MOST COMMON OCCURRENCE IS WHEN I START THE CAR, THERE'S IS NO POWER STEERING.

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ODI 10431049 · 46,901 mi

THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED... SAW SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE AREA, EVEN WHEN POWER TO ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF AND KEY REMOVED. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART VEHICLE AFTER TALKING WITH SERVICE MECHANIC, HE ADVISED TO "RESTART" CAR UNTIL THE POWER STEERING UNIT POSSIBLY TURNED BACK ON. AFTER 6 ATTEMPTS (APPOX 3 MINS APART), THE SYSTEM STARTED TO WORK AGAIN, BUT WITH A "STIFF & GRINDING" NOISE COMING FROM THE PUMP BEING TRANSMITTED THRU THE STEERING WHEEL. CAUSE OF FAILURE IS "POWER STEERING PUMP/FAN UNIT". VERY DANGEROUS, AS THIS HAPPE…

Look up ODI 10431049 at NHTSA ↗

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1
ODI 10615824 · 124,500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED AND BOTH FRONT WINDOWS HESITATED TO ROLL UP AND DOWN. ALSO, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN THE FRONT SEAT BELTS WERE BUCKLED OR UNBUCKLED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A POSITIVE CABLE IN THE FUSE BOX THAT MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD DESTROY THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, CAUSE A FIRE, AND KEEP THE AIR BAG FROM DEPLOYING IN A CRASH. THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES WERE REPAIRED,…

Look up ODI 10615824 at NHTSA ↗

000
1
ODI 10478230 · 113,400 mi

COOLING FAN STOPPED WORKING ALREADY INSTALLED 3 FANS FROM TIME OF PURCHASE OF VEHICLE THIS WILL BE MY FOURTH ONE ITS HAS ISSUE WITH LOW SPEED. IT BURNS ONLY LOW SPEED ON IT TRIED TO INSTALL AFTERMARKET FAN DID NOT LAST MORE THAN A MONTH HAD TO PURCHASE FROM A DEALER NOW ANOTHER ONE THIS CAN HAS NOTHING BUT A PROBLEM WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10478230 at NHTSA ↗

0
Air Bags0
1
ODI 10615824 · 124,500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED AND BOTH FRONT WINDOWS HESITATED TO ROLL UP AND DOWN. ALSO, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN THE FRONT SEAT BELTS WERE BUCKLED OR UNBUCKLED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A POSITIVE CABLE IN THE FUSE BOX THAT MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD DESTROY THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, CAUSE A FIRE, AND KEEP THE AIR BAG FROM DEPLOYING IN A CRASH. THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES WERE REPAIRED,…

Look up ODI 10615824 at NHTSA ↗

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1
ODI 10112628 · 5,900 mi

ON MARCH 5, 2005, A 2 INCH X 2 INCH L SHAPED CRACK WAS FIRST DEVELOPED AT THE MID BOTTOM SECTION OF THE WINDSHIELD OF MY 2004 MINI COOPER S. THE SHORT ARM OF THE L ORIGINATED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. ON THE NEXT DAY, AFTER PARKING INSIDE MY GARAGE OVERNIGHT, THE LONG ARM OF THE L PROPAGATED ANOTHER 2 INCHES. TODAY, WHILE DRIVING, THE CRACK FURTHER EXTENDED ANOTHER 1/4 INCH. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE CRACK STARTED WITH NO OBVIOUS REASONS. THE ONLY SENSIBLE EXPLANATION IS DUE TO DESIGN OF THE BODY STRUTURE OR DEFECT FROM MINI COOPERS, AND…

Look up ODI 10112628 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Visibility:Windshield00
1
ODI 10112628 · 5,900 mi

ON MARCH 5, 2005, A 2 INCH X 2 INCH L SHAPED CRACK WAS FIRST DEVELOPED AT THE MID BOTTOM SECTION OF THE WINDSHIELD OF MY 2004 MINI COOPER S. THE SHORT ARM OF THE L ORIGINATED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. ON THE NEXT DAY, AFTER PARKING INSIDE MY GARAGE OVERNIGHT, THE LONG ARM OF THE L PROPAGATED ANOTHER 2 INCHES. TODAY, WHILE DRIVING, THE CRACK FURTHER EXTENDED ANOTHER 1/4 INCH. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE CRACK STARTED WITH NO OBVIOUS REASONS. THE ONLY SENSIBLE EXPLANATION IS DUE TO DESIGN OF THE BODY STRUTURE OR DEFECT FROM MINI COOPERS, AND…

Look up ODI 10112628 at NHTSA ↗

—0000
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Pump
1
ODI 10439916 · 69,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE STARTED THE VEHICLE THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME ABNORMALLY STIFF. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000...UPDATED 01/04/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $866.67 . THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 01/09/12

Look up ODI 10439916 at NHTSA ↗

000—000
Steering:Electric Power Assist System
4
ODI 10413788 · 60,000 mi

LOSS OF POWER STEERING. AT FIRST INTERMITTENT, NOW COMPLETE. *KB

Look up ODI 10413788 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10425663

POWER STEERING JUST CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING FOR NO REASON. YOU HAVE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND TURN OFF ENGINE AND THEN TURN IT BACK ON TO (I GUESS) RESET THE POWER STEERING. THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE IF YOU ARE DRIVING ON A ROAD THAT YOU CANNOT PULL OVER AND ESPECIALLY ON A CURVY ROAD. *KB

Look up ODI 10425663 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10429383 · 169,975 mi

THE VEHICLE'S POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CAR IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. *KB

Look up ODI 10429383 at NHTSA ↗

0000—00
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
ODI 10383877 · 55,000 mi

FAILED COMPONENT 1: LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS DIAGNOSED AT DEALERSHIP AS BAD AND OIL LEAK IS DUE TO FAULTY O RING. FAILED COMPONENT 2: POWER STEERING TOTAL FAILURE. DEALER STATED THIS WAS DUE TO POOR DESIGN OF STEERING PUMP FAN (POOR PLACEMENT OF THE FAN). DEALER STATED THERE WAS A POSSIBLE RECALL REGARDING POWER STEERING FAILURE DUE TO THIS POOR DESIGN POSSIBLY PENDING. WORK TO REPAIR THESE FAILED COMPONENTS HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED PENDING A DEALER RECALL. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE.

Look up ODI 10383877 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10478230 · 113,400 mi

COOLING FAN STOPPED WORKING ALREADY INSTALLED 3 FANS FROM TIME OF PURCHASE OF VEHICLE THIS WILL BE MY FOURTH ONE ITS HAS ISSUE WITH LOW SPEED. IT BURNS ONLY LOW SPEED ON IT TRIED TO INSTALL AFTERMARKET FAN DID NOT LAST MORE THAN A MONTH HAD TO PURCHASE FROM A DEALER NOW ANOTHER ONE THIS CAN HAS NOTHING BUT A PROBLEM WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10478230 at NHTSA ↗

0000—0
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

191 mentions · 77.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 76,896 mi (182 usable records).

ODI 10175121 · 83,800 mi

THE STEERING FAILED ON MY 2004 MINI COOPER S WITH 84K MILE. THE POWER STEERING FAN FAILED CAUSING THE POWER STEERING PUMP TO BURN OUT. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NTO DRIVABLE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE FORTUNATELY THE FAILURE OCCURED AFTER THE VEHICLE REACHED IT DESTINATION AND WAS PARKED. *NM

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ODI 10200816 · 58,000 mi

1) NO SIGNIFICANT EVENT LEADING UP TO FAILURE 2) POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE, NO STEERING ABILITY IN VEHICLE 3) NO CORRECTION KNOWN FOR SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING. PARTS TO BE REPAIRED BELIEVED TO BE STEERING PUMP AND POTENTIAL STEERING RACK. *TR

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ODI 10206653 · 54,412 mi

DRIVING DOWN ROAD STARTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILS. I BARELY MANAGED TO KEEP CAR ON THE ROAD. UNBELIEVABLE DIFFICULT TO STEER AND CRUCIAL TURN. HAVE YET TO REPLACE PART AND UPON RESEARCH FIND MINI KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND PUT OUT A DUCT WORK AND IMPROVED PUMP. THEY HOWEVER HAVE NOT VOLUNTARILY RECALLED VEHICLES TO RETROFIT. *TR

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

21 mentions · 8.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 90,000 mi (21 usable records).

ODI 10345159 · 70,000 mi

ON MY WAY UP DRIVEWAY I NOTICED A SHARP STINGING SENSATION IN THE LUMBAR OF MY BACK. FELT SORT OF LIKE AN "CONTINUOUS ELECTRIC SHOCK". I IMMEDIATELY ARCHED MY BACK AS A REACTION TO THE STING AND HAD TO STRAIGHTEN MY BACK IN ORDER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. WHEN STRAIGHTENING MY BACK I FELT SOMETHING HOT, VERY HOT THIS TIME LIKE SOMETHING THAT WAS ON FIRE. I COULD NOT LONGER CONTROL THE VEHICLE GRABBED FOR THE HANDLE OPENED THE DOOR AND ROLLED OUT ONTO THE DRIVEWAY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING. THE VEHICLE BUCKED AND STALLED OUT. I IMMEDIATELY LOO…

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ODI 10350520 · 70,100 mi

THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE GOING UP HILL ON A CURVY TWO LANE ROAD. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING FORCED ME TO GO INTO THE OTHER LANE, WHERE FORTUNATELY NO CARS WERE PRESENT. IF I WAS GOING DOWN HILL ON THE SAME ROAD I WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY GONE AGAINST THE SIDE OF THE HILL OR OFF THE SIDE OF THE CLIFF IF NOT HITTING AN ON COMING CAR FIRST. THE DEALERSHIP CHARGED ME OVER $1000 TO CHANGE THE ELECTRO/HYDRAULIC STEERING PUMP. THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH MANY MINIS ACCORDING TO FORUM POSTS. *TR

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ODI 10358209 · 90,000 mi

LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Look up ODI 10358209 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

5 mentions · 2.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 90,750 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10383083 · 60,458 mi

COMPLETE FAILURE OF STEERING COLUMN, IT LOCKS UP DURING DRIVING, CAN BARELY TURN THE WHEEL. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY DURING DRIVING, EVEN ON A STRAIGHT ROAD NOT MAKING ANY TURNS. HAVE TO FORCE CAR OVER ONTO SHOULDER AND RESTART THE CAR. NOTHING BAD HAS HAPPENED YET, BUT VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING WITH KIDS IN THE CAR. ALL FLUID LEVELS CHECK OUT, NO WARNING LIGHTS ABOUT STEERING FAILURE. *TR

Look up ODI 10383083 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10412155 · 121,000 mi

I AM WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MY 2004 MINI COOPER S POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE. I HAVE DONE HOURS OF RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE CONTACTED HALF A DOZEN MINI DEALERSHIPS TO FIND OUT, THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM (ON 2001-2005 MODELS) AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. THERE IS NO WARNING (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT) WHEN THIS PART GOES DEFECTIVE, SO BASICALLY WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING JUST SHUTS OFF LEAVING ABOUT 30LBS OF PRESSURE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. GOOD THING I AM A STRONG MALE, BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD …

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ODI 10460391 · 120,000 mi

EXPERIENCED TOTAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS. OCCURRED MOSTLY AFTER STARTING THE CAR ON HOT DAYS. THE CAR IS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER AT LOW SPEED WITH NO POWER STEERING. POWER STEERING SPORADICALLY CAME AND WENT. EVENTUALLY, THE POWER STEERING PUMP WOULD REMAIN ON AFTER TURNING OFF THE CAR, CAUSING THE BATTERY TO GO DEAD. REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP AND FAN IN MAY 2012 AT ABOUT 130,000 MILES AND HAVEN'T HAD ANY ISSUES SINCE. *TR

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 0.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 95,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10376902 · 95,000 mi

DURING 2010 I EXPERIENCED THE POWER STEERING GOING ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. ALSO, SOMETIMES THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT WORK RIGHT AT THE START UP. I THEN HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF, AND RE-START IT. MY MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND A DIRECT PROBLEM. 3 DAYS AGO, JAN 2011, THE POWER STEERING FAILED COMPLETELY, AND MY CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE, IT WOULD NOT START. MY MECHANIC EXAMINED MY CAR AND FOUND THAT THE POWER STEERING UNIT WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN. *TR

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 0.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 48,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10249834 · 48,000 mi

MY 2004 MINI COOPER S HAS 48,000 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION HAS GOTTEN SO BAD THAT I CANNOT CHANGE GEARS WITHOUT GREAT DIFFICULTY. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS REPORTS ONLINE ABOUT POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE, BRAKE FAILURE AND A HOST OF SAFETY ISSUES WITH THE COOPER. I THINK THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE EVALUATED FOR SAFETY ISSUES. THANKS, KAREN *TR

Look up ODI 10249834 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b