Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2005 Mini COOPER CONVERTIBLE: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

96 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

69,998 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2005 model year. Data updated: . 89 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 75 of 96 complaints (78.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior7780.2%
Electrical and battery issues1212.5%
Transmission and shifting77.3%
Engine operation77.3%
Braking behavior33.1%

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
75
Electrical System
7
Air Bags
5
Power Train
5
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Pump
4
Air Bags:Frontal
2
Engine
2
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:Lock
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Steering75
Electrical System7
Air Bags5
Power Train5
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Pump4
Air Bags:Frontal2
Engine2
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:Lock2

Steering: 75; Electrical System: 7; Air Bags: 5; Power Train: 5; Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Pump: 4; Air Bags:Frontal: 2; Engine: 2; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:Lock: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
5
25,000 to 49,999
15
50,000 to 74,999
29
75,000 to 99,999
21
100,000 to 149,999
16
150,000 and above
3
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0005
25,000 to 49,99915
50,000 to 74,99929
75,000 to 99,99921
100,000 to 149,99916
150,000 and above3

Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 15; 50,000 to 74,999: 29; 75,000 to 99,999: 21; 100,000 to 149,999: 16; 150,000 and above: 3

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (29). 7 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.

2009
6
2010
19
2011
23
2012
17
2013
7
2014
4
2015
3
2016
9
2017
2
2021
4
2022
1
2023
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20096
201019
201123
201217
20137
20144
20153
20169
20172
20214
20221
20231

2009: 6; 2010: 19; 2011: 23; 2012: 17; 2013: 7; 2014: 4; 2015: 3; 2016: 9; 2017: 2; 2021: 4; 2022: 1; 2023: 1

Pattern summary

Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 77 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 12 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 7 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.

Examples from the source records

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

Owner report 10273458 · 2009-06-10 (June 10, 2009)

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND MY STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY HARD AND ALMOST REFUSED TO COMPLETELY WORK AS I WAS ROUNDING A BEND! I HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND SLOWLY INCH TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT. AFTER BEING SCARED OUT OF MY WITS, I CALMED DOWN AND PARKED MY CAR. I LET THE CAR SIT OVERNIGHT AND CHECKED POWER STEERING FLUID AND IT WAS FULL. I THEN LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND MANY MINI OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. MINI SAYS THEY WILL NOT FIX IT. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 45,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10273458 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10273665 · 2009-06-12 (June 12, 2009)

REGULAR DRIVING AT AROUND 6PM AT ABOUT 40MPH AROUND A BEND, COMPLETE POWER STEERING FAILURE, THE CAR BECAME VERY HEAVY TO STEER, WITH NO PRIOR WARNING, AND NO WARNING LIGHTS. ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS THE CAR FAILED TO STEER. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE, THE WARRANTY HAS BEEN OVER FOR 3 MONTHS AND MINI ARE SAYING A GOODWILL REPAIR MIGHT BE AVAILABLE, BUT WILL NOT DO A FREE DIAGNOSTIC, HELP US GET TO A DEALERSHIP OR PROMISE ANYTHING BEFOREHAND. A NEW POWER STEERING PUMP IS LIKELY NEEDED, AS PER THE EVIDENCE OF THE EUROPEAN RECALL, AND OTHER MIN…

Owner-reported narrative. 45,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10273665 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10281950 · 2009-08-27 (August 27, 2009)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. WHENEVER SHE PRESSED THE BUTTON TO OPEN THE SUNROOF OR CONVERTIBLE, THE DRIVERS SIDE OPENED BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS A LAPSE IN THE CABLE AND SHE'D THE ENTIRE UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT OFFER HER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE IS A DEFECT THAT SHOULD ALSO BE A RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 55,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10281950 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10283838 · 2009-09-13 (September 13, 2009)

NOTICED ON BRAND NEW TIRES THE TREAD ON LEFT TIRE WAS WORN TO THE CORE AND THE WAS SEPARATING FROM THE TIRE ON INSIDE, THE RIGHT TIRE HAD EVERY LITTLE TREAD LEFT. THERE HAS BEEN 216 COMPLAINTS . NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE OR REPAIR OR REPLACE THE PARTS. THE TIRES HAD ONLY 4000 MILES ON THEM WHEN IT WAS NOTICED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 4,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10283838 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10287216 · 2009-10-13 (October 13, 2009)

2005 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE. JUST OVER 50,000 MILES. TODAY, WHILST DRIVING TO LUNCH, MY POWER STEERING FAILED. THERE WAS NO WARNING, IT JUST QUIT, MID-DRIVE. THE CAR IS NOW VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THIS COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. LOOKING ONLINE, I SEE THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE, YET THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS. HTTP://WWW.MINI2.COM/FORUM/FIRST-GENERATION-FAULTS-FIXES/49527-IMPORTANT-HAVE-YOU-HAD-POWER-STEERING-PUMP-FAILURE-PLEASE-VOTE-YES-NO.HTML. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 50,250 miles reported. Look up ODI 10287216 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10289811 · 2009-10-26 (October 26, 2009)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ANOTHER DRIVER CRASHED INTO HER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT COMPLETELY DEPLOY. AS A CONSEQUENCE SPARKS FROM THE AIR BAG SHORT, CAUSED HER COAT TO CATCH ON FIRE. SHE SUFFERED 2ND DEGREE BURNS ON THE RIGHT ARM AND THE HEEL OF THE HAND. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND HER CASE WAS ESCALATED TO THE MANUFACTURER. SHE HAS NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 75,000. UPDATED 3/8/10 *CN UPDATED 07/27/10*JB

Owner-reported narrative. 75,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10289811 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10310122 · 2010-02-12 (February 12, 2010)

2005 MINI COOPER POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE, WHILE MAKING A TURN, WITHOUT NOTICE MY POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED MY VEHICLE HAS APROX. 80K MILES ON IT. MINI IS REMANUFACTUING THE PUMP WITH DESIGN IMPROVEMENTS THIS TELLS ME THEY KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE ORIGINAL PUMP, THEY SHOULD BE MADE TO REPAIR THE ORIGINAL PUMPS FEE OF CHARGE NOT THE $800.00 THEY WANT JUST FOR THE PUMP. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 84,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10310122 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10320761 · 2010-03-18 (March 18, 2010)

HI, I'M WRITING TO REPORT THAT MY 2005 MINI COOPER, WITH LESS THAN 43K MILES IS IN NEED OF A THIRD TRANSMISSION. I NEARLY DID NOT MAKE IT HOME ONE EVENING BECAUSE THE JERKING MOTION THE CAR WAS MAKING AND BECAUSE THE ENGINE JUST FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO SHUT OFF. I NEARLY STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY, WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THE FIRST TRANSMISSION, WHILE UNDER WARRANTY WAS REPLACED IN NOVEMBER 2007 AT 28K MILES. ON 12/16/08, I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE TRANSMISSION PAN AMONG OTHER THINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS THE ONLY KNOWN DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE TR…

Owner-reported narrative. 43 miles reported. Look up ODI 10320761 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

15V205000 · Air Bags:Frontal

Reported: 2015-04-06 (April 6, 2015)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to November 28, 2006, and 2005-2008 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to July 31, 2008. Due to manufacturing, installation, and exposure issues, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat may not function properly and, as a result, the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash.

Consequence: An improperly functioning mat may cause the passenger frontal air bag to be inactive when the seat is occupied, and in the event of a crash, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the passenger's risk of injury.

Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. The recall began on October 12, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

96 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

92.7%Usable mileage89 / 96 records
100.0%Valid incident date96 / 96 records
100.0%Valid filing date96 / 96 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates96 / 96 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
Component2016202220252026
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.

Air Bags
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.

Electrical System
17.7%
ODI 10872609 · 518 mi

THIS IS IN REGARDS TO THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ON THE 2016+ MINI COOPER CLUBMAN MODELS. THE DESIGN OF THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS CAN NOT BE SEEN WHILE FOLLOWING THE VEHICLE AT A CARS LENGTH OF DISTANCE. THE LARGEST TAIL LIGHTS ON THE REAR HATCH OF THE VEHICLE ARE NOT THE ACTUAL BRAKE LIGHTS WHERE YOU ASSUME YOU WOULD SEE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE. INSTEAD THEY ARE ON THE BUMPER BELOW THE REAR DOORS. WHEN IN TRAFFIC OR FOLLOWING LESS THAN 2 CAR LENGTHS BEHIND THE CEHICLE THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN TELL THE VEHICLE IS EVEN STOPPING IS THE SMALL 3RD BRAKE LIGHT. …

Look up ODI 10872609 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11725132

While lowering the convertible top on my Mini Cooper Convertible, the trunk partition was not fully in place. Normally, the vehicle will prevent the roof from operating or provide a notification if the partition is not correctly positioned. In this case, the safety interlock system failed to warn me or stop the roof from lowering. While the roof was folding, the rear glass shattered, causing $6,000 in damage. The dealership confirmed that the rear parcel shelf was not fully in place and explained that the sensor only detects one side(in my cas…

Look up ODI 11725132 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
17.7%
ODI 11700391

The Environmental Air Catalyst (EAC) Sensor on my 2016 MINI failed two years ago when I had only 25,000 miles on the car. (The car now has 30,200 miles on it; I do not drive it very much). NHTSA worked with MINI/BMW several years ago, and MINI extended a limited warranty for this sensor to 15 years/150,000 miles, but only for Cooper "S" models. Mine is not an "S". See Recall "S1 M01 05 20" The S has a BMW "B46M PZEV/SULEV " engine, which is covered by the extended warranty. My car - not the "S" model - has the BMW "B36M" engine. This is no…

Look up ODI 11700391 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.

Power Train
17.7%
ODI 10993700 · 12,800 mi

DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT FLASHES FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN GOES AWAY. DRIVING ON I-85 S JUNE 5, 2017 WARNING APPEARED FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN DISAPPEARED.

Look up ODI 10993700 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.

Seats
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.

Exterior Lighting
430.8%
ODI 10824138

SPOTTED NEW CLUBMAN IN FRONT OF ME ON HIGHWAY. VEHICLE CAME TO STOP ABRUPTLY WITHOUT APPARENT WARNING. THANKFULLY I WAS PAYING ATTENTION. APPARENTLY TAILLIGHTS ARE NOT THE LARGE LIGHTS ON THE TRUNK, BUT THESE SMALL LIGHTS PLACED DIRECTLY AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR END, ALMOST INVISIBLE IN STOP/GO TRAFFIC. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION TAILLIGHTS HAD TO BE PLACED HIGHER UP AND WOULD HAVE BEEN THE LARGE LIGHTS ACROSS THE ENTIRE REAR SECTION OF THE CAR, BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE WITH THIS CAR. I CAN SEE THIS MODEL OF CAR GETTING REAR ENDED QUITE FREQU…

Look up ODI 10824138 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.

Unknown Or Other
323.1%
ODI 10891929 · 850 mi

TWICE SINCE BUYING MY CAR IN MAY IF 2016 I HAVE BADLY BURNED MY LEG ON THE TAILPIPE WHILE GETTING BAGS OUT OF THE TRUNK. I WAS NOT EVEN REACHING INTO THE TRUNK PARTICULARLY DEEPLY. THE TAILPIPE PROTRUDES BEYOND THE BUMPER AND IT IS VERY EASY TO INADVERTENTLY BUMP IT WITH ONE'S LEG IF WEARING SHORTS. THIS IS DANGEROUS TO ADULTS, BUT ALSO ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS FOR CHILDREN HELPING THEIR PARENTS GET THINGS OUT OF THE CAR. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE BURNS IF YOU NEED THEM.

Look up ODI 10891929 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.

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
Steering56,592–98,750 mi74,500 mi70
ODI 10273458 · 45,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND MY STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY HARD AND ALMOST REFUSED TO COMPLETELY WORK AS I WAS ROUNDING A BEND! I HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND SLOWLY INCH TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT. AFTER BEING SCARED OUT OF MY WITS, I CALMED DOWN AND PARKED MY CAR. I LET THE CAR SIT OVERNIGHT AND CHECKED POWER STEERING FLUID AND IT WAS FULL. I THEN LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND MANY MINI OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. MINI SAYS THEY WILL NOT FIX IT. *TR

Look up ODI 10273458 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10273665 · 45,000 mi

REGULAR DRIVING AT AROUND 6PM AT ABOUT 40MPH AROUND A BEND, COMPLETE POWER STEERING FAILURE, THE CAR BECAME VERY HEAVY TO STEER, WITH NO PRIOR WARNING, AND NO WARNING LIGHTS. ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS THE CAR FAILED TO STEER. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE, THE WARRANTY HAS BEEN OVER FOR 3 MONTHS AND MINI ARE SAYING A GOODWILL REPAIR MIGHT BE AVAILABLE, BUT WILL NOT DO A FREE DIAGNOSTIC, HELP US GET TO A DEALERSHIP OR PROMISE ANYTHING BEFOREHAND. A NEW POWER STEERING PUMP IS LIKELY NEEDED, AS PER THE EVIDENCE OF THE EUROPEAN RECALL, AND OTHER MIN…

Look up ODI 10273665 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10287216 · 50,250 mi

2005 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE. JUST OVER 50,000 MILES. TODAY, WHILST DRIVING TO LUNCH, MY POWER STEERING FAILED. THERE WAS NO WARNING, IT JUST QUIT, MID-DRIVE. THE CAR IS NOW VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THIS COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. LOOKING ONLINE, I SEE THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE, YET THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS. HTTP://WWW.MINI2.COM/FORUM/FIRST-GENERATION-FAULTS-FIXES/49527-IMPORTANT-HAVE-YOU-HAD-POWER-STEERING-PUMP-FAILURE-PLEASE-VOTE-YES-NO.HTML. *TR

Look up ODI 10287216 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System60,450–74,798 mi65,000 mi7
ODI 10339897 · 30,000 mi

2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE DOES NOT TURN OFF EVEN AFTER KEY IS REMOVED. SAFETY ISSUE POTENTIAL WITH THEIR DRIVE-BY-WIRE IGNITION? DEALER SAID IT IS CAUSED BY WIRE HARNESS AND/OR REAR TAIL LIGHT CONNECTION. CAR MAY BE UNSAFE? *TR

Look up ODI 10339897 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10442431 · 65,000 mi

MY 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AFTER A SHORT TRIP, NOT RUNNING. I CAME OUT OF A STORE AND SAW SMOKE POURING OUT FROM ALL AROUND THE HOOD AREA. I RAISED THE HOOD AND THE SMOKE BEGAN TO SUBSIDE. SMELLED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS WARNING OF ANY KIND. THE REPAIRS INCLUDE THE ALTERNATOR, POWER STEERING PUMP, RESERVOIR, POWER STEERING PUMP FAN. AT A TOTAL OUT OF POCKET OF $1900.00. *TR

Look up ODI 10442431 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10449717 · 79,000 mi

THE CAR LOST POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY LASTING DIFFERENT LENGTH OF TIMES. THE STEERING WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO MOVE. THIS OCCURRED AS I WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WITH NO WARNING ON A LEFT HAND TURN. MINI DIAGNOSTICS IDENTIFIED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND FAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND SAID IT WAS INFACT THE SAME ISSUE BEING INVESTIGATED BY NHTSA BUT DECLINED TO ASSIST IN REPAIRS.. $1200.00... STANDING ONLY BEHIND THE 30,000MI/3 YR WARRANTY EXPIRATION. PLEASE RECALL THE 2005 MINI FOR THIS ISSUE... *TR

Look up ODI 10449717 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range37,250 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10436351 · 34,500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS WITH AND WITHOUT PASSENGERS SEATED IN THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A WIRING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,500.

Look up ODI 10436351 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10458212 · 32,000 mi

SEAT SENSOR FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG CHILD DISABLING FEATURE FAILED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE SEAT. DEALER ESTIMATE WAS $1300 FOR THE REPLACEMENT SEAT AND LABOR. DEALER ADMITTED THAT IT HAS BEEN A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN SEVERAL BMW MODELS. THE CAR ONLY HAS 32000 MILES ON IT. NO WARRANTY COVERAGE WAS OFFERED. *TR

Look up ODI 10458212 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10470672 · 50,000 mi

THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR ACTIVATES, SAYING THAT THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT WHEN ONE IS NOT PRESENT. IT OFTEN REMINDS THIS "PASSENGER" TO BUCKLE THEIR SEAT BELT. OTHER TIMES IT IS SILENT BUT STILL INDICATES THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS TURNED OFF WHEN THERE TRULY IS A PASSENGER. *TR

Look up ODI 10470672 at NHTSA ↗

Power TrainToo few reports for a range73,798 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10434001 · 77,000 mi

AUTOMATIC CVT TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 77,000 MILES. CAR STOPPED WHEN GOING DOWN INTERSTATE, PRESSING GAS, NOTHING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR SAFELY, TURNED IT OFF, RESTARTED IT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND EP (TRANSMISSION) WARNING LIGHT CAME ON.MINI COOPER DEALERSHIP SAYS MIN IS VERY AWARE OF THIS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, AND STOPPED PUTTING THE CVT TRANSMISSIONS IN, APPARENTLY IT WAS EXPERIMENTAL. CANNOT REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION, AND MINI ESTIMATES $7100 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, AND WILL ONLY GIVE ME $2500 ON IT AS …

Look up ODI 10434001 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10445784 · 40,000 mi

POWER STEERING STOPPED FUNCTIONING. HAD TO REPLACE THE PUMP. *TT

Look up ODI 10445784 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10472498 · 70,595 mi

DAUGHTER/CO-OWNER WAS DRIVING CAR. SHIFTING FROM 1ST IN TO 2ND GEAR. LOUD CLUNK OR RATTLE/CLICKING FROM UNSIDE. CAR LOST POWER STEERING, BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE. HAD TO CALL TOW TRUCK. *TR

Look up ODI 10472498 at NHTSA ↗

Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:PumpToo few reports for a range44,388 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10379733 · 33,950 mi

THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED SUDDENLY AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE CAR. *TR UPDATED 08/24/11 *BF UPDATED 08/29/11

Look up ODI 10379733 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10403995 · 102,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE STEERING ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST. THE COST WOULD BE $1000 FOR THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATED THEY WOULD GIVE HER A RETURN CALL IF THEY REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. UPDATED 07/08/11*LJ THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP. UPDATED 07/29/11

Look up ODI 10403995 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10437742 · 44,000 mi

THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE SUDDENLY FAILED ON A TURN, NEARLY CAUSING ME TO GO INTO A DITCH. MY MINI DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS PROBABLY THE POWER STEERING PUMP & WOULD COST $1400 TO REPLACE. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET & FOUND THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE MINI COOPER & THAT AN INVESTIGATION WAS TAKING PLACE INTO THE DEFECTIVE PUMP & THAT A RECALL MIGHT BE FORTHCOMING. I CALLED MINI USA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT. THEIR REP TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE & THAT THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO OFFER "GOODWILL"…

Look up ODI 10437742 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range62,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10289811 · 75,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ANOTHER DRIVER CRASHED INTO HER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT COMPLETELY DEPLOY. AS A CONSEQUENCE SPARKS FROM THE AIR BAG SHORT, CAUSED HER COAT TO CATCH ON FIRE. SHE SUFFERED 2ND DEGREE BURNS ON THE RIGHT ARM AND THE HEEL OF THE HAND. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND HER CASE WAS ESCALATED TO THE MANUFACTURER. SHE HAS NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 75,000. UPDATED 3/8/10 *CN UPDATED 07/27/10*JB

Look up ODI 10289811 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10365410 · 49,000 mi

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN WHEN THERE ISN'T A PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE LIGHT INDICATES THE AIRBAG IS OFF. THE LIGHT ALSO STAYS ON IF THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. I AM NOT SURE IF THE AIRBAG WOULD WORK IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALER INDICATED I NEEDED A NEW SEAT AT MY COST. TO ME THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT THAT BMW SHOULD FIX. *TR

Look up ODI 10365410 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range30,030 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10715412 · 60,000 mi

PARKED AT SHOPPING MALL AND NOT RUNNING FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES, COME OUT TO MINI COOPER ON FIRE. SMOKE COMING OUT OF ENGINE AREA, HIGH PITCH FAN WHIRLING, ELECTRICAL SMELL. POWER STEERING FAILED, SHORTED OUT, AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS NOT EVEN ON AND PARKED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR FAILURE MANY OTHERS OWNING A MINI COOPER HAVE EXPERIENCED. BMW/MINI COOPER OF USA DID NOTHING FOR US AND PUT IT ALL ON OUR AND MY INSURANCES SHOULDERS. AMAZED SO MANY CASES OF THIS SAME ISSUE HAVE HAPPENED YET THEY DO NOTHING AND SEEM TO…

Look up ODI 10715412 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10870242 · 60 mi

TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 60K MILES BECAUSE OF THE WAY IT'S MADE IT HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS FAULTY TRANSMISSION. BMW HAS TO PAY FOR IT.

Look up ODI 10870242 at NHTSA ↗

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:LockToo few reports for a range96,250 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10389694 · 95,000 mi

POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. POWER STEERING REPLACEMENT, TRUNK REPAIR AND DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR REPAIR. UPDATED 07/26/11 *BF *TR

Look up ODI 10389694 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10414776 · 97,500 mi

TRUNK DOOR OPENED WHILE DRIVING AROUND 50MPH. ITEMS IN TRUNK FLEW OUT. ANOTHER DRIVER PULLED UP ALONGSIDE ME TO NOTIFY ME OF THE SITUATION. *TT

Look up ODI 10414776 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-102026-09

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
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

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.

2026-09 (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 212 reports

2016: 12 complaints · 2022: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
201681112
2022000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20161300
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 BagsPower TrainSteering:Hydraulic Power Assist:PumpAir Bags:FrontalEngineLatches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:Lock
Steering—
5
ODI 10449717 · 79,000 mi

THE CAR LOST POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY LASTING DIFFERENT LENGTH OF TIMES. THE STEERING WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO MOVE. THIS OCCURRED AS I WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WITH NO WARNING ON A LEFT HAND TURN. MINI DIAGNOSTICS IDENTIFIED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND FAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND SAID IT WAS INFACT THE SAME ISSUE BEING INVESTIGATED BY NHTSA BUT DECLINED TO ASSIST IN REPAIRS.. $1200.00... STANDING ONLY BEHIND THE 30,000MI/3 YR WARRANTY EXPIRATION. PLEASE RECALL THE 2005 MINI FOR THIS ISSUE... *TR

Look up ODI 10449717 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10472498 · 70,595 mi

DAUGHTER/CO-OWNER WAS DRIVING CAR. SHIFTING FROM 1ST IN TO 2ND GEAR. LOUD CLUNK OR RATTLE/CLICKING FROM UNSIDE. CAR LOST POWER STEERING, BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE. HAD TO CALL TOW TRUCK. *TR

Look up ODI 10472498 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10564157 · 60,900 mi

AFTER I TURNED MY CAR OFF, A NOISE LIKE A FAN KEPT RUNNING. IT DRAINED THE BATTERY CAUSING ME TO GET MY CAR JUMPED. THEN POWER STEERING WENT OUT, AND WHEN I ARRIVED HOME AFTER STRUGGLING TO TURN VEHICLE AND OPERATE SAFELY, THE FAN DID IT AGAIN, AFTER 5 MINUTES BATTERY WAS DEAD. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THIS YEAR OF MINI I HAVE FOUND AFTER RESEARCHING TONIGHT, AND I AM VERY DISPLEASED TO SEE THAT CANADA HAS RECALLED THIS ISSUE AND THE USA HAS NOT! PEOPLE COULD GET SERIOUSLY INJURED. THERE IS NO RHYME OR REASON AS TO WHY, OR WHEN THIS WILL HAPP…

Look up ODI 10564157 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10472498 · 70,595 mi

DAUGHTER/CO-OWNER WAS DRIVING CAR. SHIFTING FROM 1ST IN TO 2ND GEAR. LOUD CLUNK OR RATTLE/CLICKING FROM UNSIDE. CAR LOST POWER STEERING, BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE. HAD TO CALL TOW TRUCK. *TR

Look up ODI 10472498 at NHTSA ↗

4
ODI 10379733 · 33,950 mi

THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED SUDDENLY AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE CAR. *TR UPDATED 08/24/11 *BF UPDATED 08/29/11

Look up ODI 10379733 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10403995 · 102,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE STEERING ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST. THE COST WOULD BE $1000 FOR THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATED THEY WOULD GIVE HER A RETURN CALL IF THEY REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. UPDATED 07/08/11*LJ THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP. UPDATED 07/29/11

Look up ODI 10403995 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10437742 · 44,000 mi

THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE SUDDENLY FAILED ON A TURN, NEARLY CAUSING ME TO GO INTO A DITCH. MY MINI DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS PROBABLY THE POWER STEERING PUMP & WOULD COST $1400 TO REPLACE. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET & FOUND THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE MINI COOPER & THAT AN INVESTIGATION WAS TAKING PLACE INTO THE DEFECTIVE PUMP & THAT A RECALL MIGHT BE FORTHCOMING. I CALLED MINI USA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT. THEIR REP TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE & THAT THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO OFFER "GOODWILL"…

Look up ODI 10437742 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10715412 · 60,000 mi

PARKED AT SHOPPING MALL AND NOT RUNNING FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES, COME OUT TO MINI COOPER ON FIRE. SMOKE COMING OUT OF ENGINE AREA, HIGH PITCH FAN WHIRLING, ELECTRICAL SMELL. POWER STEERING FAILED, SHORTED OUT, AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS NOT EVEN ON AND PARKED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR FAILURE MANY OTHERS OWNING A MINI COOPER HAVE EXPERIENCED. BMW/MINI COOPER OF USA DID NOTHING FOR US AND PUT IT ALL ON OUR AND MY INSURANCES SHOULDERS. AMAZED SO MANY CASES OF THIS SAME ISSUE HAVE HAPPENED YET THEY DO NOTHING AND SEEM TO…

Look up ODI 10715412 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10389694 · 95,000 mi

POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. POWER STEERING REPLACEMENT, TRUNK REPAIR AND DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR REPAIR. UPDATED 07/26/11 *BF *TR

Look up ODI 10389694 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
5
ODI 10449717 · 79,000 mi

THE CAR LOST POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY LASTING DIFFERENT LENGTH OF TIMES. THE STEERING WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO MOVE. THIS OCCURRED AS I WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WITH NO WARNING ON A LEFT HAND TURN. MINI DIAGNOSTICS IDENTIFIED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND FAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND SAID IT WAS INFACT THE SAME ISSUE BEING INVESTIGATED BY NHTSA BUT DECLINED TO ASSIST IN REPAIRS.. $1200.00... STANDING ONLY BEHIND THE 30,000MI/3 YR WARRANTY EXPIRATION. PLEASE RECALL THE 2005 MINI FOR THIS ISSUE... *TR

Look up ODI 10449717 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10472498 · 70,595 mi

DAUGHTER/CO-OWNER WAS DRIVING CAR. SHIFTING FROM 1ST IN TO 2ND GEAR. LOUD CLUNK OR RATTLE/CLICKING FROM UNSIDE. CAR LOST POWER STEERING, BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE. HAD TO CALL TOW TRUCK. *TR

Look up ODI 10472498 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10564157 · 60,900 mi

AFTER I TURNED MY CAR OFF, A NOISE LIKE A FAN KEPT RUNNING. IT DRAINED THE BATTERY CAUSING ME TO GET MY CAR JUMPED. THEN POWER STEERING WENT OUT, AND WHEN I ARRIVED HOME AFTER STRUGGLING TO TURN VEHICLE AND OPERATE SAFELY, THE FAN DID IT AGAIN, AFTER 5 MINUTES BATTERY WAS DEAD. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THIS YEAR OF MINI I HAVE FOUND AFTER RESEARCHING TONIGHT, AND I AM VERY DISPLEASED TO SEE THAT CANADA HAS RECALLED THIS ISSUE AND THE USA HAS NOT! PEOPLE COULD GET SERIOUSLY INJURED. THERE IS NO RHYME OR REASON AS TO WHY, OR WHEN THIS WILL HAPP…

Look up ODI 10564157 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 10472498 · 70,595 mi

DAUGHTER/CO-OWNER WAS DRIVING CAR. SHIFTING FROM 1ST IN TO 2ND GEAR. LOUD CLUNK OR RATTLE/CLICKING FROM UNSIDE. CAR LOST POWER STEERING, BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE. HAD TO CALL TOW TRUCK. *TR

Look up ODI 10472498 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 10715412 · 60,000 mi

PARKED AT SHOPPING MALL AND NOT RUNNING FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES, COME OUT TO MINI COOPER ON FIRE. SMOKE COMING OUT OF ENGINE AREA, HIGH PITCH FAN WHIRLING, ELECTRICAL SMELL. POWER STEERING FAILED, SHORTED OUT, AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS NOT EVEN ON AND PARKED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR FAILURE MANY OTHERS OWNING A MINI COOPER HAVE EXPERIENCED. BMW/MINI COOPER OF USA DID NOTHING FOR US AND PUT IT ALL ON OUR AND MY INSURANCES SHOULDERS. AMAZED SO MANY CASES OF THIS SAME ISSUE HAVE HAPPENED YET THEY DO NOTHING AND SEEM TO…

Look up ODI 10715412 at NHTSA ↗

0
Air Bags00—00000
Power Train
1
ODI 10472498 · 70,595 mi

DAUGHTER/CO-OWNER WAS DRIVING CAR. SHIFTING FROM 1ST IN TO 2ND GEAR. LOUD CLUNK OR RATTLE/CLICKING FROM UNSIDE. CAR LOST POWER STEERING, BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE. HAD TO CALL TOW TRUCK. *TR

Look up ODI 10472498 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10472498 · 70,595 mi

DAUGHTER/CO-OWNER WAS DRIVING CAR. SHIFTING FROM 1ST IN TO 2ND GEAR. LOUD CLUNK OR RATTLE/CLICKING FROM UNSIDE. CAR LOST POWER STEERING, BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE. HAD TO CALL TOW TRUCK. *TR

Look up ODI 10472498 at NHTSA ↗

0—0000
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Pump
4
ODI 10379733 · 33,950 mi

THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED SUDDENLY AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE CAR. *TR UPDATED 08/24/11 *BF UPDATED 08/29/11

Look up ODI 10379733 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10403995 · 102,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE STEERING ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST. THE COST WOULD BE $1000 FOR THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATED THEY WOULD GIVE HER A RETURN CALL IF THEY REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. UPDATED 07/08/11*LJ THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP. UPDATED 07/29/11

Look up ODI 10403995 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10437742 · 44,000 mi

THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE SUDDENLY FAILED ON A TURN, NEARLY CAUSING ME TO GO INTO A DITCH. MY MINI DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS PROBABLY THE POWER STEERING PUMP & WOULD COST $1400 TO REPLACE. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET & FOUND THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE MINI COOPER & THAT AN INVESTIGATION WAS TAKING PLACE INTO THE DEFECTIVE PUMP & THAT A RECALL MIGHT BE FORTHCOMING. I CALLED MINI USA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT. THEIR REP TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE & THAT THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO OFFER "GOODWILL"…

Look up ODI 10437742 at NHTSA ↗

000—000
Air Bags:Frontal00000—00
Engine
1
ODI 10715412 · 60,000 mi

PARKED AT SHOPPING MALL AND NOT RUNNING FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES, COME OUT TO MINI COOPER ON FIRE. SMOKE COMING OUT OF ENGINE AREA, HIGH PITCH FAN WHIRLING, ELECTRICAL SMELL. POWER STEERING FAILED, SHORTED OUT, AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS NOT EVEN ON AND PARKED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR FAILURE MANY OTHERS OWNING A MINI COOPER HAVE EXPERIENCED. BMW/MINI COOPER OF USA DID NOTHING FOR US AND PUT IT ALL ON OUR AND MY INSURANCES SHOULDERS. AMAZED SO MANY CASES OF THIS SAME ISSUE HAVE HAPPENED YET THEY DO NOTHING AND SEEM TO…

Look up ODI 10715412 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10715412 · 60,000 mi

PARKED AT SHOPPING MALL AND NOT RUNNING FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES, COME OUT TO MINI COOPER ON FIRE. SMOKE COMING OUT OF ENGINE AREA, HIGH PITCH FAN WHIRLING, ELECTRICAL SMELL. POWER STEERING FAILED, SHORTED OUT, AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS NOT EVEN ON AND PARKED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR FAILURE MANY OTHERS OWNING A MINI COOPER HAVE EXPERIENCED. BMW/MINI COOPER OF USA DID NOTHING FOR US AND PUT IT ALL ON OUR AND MY INSURANCES SHOULDERS. AMAZED SO MANY CASES OF THIS SAME ISSUE HAVE HAPPENED YET THEY DO NOTHING AND SEEM TO…

Look up ODI 10715412 at NHTSA ↗

0000—0
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:Lock
1
ODI 10389694 · 95,000 mi

POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. POWER STEERING REPLACEMENT, TRUNK REPAIR AND DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR REPAIR. UPDATED 07/26/11 *BF *TR

Look up ODI 10389694 at NHTSA ↗

000000—

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.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

71 mentions · 74.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 70,595 mi (67 usable records).

ODI 10273458 · 45,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND MY STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY HARD AND ALMOST REFUSED TO COMPLETELY WORK AS I WAS ROUNDING A BEND! I HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND SLOWLY INCH TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT. AFTER BEING SCARED OUT OF MY WITS, I CALMED DOWN AND PARKED MY CAR. I LET THE CAR SIT OVERNIGHT AND CHECKED POWER STEERING FLUID AND IT WAS FULL. I THEN LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND MANY MINI OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. MINI SAYS THEY WILL NOT FIX IT. *TR

Look up ODI 10273458 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10273665 · 45,000 mi

REGULAR DRIVING AT AROUND 6PM AT ABOUT 40MPH AROUND A BEND, COMPLETE POWER STEERING FAILURE, THE CAR BECAME VERY HEAVY TO STEER, WITH NO PRIOR WARNING, AND NO WARNING LIGHTS. ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS THE CAR FAILED TO STEER. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE, THE WARRANTY HAS BEEN OVER FOR 3 MONTHS AND MINI ARE SAYING A GOODWILL REPAIR MIGHT BE AVAILABLE, BUT WILL NOT DO A FREE DIAGNOSTIC, HELP US GET TO A DEALERSHIP OR PROMISE ANYTHING BEFOREHAND. A NEW POWER STEERING PUMP IS LIKELY NEEDED, AS PER THE EVIDENCE OF THE EUROPEAN RECALL, AND OTHER MIN…

Look up ODI 10273665 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10287216 · 50,250 mi

2005 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE. JUST OVER 50,000 MILES. TODAY, WHILST DRIVING TO LUNCH, MY POWER STEERING FAILED. THERE WAS NO WARNING, IT JUST QUIT, MID-DRIVE. THE CAR IS NOW VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THIS COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. LOOKING ONLINE, I SEE THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE, YET THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS. HTTP://WWW.MINI2.COM/FORUM/FIRST-GENERATION-FAULTS-FIXES/49527-IMPORTANT-HAVE-YOU-HAD-POWER-STEERING-PUMP-FAILURE-PLEASE-VOTE-YES-NO.HTML. *TR

Look up ODI 10287216 at NHTSA ↗

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

Stalling or loss of power

13 mentions · 13.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 68,474 mi (12 usable records).

ODI 10320761 · 43 mi

HI, I'M WRITING TO REPORT THAT MY 2005 MINI COOPER, WITH LESS THAN 43K MILES IS IN NEED OF A THIRD TRANSMISSION. I NEARLY DID NOT MAKE IT HOME ONE EVENING BECAUSE THE JERKING MOTION THE CAR WAS MAKING AND BECAUSE THE ENGINE JUST FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO SHUT OFF. I NEARLY STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY, WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THE FIRST TRANSMISSION, WHILE UNDER WARRANTY WAS REPLACED IN NOVEMBER 2007 AT 28K MILES. ON 12/16/08, I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE TRANSMISSION PAN AMONG OTHER THINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS THE ONLY KNOWN DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE TR…

Look up ODI 10320761 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10358033 · 66,890 mi

LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES IN A 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. NO WARNING AND INTERMITTENT OCCURRENCE. SOMETIMES WOULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING AND SOME TIMES WOULD BE IMMEDIATELY AFTER TURNING CAR ON. TOOK CAR TO MECHANIC AND HE COULD NOT FIND CAUSE. NO COMPUTER DAMAGE, NO CODES PRESENT TO INDICATE THAT ANY THING UNUSUAL HAD OCCURRED. I TRADED THE CAR IN FOR A DIFFERENT MAKER AND MODEL. *TR

Look up ODI 10358033 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10360494 · 122,000 mi

TWICE, WHILE PARALLEL PARKING MY 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE, I LOST POWER STEERING. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY AND RESTORES WHEN I RESTART MY CAR. DEALER SAYS I NEED TO REPLACE MY POWER STEERING PUMP. *TR

Look up ODI 10360494 at NHTSA ↗

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

5 mentions · 5.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 49,000 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10273665 · 45,000 mi

REGULAR DRIVING AT AROUND 6PM AT ABOUT 40MPH AROUND A BEND, COMPLETE POWER STEERING FAILURE, THE CAR BECAME VERY HEAVY TO STEER, WITH NO PRIOR WARNING, AND NO WARNING LIGHTS. ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS THE CAR FAILED TO STEER. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE, THE WARRANTY HAS BEEN OVER FOR 3 MONTHS AND MINI ARE SAYING A GOODWILL REPAIR MIGHT BE AVAILABLE, BUT WILL NOT DO A FREE DIAGNOSTIC, HELP US GET TO A DEALERSHIP OR PROMISE ANYTHING BEFOREHAND. A NEW POWER STEERING PUMP IS LIKELY NEEDED, AS PER THE EVIDENCE OF THE EUROPEAN RECALL, AND OTHER MIN…

Look up ODI 10273665 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10365410 · 49,000 mi

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN WHEN THERE ISN'T A PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE LIGHT INDICATES THE AIRBAG IS OFF. THE LIGHT ALSO STAYS ON IF THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. I AM NOT SURE IF THE AIRBAG WOULD WORK IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALER INDICATED I NEEDED A NEW SEAT AT MY COST. TO ME THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT THAT BMW SHOULD FIX. *TR

Look up ODI 10365410 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10379459 · 58,900 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES ALL BEGAN TO POINT TO ZERO. THE VEHICLE THEN LOST POWER STEERING AND THE ENGINE RPMS BEGAN TO FLUCTUATE ERRATICALLY, AS WELL AS THE WARNING LIGHTS. THE AIR CONDITIONER ALSO SHUT OFF INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND AS HE EXITED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE POWER STEERING PUMP, POWER STEERING GASKET, PRESSURE HOSE…

Look up ODI 10379459 at NHTSA ↗

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

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 1.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 43 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10320761 · 43 mi

HI, I'M WRITING TO REPORT THAT MY 2005 MINI COOPER, WITH LESS THAN 43K MILES IS IN NEED OF A THIRD TRANSMISSION. I NEARLY DID NOT MAKE IT HOME ONE EVENING BECAUSE THE JERKING MOTION THE CAR WAS MAKING AND BECAUSE THE ENGINE JUST FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO SHUT OFF. I NEARLY STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY, WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THE FIRST TRANSMISSION, WHILE UNDER WARRANTY WAS REPLACED IN NOVEMBER 2007 AT 28K MILES. ON 12/16/08, I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE TRANSMISSION PAN AMONG OTHER THINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS THE ONLY KNOWN DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE TR…

Look up ODI 10320761 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b