2005 Mini Cooper Convertible: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 96 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (74% of complaints); the 2006 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible. The contact stated that she noticed a leak coming from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a power of steering hose leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2023
“The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering). The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed. The dealer was made aware of the recall but informed the contact that they do not service recall repairs. The nearest dealer that was able to service the recall repair was located 177 miles away. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2021
“The transmission will cycle first through third and when it tries to go into 4th it slips and will not operate higher gears it caused me to lose my forward drive momentum as I was switching lanes and the car I was getting in front of almost ran into me.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“The car stopped steering correctly. It is very difficult to turn the wheels. The power steering is gone. I started noticing the difference in the steering and then the steering progressively got worse. I called the service department of the dealership to ask if there should be a concern because the steering started after I had the recall service on the seat warmmer.”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2017
“My vehicle caught fire while parked directly after driving it six miles, saved by fire extinguisher and fire department. Cause determined to be faulty power steering module.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper convertible. The contact stated that the steering unit failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering fan and steering pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v660000 (steering). The failure mileage was approximately 145,000. ...updated 01/05/17 *bf *tr”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2016
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2016
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2005 mini cooper convertible. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for NHTSA campaign number: 15v505000 (air bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs, but the air bag light remained illuminated. The dealer indicated that the vehicle needed to be taken back for further diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2016
“Battery died and replaced. Drove 2 days and battery died and again replaced. Drove and steering became extremely stiff. Checked fluids and no power steering fluid. Happened again with both battery and p/s fluid. Became aware of recall in 04 and 05 mini cooper's and took to dealer. Bad power steering pump and fan as well as 2 hoses. Was told my car was not covered under recall because the build date is may. Was quoted $1300+ for repairs.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2016
“Power steering goes out. Very hard to turn the wheel. Its like having no steering at all at times. I have two mini coopers. This one has not yet to get the recall for the steering pump. I have a recall for the other mini that I own but that one doesnt have a problem.”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Cooper Convertible years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Cooper Convertible by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible reliable?
NHTSA has 96 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible. The most complained-about area is steering (74% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 70,057 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.