2004 Mini Cooper S: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 247 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (83% of complaints); the 2002 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 247 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Was driving car on 18 july 2020 and power steering quit working and made steering difficult, also coolant fan,low speed and high speed stopped working same time as power steering quit. The asc light came on and it will not turn off. No blown fuses in engine compartment or by drivers kick panel. I was driving the car on a state road when this occurred.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mini cooper s. The contact stated that while driving at attempting to make a turn, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the steering column. The contact also stated that there was a power steering fluid leak present. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to mini of stevens creek located at (4201 stevens creek blvd, santa clara, ca 95051), and diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 156,000.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2020
“When you turn wheel left or right it makes a noise and it's very hard to turn. So I think it's the steering: electric power assist system. Recall id # 240625.”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“All models from 2005 onward have been recalled, yet earlier models have the same problems with non functioning airbags. The airbag warning light is on continually, and there are known problems with wiring, pressure mats and connectors in these vehicles. Bmw is intentionally ignoring these issue. My own personal vehicle has this problem and as a government mandated safety device I believe that earlier models of mini coopers should be included in the recall!”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2019
“Airbag light comes on and stays illuminated. We are unsure if the system is working properly. We have not run diagnostic codes on the system.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2018
“The vehicle was hard to steer and smoke was coming from the engine. Took the car home, did not see flames, parked car in the driveway switched cars and left. Received a call from the fire department that my mini was on fire and I needed to return to my house.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2017
“The power steering in my 2004 mini cooper s failed last month, prompting me to research ways to fix the vehicle online. I found that mini usa had issued a recall on my car, but was informed by the dealership and then mini that my VIN number did not fall among those vehicles recalled. I'm wondering whether mini appropriately limited their recall considering my vehicle has the same problem that prompted the recall, and falls within the same model and year range. I think the department should investigate whether to expanding the recall.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2017
“The airbag light is on for the passenger side pressure mat but the dealership indicates there is no open recall on this particular car even though many cars with similar problem were recalled. Scan tool indicates passenger side pressure mat. The dealership indicated this model was outside of the recalled vins. We don't know whether the airbag would work or not if it were needed.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mini cooper s. The contact stated that there was a progressing condition in which the steering wheel made an abnormal noise and was difficult to turn left or right. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v660000 (steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2015
“I experienced a sudden loss of power steering on my vehicle. Fortunately this did not result in a crash but it sure scared me. I am concerned about my safety driving this vehicle and may consider getting rid of it. I am disappointed in mini's unresponsiveness to this issue. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles and 2005 Cooper and Cooper S Convertible vehicles. The affected vehicles may experience temporary or permanent loss of the electro-hydraulic steering assistance.
Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the electro-hydraulic power steering system, replacing the components and wiring, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 10, 2015. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLAT TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTLY PROGRAMMED. IN THE EVENT OF A FLAT TIRE, AN AUDIBLE SIGNAL WILL NOT SOUND TO ALERT THE DRIVER TO A FLAT TIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE VEHICLE'S SOFTWARE IN ORDER TO ACTUATE THE FLAT TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM'S AUDIBLE SIGNAL. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 13, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MINI CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT 1-866-275-6464.
How other years compare
Check your exact Cooper S 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 2004 Mini Cooper S reliable?
NHTSA has 247 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Mini Cooper S. The most complained-about area is steering (83% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Mini Cooper S problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 74,000 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Mini Cooper S have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:electric power assist system. 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.