2005 Mini Cooper S: problems, recalls and reliability

“Battery light flashing, power steering cutting out intermittently while driving. Alternator and serpintine belt replaced but problem continues. Electric power steering seems to be draining electrical system.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2020

“The car was in motion when suddenly the steering wheel became very hard and the driver lost control, almost causing an accident. There has been a recall for mini cooper s vehicles (15v-xxx safety recall) involving the electric-hydraulic power steering system. The recall includes 2002-2005 models, and extends the warranty up to 13 years or up to 150,000 miles. Our vehicle falls under those requirements, and is a 2005 model and has 69,751 miles, yet we were told that there are no existing recalls for our vehicle, even though we suspect that the incident we had involves the hydraulic steering system.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2019

“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. While driving various speeds, the contact experienced intermittent power steering failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 15v660000 (steering); however, mini of marin (5880 paradise dr, corte madera, ca 94925, (415) 887-2194) and the manufacturer were contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2019

“When adjusting the driver and passenger seats, the airbag light illuminated. After researching online, I conducted troubleshooting. I verified that the wiring harnesses and connectors for the airbag sensors under both seats had come loose, and certain wires de-pinned. The car was running, and parked when this occurred.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2019

“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s convertible. The contact stated that the electric power steering was faulty. Mini of loveland (4055 byrd dr, loveland, co 80538, (970) 292-5020) was notified of the failure, but a diagnostic appointment was not scheduled. The dealer indicated that the vehicle was excluded from extended warranty program: si m32 02 15 (steering and wheel alignment). An independent mechanic diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v660000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2019

“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. When the vehicle was started, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn and the service engine soon warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the steering failure worsened since december of 2017. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v660000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2019

“Driving on interstate and lost power. I pulled to shoulder and black smoke came thru air vents. I opened the hood and there was fire. My car completely burned up. I never had any mechanical problems. The tow truck driver said he believed the fire started under my car.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2018