Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Mini Cooper S owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mini Cooper s. The contact stated that while in park, the vehicle failed to start. In addition, the contact stated that while reversing at a low speed, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to steer the vehicle. Once in park, the vehicle failed to turn off with the key in the off position. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering motor had failed and melted. The power steering motor, wires, battery, pump, fan, pressure hose and alternator were replaced. After repairs, the mechanic was unable to diagnose the vehicle using the diagnostic tool. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer who stated that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …
I bought my daughter a 2006 Mini Cooper s a little over a year ago. Today I decided to drive it to work here at fort hood, texas. A little over an hour after I got to work I decided to go get breakfast so when I walked out of my office I heard a car alarm going off and when I rounded the corner I saw my daughter's car billowing smoke! I ran inside to get help and was able to find tools to disconnect the battery. I raised the hood and was meet with a lot of heat, smoke and a strong odor of burnt plastic. The car wasn't running and like I stated, had been sitting for over an hour. After conducting research online I found out Mini USA had recalled several Mini coopers for the power steering pump that had the same exact symptoms. After calling the closest dealership, an hour away, and Mini USA I was told that my car was not part of this recall and I am left to pay for this repair myself. …
After pulling into my driveway and going inside the house for a few minutes - we noticed a very chemical/plastic smell. We quickly found it was coming from outside, only to find our 2006 Mini s spewing black smoke from under the hood. There was a fire, found to be caused by the power steering cooling fan failing, and causing the power steering pump to overheat and start on fire. I have found numerous blogs and complaint pages on this problem. I haven't the money to repair this problem at this time, and so the car still sits. This seems to be a problem the manufacturer is responsible for, even after warranty. "preventively replacing" the parts is also a ridiculous thing to expect vehicle owners to do. Updated 10/13/10 pictures received. Updated ivoq 10/21/10
The power steering pump failed suddenly on the car. It has now happened multiple times including while driving. While driving it is extremely dangerous as you suddenly loose most of your ability to steer! This has happened both while the car was stationary, while it was in motion on a city street, and while it was in motion on the highway. One of the times was while I was turning. I believe this is a combination of problems relating to the power steering pump cooling fan, and the power steering pump itself. Now BMW/Mini has admitted that they have a major problem with this thought the model year 2005. However from what I've read a lot of 2006 Mini's have experienced this problem as well. They should expand the recall/replacement procedure to at least the 2006 models as well.
The power steering in the car has stopped working, very hard to turn the wheel. I just replaced the alternator and battery due to the battery not charging correctly, now the electric power steering pump has failed and the battery light on the console has turned on. I noticed that there is a recall for 2002 - 2005 cars of the same type for this reason. I believe the problem to be the same and would like the recall extended to at least the 2006 year model. We went into an office and when we came out the power steering is not working. We drove it home and are now waiting on the parts to replace the power steering pump.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mini Cooper s. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The seat belt and check-engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the brown motor works [phone], located at 4041 broad river rd, columbia, sc 29210) and it was diagnosed that the power steering needed to be services. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was intermittent. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160.000.
Simply driving to the store on my day off the power steering abruptly stopped, making the vehicle extremely hard to control. I turned around and headed back home slowly. I parked it and researched the issue. First I found out how expensive a new pump was. Then I had to wait till I could afford to buy one. But even the new one does not work. I installed it yesterday 18 apr 2015. I followed strict instructions and made sure everything was clean and secured. But when I lowered the car and started it the new pump did not operate at all, hence the car is still unusable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mini Cooper s convertible. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle became extremely difficult to steer without warning. The contact managed to drive home. Mini of st. Louis (40 sunnen dr, maplewood, mo 63143, [phone]) stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed and referenced NHTSA campaign number: 15V660000 (steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
The power steering went out while my wife was driving home making driving extremely difficult. Having only 12 miles to travel she drove home fighting the steering all the way home when she arrived home I open the hood and could smell and see smoke from what I have discovered to be an electrical melt down on the power steering pump. The entire wiring connectors are melted and ash and un usable. We were lucky the car did not catch fire. However there is clear evidence the wires were on fire.
Power steering failure while driving both slowly pulling out of carport and at normal 35 miles per hour street speed. Steering became very difficult. Persisted until car was turned off for several minutes. Happened sporadically afterward. Issue returned and now affects the car most of the time while driving. Will happen upon starting the car, or while driving. Car only has 50,063 miles on it! Looks like power steering pump failure is causing the loss of steering. Extreamly dangerous!
Steering complaints in other Cooper S years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Mini Cooper S?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Mini Cooper S, 24% of the model year's 222 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2006 Mini Cooper S steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2006 Mini Cooper S, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Mini Cooper S steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.