Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 20% | 26,000 miles |
| 2019 | 1 | 20% | — |
| 2016 | 1 | 11% | 57,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% | 52,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% | 80,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% | 115,000 miles |
| 2007 | 8 | 3% | 65,000 miles |
| 2006 | 53 | 24% | 62,000 miles |
| 2005 | 249 | 66% | 70,000 miles |
| 2004 | 210 | 85% | 78,000 miles |
| 2003 | 129 | 59% | 80,000 miles |
| 2002 | 57 | 69% | 82,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I have been driving Mini s 2007 for more than a year with no serious issues other than one check engine light issue, which was resolved simply by a mechanic check at BMW service center. On Sunday evening May 26, 2019, as I was planning to go out, I observed the steering alert sign on. I tried restarting and shutting off engine multiple times thinking it May be an electronic aberration which May be kicked away by brute force of restarting the ignition. After 30-45 minutes of this fruitless exercise, I turned my attention online where I found numerous auto blogs of starting the car with jumpers battery to replacing power steering fluid. Since Mini service was closed, I had to seek help from my insurance company. They sent a person after two hours to use jumpers, but that did not help either. We were able to check the power steering fluid , and that was also full to the mark. …
Mini Cooper electronic steering lock system critical malfunction - car with only 57,000 miles receives critical message on navigation screen telliing driver "to drive to a safe location and turn off ignition and be aware that car is unlikely to be able to be restarted." driver is left to cope with this critical situation and repair even though Mini Cooper has acknowledged the existence of this critical problem by discontinuing the installation of the electronic steering lock on its later models as they could not correct problem. Mini refuses to recall earlier models and will not reimburse owner for costly repair once critical malfunction occurs. Web reports have alerted drivers that steering wheel has locked while car is being driven making earliler models unsafe to drive but Mini has displayed a complete lack of concern for safety of its customers.
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. …
The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost power steering assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that a software update was performed on the back over prevention camera. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 175,830.
The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact also stated that he was advised by the dealer that he had to pay out of pocket for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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.
I was driving my Mini Cooper s on the freeway going into a turn, the wheel became extremely hard to turn with no notice. I could not make the turn all the way and the drivers side tires and fender hit the curb on the freeway. I fought the car off the freeway and let it sit for 15 mins while I called Mini. The dealer said that my power steering had failed. After a wait of 15 mins the car started and drove just fine. I drove the car to the dealership and they tested the power steering pump and said that it was good at that time. They told me that it would continue to be a problem with just giving out at random times unless I spent $4000 and had all the components replaced even though it tested good at the time. They replaced all the bushings and struts in the front at that time for $2000. They told me not to replace the power steering unless it totally stopped working. …
Related recalls (1)
Steering › Electric power assist system
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.
NHTSA investigations
Engine compartment fire
In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), BMW stated that the cause of the alleged defect is an insufficient seal of the ground cable of the power steering pump at its attachment to the chassis.water ingress can occur and the water can travel along the power steering pump power cable and come in contact with the power steering pump power cable connector.the…
Loss of power steering assist
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) originally opened the investigation of loss of power steering assist in model year (MY) 2004 and 2005 Mini Cooper as Preliminary Evaluation PE10-038.The investigation was upgraded to Engineering Analysis EA11-005 in May, 2011.During EA11-005 the scope was expanded to include MY 2002 and 2003 vehicles that use the same steering system.The subject vehicles now include MY 2002,…
Engine compartment fire
The office of defects investigation (odi) analyzed consumer complaints to BMW of north America, llc (BMW)and to odi that alleged failures of the electrohydraulic power steering (ehps) used in model year 2002 through 2003 Mini cooper vehicles.the analysis determined that 43 of the 52 (83%) reports were related to allegations of power steering loss and 9 (17%) were related to allegations of engine compartment fires.
Loss of Power Steering Assist
ODI has received 339 complaints alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle.When the power steering assist stops working, drivers experienced difficulty in steering and/or controlling the vehicle.According to BMW drivers may experience either a temporary or permanent loss of power steering assist.BMW further advised that a temporary loss of power steering assist may be due to a…
Frequently asked questions
Which Mini Cooper S years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (249), 2004 (210), 2003 (129), 2002 (57) and 2006 (53) model years. Steering complaints make up 66% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Mini Cooper S steering problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 15V-660 (electric power assist system, Oct 15, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mini Cooper S steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 16% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist › pump (21 mentions), followed by the electric power assist system (13).
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.