2005 Mini Cooper Problems & Complaints

Most common 2005 Mini Cooper problems

• Steering~74,000 miles
  35175%
• Air bags~62,000 miles
  4810%
• Electrical system~65,000 miles
  378%
• Transmission & drivetrain~62,000 miles
  317%
• Engine & cooling~60,000 miles
  174%
• Other / not specified~90,000 miles
  133%
• Seats~46,000 miles
  92%
• Brakes~78,000 miles
  61%
• Body & structure~55,000 miles
  61%
• Speed control & acceleration~2,000 miles
  51%
• Locks & latches~85,000 miles
  51%
• Suspension~62,000 miles
  41%
• Windows, wipers & sunroof~173,000 miles
  31%
• Lights~87,000 miles
  20%
• Fuel & propulsion system~6,000 miles
  20%
• Wheels & tires~120,000 miles
  20%
• Seat belts~86,000 miles
  20%
• Stability & traction control~128,000 miles
  20%

Share of the 468 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mini Cooper complaints by model year

Best Cooper years: 2018, 2020, 2024. Years to avoid: 2005, 2004, 2003, 2006, 2002. Compare all years →

2005 Mini Cooper recalls (2)

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2005 Mini Cooper:

What 2005 Mini Cooper owners say

Steering all 351 →

The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 117,300.

Air bags all 48 →

The written "safety recall notice" that I received in the mail yesterday, October 14, 2015, of which BMW/Mini likely provided NHTSA a copy is both false and misleading. Four months after BMW/Mini notified me not to allow an adult-size person to ride in the front passenger seat of this four-seat, two-door automobile, the current written notice indicates that BMW's Mini dealers "are now ready" and I should "schedule an appointment for recall repair service as soon as possible." in using the website provided in the notice to locate the nearest dealer, I was unable to schedule an appointment. The dealer had no parts and would not even schedule an appointment to occur in the future. …

This complaint is in regard to the current recall campaign 15v-205; front passenger seat occupant detection mat sensor. The manufacturer is delinquent in making this critical safety update. The part 573 report indicated an owner notification date of May 01 -- June 01; the notification came in late June. The letter from the usdot of April 17, 2015 indicated that the recall was expected to begin on May 1. As it is now August, I would ask the agency continue putting appropriate pressure on the manufacturer. When the problem first surfaced years ago, the dealer did not seem to indicate there would be any trouble getting those parts---but they wanted almost $1500 to repair. I appreciate your continued efforts in getting my car repaired.

Electrical system all 37 →

Driving at approximately 10-15 miles an hour entering a parking lot when I noticed flames coming out of the hood scoop of my 2005 Mini Cooper S. After brief inspection from my mechanic, it is believed to have been caused by the wiring harness for ABS or possibly the power steering unit since the fire originated from the rear/right hand side of the engine and those two components. I have a claim opened with USAA but during simple research, I have found tens, if not close to a hundred issues with similar characteristics. I know I am not the first R53 Mini Cooper (2002-2006 run) with this problem and this should be considered a hazard and public safety issue. I have included the link to many of the cases captured by the North American Motoring Association (a primarily North American Mini car association) which details 24 pages of these issues. …

The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that there was water accumulated on the passenger's side front floorboard. The contact stated that the heater was causing some undisclosed issues. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the sunroof drain tubes were clogged, the drain tubes were cleared, and an undisclosed reprogramming was completed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 172,843.

2005 Mini Cooper engines & fuel economy

EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.