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SteeringPart report

2006 MINI Cooper Convertible Steering Problems

Complaints
10about this part
Share
37%of 27 total for the year
Median mileage
81,800miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the steering of the 2006 MINI Cooper Convertible, 37% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,800 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“February of 2014 driving my 2006 convertible on curvy highway at 50 MPH. Loud shrieking noise and then steering became very difficult to turn. Towed to mechanic. Had steering pump & fan replaced. Total cost $1,038.54. 2005 Mini's have been recalled for this exact default. Called Mini and they will not reimburse me because mine is a 2006. However, my Mini was made in 2005.”

NHTSA complaint #10644301, filed 2014-10, 100,823 miles

“I had my car for a week after getting it back after a very expensive transmission replacement when I was driving it and tried to turn onto the highway. It was extremely difficult to make the turn and I narrowly avoided ending up in the bar ditch. Upon, getting my vehicle to town I immediately took it to a mechanic. My power steering has failed and I will probably be replacing the whole system at a thousand dollars or more. After paying 6500+ for a transmission that went out through no fault of my own, you can imagine my disappointment and frankly, my disgust. …”

NHTSA complaint #10402488, filed 2011-05, 81,800 miles

“Power steering failed while driving. The power steering returned after parking the car and starting on the next trip. Over the next few days, the power steering failed several more times. It could easily cause an accident if it happens at the wrong time. The problem was fixed by replacing the power steering pump.”

NHTSA complaint #10585981, filed 2014-05, 75,000 miles

“Power steering randomly when out while in motion. Thankfully, I was on a local road going slowly when it happened. Pulled over to the side, turned off the car and turned it back on. Power steering came back.”

NHTSA complaint #10864428, filed 2016-05, 122,000 miles

“I drove the car earlier and it was fine. I returned home and then hours later tried to pull out of my driveway to find I couldn't turn the steering wheel. Thank goodness I wasn't driving when it went or I wouldn't have been able to turn the wheel. Apparently after reading online quite a bit this is a problem and there is no recall or even a campaign or bulletin. This is going to be a very expensive repair. Due to the safety issue alone I'm frankly shocked. Apparently bmw dealers are cleaning up due to the expense of the repair. I'm looking at a minimum of $1500. …”

NHTSA complaint #11375864, filed 2020-11

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200916%
2008222%
20061037%
20057578%

Other parts of the 2006 MINI Cooper Convertible

Air bags
14 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2006 MINI Cooper Convertible

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology