2004 MINI Cooper S Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 247 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the air bags of the 2004 MINI Cooper S, 3% of the 247 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 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.
“My 2004 Mini Cooper S has a passenger seat belt/air bag light that is illuminated at all times. Originally, it was sporadic, and connecting the seat belt would cause the light to go off. Now it is lit all the time, whether there is a passenger in the seat or not. I was told today that the sensor is bad and will cost $1600 to fix, which includes completely replacing the entire passenger seat. My mechanic says that the air bag will not deploy in the event of an accident. This is most concerning. Obviously, the default should be for the airbag to deploy. …”
NHTSA complaint #10594986, filed 2014-05, 80,000 miles“On march 5, 2005, a 2 inch x 2 inch l shaped crack was first developed at the mid bottom section of the windshield of my 2004 Mini Cooper S. The short arm of the l originated from the bottom of the windshield. On the next day, after parking inside my garage overnight, the long arm of the l propagated another 2 inches. Today, while driving, the crack further extended another 1/4 inch. The problem is that the crack started with no obvious reasons. The only sensible explanation is due to design of the body struture or defect from Mini coopers, and subsequently causes stress to the windshield. …”
NHTSA complaint #10112628, filed 2005-03, 5,900 miles“The airbag light is on for the passenger side pressure mat but the dealership indicates there is no open recall on this particular car even though many cars with similar problem were recalled. Scan tool indicates passenger side pressure mat. The dealership indicated this model was outside of the recalled vins. We don't know whether the airbag would work or not if it were needed.”
NHTSA complaint #10925000, filed 2016-11, 134,000 miles“Air bag light came on. Shutting off and restarting car, the light will go out but comes back on within seconds. This occurred after adjusting passenger seat.”
NHTSA complaint #10468162, filed 2012-07, 69,000 miles“All models from 2005 onward have been recalled, yet earlier models have the same problems with non functioning airbags. The airbag warning light is on continually, and there are known problems with wiring, pressure mats and connectors in these vehicles. Bmw is intentionally ignoring these issue. My own personal vehicle has this problem and as a government mandated safety device I believe that earlier models of Mini coopers should be included in the recall!”
NHTSA complaint #11228472, filed 2019-06Related service bulletins
- 10043927Mar 1, 2012Bmw mini: airbag warning light is on: mrs fc 02, 03, 05, 06.
- 10039593May 1, 2011Bmw: the airbag warning light is on with a fault stored. The wiring under the seat may be pinched or damaged.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 17% |
| 2015 | 2 | 11% |
| 2014 | 2 | 15% |
| 2013 | 4 | 17% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2011 | 3 | 10% |
| 2010 | 6 | 10% |
| 2009 | 17 | 14% |
| 2008 | 30 | 18% |
| 2007 | 28 | 11% |
| 2006 | 67 | 36% |
| 2005 | 71 | 23% |
| 2004 | 8 | 3% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 13 | 16% |
Other parts of the 2004 MINI Cooper S
210 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 MINI Cooper S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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