2004 MINI Cooper Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 5%of 282 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 MINI Cooper, 5% of the 282 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving down honda parkway I heard pop sound. Tpms light started flashing and smoke started coming out from under hood. I pulled off of road into a gas station. At that time I didn't have any power brakes.the car was fully engulfed in flames in about 10 mins. The fire dept put out fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10874841, filed 2016-06, 135,000 miles“I drove my sister's 2004 Mini Cooper sometime in spring of 2012 to check on work done from the dealership. As I yielded into a roundabout and entered it, the power steering cut off which steering effort became very heavy and very nearly had a collision with another vehicle. I sister informed me afterwards that the issue just happen recently occurred to her too, as she exited a highway exit ramp at nearly 55mph, and power steering had failed. Luckily, she was able to react quickly with the power steering loss. …”
NHTSA complaint #10510202, filed 2013-05, 90,000 miles“Very disappointed with Mini Cooper and the corporation of bmw on how they handled my issues with my 2004 Mini. I came to the dealership several times in ramsey, new jersey with the repairs that were recalled. I had printed the recalls as evidence that there were identical issues as the repairs needed to my car! The dealership ignored and refused to even look at the recalls on paper and to my dismay I was forced to pay out-of-my-own pocket! I had no choice because of my concern to drive a 'safe' vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10444751, filed 2012-01, 30,000 miles“At first my battery died after I came out of work. I couldn't understand why since I didn't leave anything on. So I got the battery replaced for $200. Recently the steering has been cutting out while driving. If you pull off into a parking lot and turn off the car you can still hear the cooling fan going. After approx 30 min the power steering will return to normal until it overheats again. So my battery was being drained by the power steering cooling fan.”
NHTSA complaint #10238574, filed 2008-08, 45,000 miles“12-4-10: the power steering pump kept running after the car was off and drained the battery in 2 hours. Sept., 2012: two incidents of power steering loss while driving. First time I had no power steering when I started the car. I drove a short distance, stopped and restarted the car and the power steering worked. Second time I lost power steering briefly while driving at low speed. My mechanic found that the power steering fan had seized and replaced it. When he took it for a test drive, the power steering pump was making a loud noise. …”
NHTSA complaint #10481261, filed 2012-10, 38,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10244507Oct 25, 2023MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems…
- 10059114Jul 1, 2015Mini: faulty software for the tank ventilation control displays engine throttle reaction when temperature is high outside, and more obvious if the tank is only partly filled.
- 10059112Jul 1, 2015Mini: because of the dme software, and a damaged clutch, the drivetrain malfunction check message appear.
- 10059098Jul 1, 2015Mini: different faults activates engine malfunction and oil warning.
- 10059113Jun 1, 2015Mini: faulty software causes the check control and engine power reduced light to appear.
- 10059111Jun 1, 2015Mini: due to faulty dme software, the service engine lights comes on, including the check control message for motor force decrease.
- 10057710Nov 1, 2014Mini: models r50, r52, and r53 with the electro-hydraulic power-assist steering pump and cooling fans will have an limited warranty extension to 13 years/150,000 miles.
- 10055137Apr 15, 2014Mini: warranty coverage extension/repair expense reimbursement for the electro hydraulic power (assist) steering (ehps) pump, which has its own cooling fan, on some vehicles and…
- 10040855Jul 1, 2011Bmw: a software error is causing a hesitation or jerking when accelerating under higher loads between 3000 ¿ 4000 rpm.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 14% |
| 2021 | 3 | 43% |
| 2020 | 2 | 29% |
| 2019 | 2 | 17% |
| 2018 | 2 | 25% |
| 2017 | 5 | 18% |
| 2016 | 8 | 29% |
| 2015 | 10 | 18% |
| 2014 | 8 | 24% |
| 2013 | 19 | 40% |
| 2012 | 28 | 42% |
| 2011 | 37 | 45% |
| 2010 | 29 | 32% |
| 2009 | 25 | 17% |
| 2008 | 11 | 9% |
| 2007 | 27 | 23% |
| 2006 | 10 | 5% |
| 2005 | 30 | 8% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 26 | 8% |
| 2002 | 13 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2004 MINI Cooper
238 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 MINI Cooper
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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