2004 MINI Cooper Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 238about this part
- Share
- 84%of 282 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 238 complaints about the steering of the 2004 MINI Cooper, 84% of the 282 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 2004 Mini Cooper. I was driving and lost all power steering almost causing a accident. There is a open recall on this issue. I contacted Mini and they informed me that my vehicle was not included with the recall. I explained that my car was experiencing all the issues addressed in the recall, but they still would not help me out.”
NHTSA complaint #11096473, filed 2018-05, 148,000 miles“Power steering pump fan got lower in tone, harder to turn but hasn't failed yet. Looking up the issue on several sites, this is a common issue with this part failing. I contacted the local dealer which I originally bought it from and no recalls were shown for it - for the us. Canada however got a recall and they are fixing the problem there free of charge.”
NHTSA complaint #10470139, filed 2012-08, 177,500 miles“Power steering failed as I was returning from taking my child to the airport. The car power steering cooling fan stayed on after I turned off the car and drained the battery. The problem was diagnosed as a failed power steering pump. The car was towed to a mechanic and the power steering pump was replaced as was the dead battery. The total cost was over $1700.”
NHTSA complaint #10474121, filed 2012-09, 62,000 miles“The power steering on my 2004 Mini Cooper, base, sporadically quits working, especially in cold weather. I was told by Mini dealership that it is a known defect but they will not replace it until it fails completely. Very sub-par customer service, as they know it is a problem. Unhappy.”
NHTSA complaint #10676502, filed 2015-01, 68,000 miles“While driving home as I turned into my street the steering power suddenly went out causing me to drive into the incoming traffic lane, luckily there were no vehicles but if there would have been any vehicles I could have been in a front collision. The fact that this happens while driving makes this issue extremely dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10485905, filed 2012-11, 87,420 milesRelated recalls
- 15V660000Oct 15, 2015BMW 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…Covers: MINI Cooper 2002–2005, Cooper S 2002–2005
Related service bulletins
- 10151228Mar 1, 2016This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 32 02 14 dated August 2014. SUBJECT Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle is No Longer…
- 10148439Nov 1, 2014Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Limited Warranty Extension to 13 Years/150,000 Miles. On affected vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power…
- 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.
- 10148394Aug 1, 2014Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle. Supply shortage of left-hand drive steering spindles
- 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…
- 10052614Dec 1, 2013Mini: see document search button for owner letter. A warranty extension for certain vehicles with potential problem with cooling fan and the durability of electro hydraulic power…
- 10150044Jul 1, 2013Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Warranty Extension to 13 years/150,000 miles. On affected vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power steering…
- 10150086Jun 1, 2013Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Warranty Extension to 13 years/150,000 miles. On affected vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power steering…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 14% |
| 2020 | 1 | 14% |
| 2019 | 4 | 33% |
| 2017 | 1 | 4% |
| 2016 | 1 | 4% |
| 2015 | 2 | 4% |
| 2014 | 2 | 6% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 3 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 3% |
| 2006 | 53 | 27% |
| 2005 | 276 | 74% |
| 2004 | 238 | 84% |
| 2003 | 159 | 50% |
| 2002 | 61 | 33% |
Other parts of the 2004 MINI Cooper
26 complaintsElectrical system
15 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