Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING - ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | ||||||
| PE07022 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 04/19/2007 | 08/15/2007 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE | ||
| In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), bmw stated that the cause of the alleged defect is an insufficient seal of the ground cable of the power steering pump at its attachment to the chassis.water ingress can occur and the water can travel along the power steering pump power cable and come in contact with the power steering pump power cable connector.the connector can then corrode and a high thermal load condition can occur.according to bmw, this ultimately could result in a localized smoldering condition that does not propagate. to correct the water ingress issue, bmw implemented changes to the wire routing, the power steeringpump connector and the ground eyelet connection between february and july of 2002. in a review of warranty claim data sent by bmw, 67 percent of the vehicles noted in warranty claims had production dates after august 1, 2002. additionally, odi noted eight reports of consumers witnessing flames coming from the engine compartment.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea07-011) to further assess the scope, frequency andpotential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect. | ||||||
| EA07011 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 08/14/2007 | 08/13/2008 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE | ||
| The office of defects investigation (odi) analyzed consumer complaints to bmw of north america, llc (bmw)and to odi that alleged failures of the electrohydraulic power steering (ehps) used in model year 2002 through 2003 mini cooper vehicles.the analysis determined that 43 of the 52 (83%) reports were related to allegations of power steering loss and 9 (17%) were related to allegations of engine compartment fires. although some of the reports alleging fires note small flames were visible in the engine compartment, analysis of the damage caused by these failures indicates that even the most severe incidents were limited to localized thermal damage to the ehps electrical connections and wiring insulation.none of the complaints alleging loss of power assisted steering indicated that the increased effort resulted in a crash or loss of vehicle control. a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted. accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist. the agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by circumstances.see document file for additional information regarding this resume. | ||||||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | ||||||
| PE07022 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 04/19/2007 | 08/15/2007 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE | ||
| In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), bmw stated that the cause of the alleged defect is an insufficient seal of the ground cable of the power steering pump at its attachment to the chassis.water ingress can occur and the water can travel along the power steering pump power cable and come in contact with the power steering pump power cable connector.the connector can then corrode and a high thermal load condition can occur.according to bmw, this ultimately could result in a localized smoldering condition that does not propagate. to correct the water ingress issue, bmw implemented changes to the wire routing, the power steeringpump connector and the ground eyelet connection between february and july of 2002. in a review of warranty claim data sent by bmw, 67 percent of the vehicles noted in warranty claims had production dates after august 1, 2002. additionally, odi noted eight reports of consumers witnessing flames coming from the engine compartment.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea07-011) to further assess the scope, frequency andpotential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect. | ||||||
| EA07011 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 08/14/2007 | 08/13/2008 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE | ||
| The office of defects investigation (odi) analyzed consumer complaints to bmw of north america, llc (bmw)and to odi that alleged failures of the electrohydraulic power steering (ehps) used in model year 2002 through 2003 mini cooper vehicles.the analysis determined that 43 of the 52 (83%) reports were related to allegations of power steering loss and 9 (17%) were related to allegations of engine compartment fires. although some of the reports alleging fires note small flames were visible in the engine compartment, analysis of the damage caused by these failures indicates that even the most severe incidents were limited to localized thermal damage to the ehps electrical connections and wiring insulation.none of the complaints alleging loss of power assisted steering indicated that the increased effort resulted in a crash or loss of vehicle control. a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted. accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist. the agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by circumstances.see document file for additional information regarding this resume. | ||||||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | ||||||
| EA07011 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 08/14/2007 | 08/13/2008 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE | ||
| The office of defects investigation (odi) analyzed consumer complaints to bmw of north america, llc (bmw)and to odi that alleged failures of the electrohydraulic power steering (ehps) used in model year 2002 through 2003 mini cooper vehicles.the analysis determined that 43 of the 52 (83%) reports were related to allegations of power steering loss and 9 (17%) were related to allegations of engine compartment fires. although some of the reports alleging fires note small flames were visible in the engine compartment, analysis of the damage caused by these failures indicates that even the most severe incidents were limited to localized thermal damage to the ehps electrical connections and wiring insulation.none of the complaints alleging loss of power assisted steering indicated that the increased effort resulted in a crash or loss of vehicle control. a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted. accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist. the agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by circumstances.see document file for additional information regarding this resume. | ||||||
| PE07022 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 04/19/2007 | 08/15/2007 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE | ||
| In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), bmw stated that the cause of the alleged defect is an insufficient seal of the ground cable of the power steering pump at its attachment to the chassis.water ingress can occur and the water can travel along the power steering pump power cable and come in contact with the power steering pump power cable connector.the connector can then corrode and a high thermal load condition can occur.according to bmw, this ultimately could result in a localized smoldering condition that does not propagate. to correct the water ingress issue, bmw implemented changes to the wire routing, the power steeringpump connector and the ground eyelet connection between february and july of 2002. in a review of warranty claim data sent by bmw, 67 percent of the vehicles noted in warranty claims had production dates after august 1, 2002. additionally, odi noted eight reports of consumers witnessing flames coming from the engine compartment.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea07-011) to further assess the scope, frequency andpotential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect. | ||||||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | ||||||
| PE07022 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 04/19/2007 | 08/15/2007 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE | ||
| In response to an information request (ir) letter sent by the office of defects investigation (odi), bmw stated that the cause of the alleged defect is an insufficient seal of the ground cable of the power steering pump at its attachment to the chassis.water ingress can occur and the water can travel along the power steering pump power cable and come in contact with the power steering pump power cable connector.the connector can then corrode and a high thermal load condition can occur.according to bmw, this ultimately could result in a localized smoldering condition that does not propagate. to correct the water ingress issue, bmw implemented changes to the wire routing, the power steeringpump connector and the ground eyelet connection between february and july of 2002. in a review of warranty claim data sent by bmw, 67 percent of the vehicles noted in warranty claims had production dates after august 1, 2002. additionally, odi noted eight reports of consumers witnessing flames coming from the engine compartment.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea07-011) to further assess the scope, frequency andpotential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect. | ||||||
| EA07011 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 08/14/2007 | 08/13/2008 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE | ||
| The office of defects investigation (odi) analyzed consumer complaints to bmw of north america, llc (bmw)and to odi that alleged failures of the electrohydraulic power steering (ehps) used in model year 2002 through 2003 mini cooper vehicles.the analysis determined that 43 of the 52 (83%) reports were related to allegations of power steering loss and 9 (17%) were related to allegations of engine compartment fires. although some of the reports alleging fires note small flames were visible in the engine compartment, analysis of the damage caused by these failures indicates that even the most severe incidents were limited to localized thermal damage to the ehps electrical connections and wiring insulation.none of the complaints alleging loss of power assisted steering indicated that the increased effort resulted in a crash or loss of vehicle control. a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted. accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist. the agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by circumstances.see document file for additional information regarding this resume. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 01/19/2013 | 48900 | ||
| Power steering fails- car loses all power assisted steering pupm continues to run after engine shut off, possible fire result | |||
| 09/16/2012 | 86156 | 1 | |
| My power steering fan continues to run even after the care is turned off. it completely drained my battery so i replaced the battery. two weeks later the same thing happened and i learned that my power steering pump and fan are defective. also intermittent loss of power steering while driving and needless to say this can be very dangerous. *tr | |||
| 09/16/2012 | 86156 | ||
| My power steering fan continues to run even after the care is turned off. it completely drained my battery so i replaced the battery. two weeks later the same thing happened and i learned that my power steering pump and fan are defective. also intemittent loss of power steering while driving and needless to say this can be very dangerous. | |||
| 09/17/2012 | 45065 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. while driving approximately 20 mph the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the contact was able to park the vehicle but stated that the power steering had become inoperable. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 45,065. | |||
| 09/17/2012 | 45065 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. while driving approximately 20 mph the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the contact was able to park the vehicle but stated that the power steering had become inoperable. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 45,065. kmj | |||
| 09/17/2012 | 45065 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. while driving approximately 20 mph the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the contact was able to park the vehicle but stated the power steering was inoperable. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 45,065. da | |||
| 07/27/2012 | 66000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. the contact was traveling 20 mph when the power steering assist failed. the vehicle was not taken to dealer for inspection and the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileages were 66,000. | |||
| 07/27/2012 | 66000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. the contact was traveling 20 mph when the power steering assist failed. the vehicle was not taken to dealer for inspection and the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileages were 66,000. kmj | |||
| 07/27/2012 | 66000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 mini mini cooper. the contact was traveling 20mph when the power steering failed. the vehicle was not taken to dealer. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 66,000 . rds | |||
| 07/26/2012 | 120000 | 1 | |
| Faulty power steering pump causing a loss of complete control of the vehicle. 80,000+ incidents reported with this make/model of vehicle with the knowledge of vehicle manufacturer. the pump has since been re-manufactured to fix the issues but mini of north america refuses to issue a recall for the serious safety aspect of their failing part. *tr | |||
| 07/20/2012 | 102000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. the contact was driving 20 mph when the steering assist failed. the dealer was notified and informed the contact that the steering rack, power steering pump and the fan might have to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 102,000. | |||
| 07/26/2012 | 120000 | ||
| Faulty power steering pump causing a loss of complete control of the vehicle. 80,000+ incidents reported with this make/model of vehicle with the knowledge of vehicle manufacturer. the pump has since been re-manufactured to fix the issues but mini of north america refuses to issue a recall for the serious safety aspect of their failing part. | |||
| 07/20/2012 | 102000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. the contact was driving 20 mph when the steering assist failed. the dealer was notified and informed the contact that the steering rack, power steering pump and the fan might have to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 102,000. | |||
| 07/20/2012 | 102000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. the contact was driving 20 mph when the steering assist failed. the dealer was notified and informed the contact that the steering rack, power steering pump and the fan might have to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 102,000. kmj | |||
| 07/20/2012 | 102000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. the contact stated while driving 20 mph the steering failed. the dealer was notified and informed the contact that the steering rack, power steering pump, and or fan might have to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 102,000. dt | |||
| 07/01/2006 | 48000 | 1 | |
| My wife has been complaining of intermittent loss of power assist. i drive her car very little however i recently had the problem happen to me. one of my hobbies is sport car racing (most recently at summit point raceway in wv) so i do expect the unexpected however it is so intermittent it is often forgotten. it will be fine for weeks then it happens again. thousands of reports in the uk and canada issued a recall. you don't lose your steering just the assist. next time you are alone on a back road with a curve turn your car off and you will see what the described problem feels like. lets not have a serious incident before bmw resolves this issue. this has been going on for years. *tr | |||
| 07/01/2006 | 48000 | ||
| My wife has been complaining of intermittent loss of power assist. i drive her car very little however i recently had the problem happen to me. one of my hobbies is sport car racing (most recently at summit point raceway in wv) so i do expect the unexpected however it is so intermittent it is often forgotten. it will be fine for weeks then it happens again. thousands of reports in the uk and canada issued a recall. you don't lose your steering just the assist. next time you are alone on a back road with a curve turn your car off and you will see what the described problem feels like. lets not have a serious incident before bmw resolves this issue. this has been going on for years. | |||
| 04/10/2012 | 89000 | ||
| I was driving along and lost the power steering. it was very difficult to steer. i got home parked the car and let it go. the next morning it was fine. however, this morning, 6/8/2012, it happened again as i was turning in an intersection. fortunately for me there weren't many cars on the road, as it was very difficult to turn. if this had happened in even a semi-busy intersection, i would have been in trouble. | |||
| 04/19/2012 | 88670 | ||
| While driving steering became stiff. almost unable to turn wheel when i slowed to park. after turning car off and back on, problem resolved. still happens at least once per day usually while slowing or downshifting. always resolves after restarting car | |||
| 03/14/2012 | 39087 | ||
| Power steering pump stopped functioning making car unsafe to drive. | |||
| 03/07/2012 | 60500 | ||
| I was driving the car in lacey wa. smoke started issuing from the car. i immediately pulled into a parking lot. i opened the hood and smoke was issuing forth. after 5 minutes, i spotted flames. i had a small fire extinguisher but it was insufficient to put out the flames. a passing motorist arrived with a larger extinguisher and put out the flames. an insurance adjuster informed me that the fire was due to a faulty power steering pump. | |||
| 03/14/2012 | 39087 | ||
| Power steering pump stopped functioning making car unsafe to drive. | |||
| 03/07/2012 | 60500 | ||
| I was driving the car in lacey wa. smoke started issuing from the car. i immediately pulled into a parking lot. i opened the hood and smoke was issuing forth. after 5 minutes, i spotted flames. i had a small fire extinguisher but it was insufficient to put out the flames. a passing motorist arrived with a larger extinguisher and put out the flames. an insurance adjuster informed me that the fire was due to a faulty power steering pump. | |||
| 03/14/2012 | 39087 | ||
| Power steering pump stopped functioning making car unsafe to drive. | |||
| 03/07/2012 | 60500 | ||
| I was driving the car in lacey wa. smoke started issuing from the car. i immediately pulled into a parking lot. i opened the hood and smoke was issuing forth. after 5 minutes, i spotted flames. i had a small fire extinguisher but it was insufficient to put out the flames. a passing motorist arrived with a larger extinguisher and put out the flames. an insurance adjuster informed me that the fire was due to a faulty power steering pump. | |||
| 01/18/2012 | 73000 | ||
| Complete loss of power steering while in oncoming traffic lane during overtaking on two lane road. steering required an extreme amount of effort. barely managed to move back to right hand land before getting dangerously close to oncoming traffic. power steering did not recover for another 2.5 mins of driving. pulled over to side of road, turned car off, on again, power steering returned. electric power steering pump now runs continuously even when key is turned off. indicative of electric power steering pump controller failure. i continue to have concerns that power steering may cut out at any time again, and that if the pump continues running constantly even when the key is removed it may start a fire at some point. i have to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent the pump from running continuously. | |||
| 12/08/2011 | 49000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. the contact stated that the power steering pump continued to run while the engine was turned off. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer nor repaired. the vin was not available. the failure and the current mileage was 49,000. kmj | |||
| 12/08/2011 | 49000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. the contact stated the power steering pump continues to run while the engine was turned off. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin information was not available. the fialure and the current mileage was 49,000. li | |||
| 11/09/2011 | 45000 | ||
| The power steering failed when driving. it became impossible to steer. it was as though the car steering became locked. i was very lucky to have a police car stop to assist me to move me to a safe spot on the street. | |||
| 03/11/2011 | 106871 | ||
| Power steering failure. this occurs intermittently. most recently, last week, it was out for 3 days and then it started working again. | |||
| 11/09/2011 | 45000 | ||
| The power steering failed when driving. it became impossible to steer. it was as though the car steering became locked. i was very lucky to have a police car stop to assist me to move me to a safe spot on the street. | |||
| 03/11/2011 | 106871 | ||
| Power steering failure. this occurs intermittently. most recently, last week, it was out for 3 days and then it started working again. | |||
| 11/09/2011 | 45000 | ||
| The power steering failed when driving. it became impossible to steer. it was as though the car steering became locked. i was very lucky to have a police car stop to assist me to move me to a safe spot on the street. | |||
| 03/11/2011 | 106871 | ||
| Power steering failure. this occurs intermittently. most recently, last week, it was out for 3 days and then it started working again. | |||
| 07/07/2011 | 78000 | ||
| Power steering failed while going down a multi-story parking lot. very scary. car corrected itself. later that day it happened again. called my mechanic (a mini mechanic) and was told this happens all the time with 2002-2005 mini coopers. will need to replace pump and fan which will cost me $1200 inc. labor. this is a problem that mini usa is very aware of. they released a car with known problems (inc. cvt transmission issues) how can they do this? so far o one has been killed (that we know of) but i know it will happen one day. this is a very dangerous issue. | |||
| 06/02/2011 | 114000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. the contact stated the steering failed while driving at low speed the steering had to be held with force and both hands to be able to turn, and keep the vehicle under control. there was no warning light before or after the failure occurred. the vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who performed a diagnosed that located the failure at the power steering pump. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer stated the failure was not recalled, and they would not assist with the repair. the failure and the current miles was 114,000. li | |||
| 04/15/2011 | 150000 | ||
| Power syster on my 2002 mini cooper went out. this seems to be a commem occerence.and very dangerous and costly. bmw had better do something about this because i almost creamed a cop... | |||
| 04/25/2011 | 36000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mini coopers. the contact was driving 40 mph when the power steering failed. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic shop where they informed him that the fuse that controlled the power steering charging system had blown. the component was replaced at a the contacts expense. neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted to report the failure. the failure mileage was 36,000. | |||
| 04/25/2011 | 36000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mini coopers. the contact stated while driving 40 mph the power steering fail. the contact pull to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to a mechanic shop. they informed him the fuse that controls the power steering charging system had blown. this was replaced at a cost to him. the dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 36,000...mw | |||
| 04/03/2011 | 84426 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. while driving approximately 25 mph and attempting to make a left or right turn the steering wheel was difficult to turn. the vehicle was not repaired. the vehicle will be taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the failure and the current mileage was 82,426. | |||
| 03/08/2011 | 59957 | ||
| I bought a 2002 mini cooper and while driving the power sterering quit working. i contacted a mini repair shop and found that the power steering pump is electric and it's relay or or one for it's cooling fan might have failed. they told me that it is very common and would cost over $1000. to fix it. had i been in the wrong mode of driving this failure could have killed me. | |||
| 12/30/2010 | 120000 | ||
| Power steering failure on my 2002 r50 mini cooper. the poweer steering would act up the previos couple oe weeks bu then resume as if everythign was fine. then prior to first of the year, it just went out totally. | |||
| 01/17/2011 | 116469 | ||
| I drive a 2002 mini cooper and at 9:50am this morning i drove my car about a mile to my optometrist appointment and all was well with my power steering. i was there for 45 minutes, left, and got in my car pulled out of my spot with no trouble at all, but about 20 feet away from my parking spot i went to turn onto a thoroughfare only to find that my power steering had failed. i had to wrench the steering wheel with much strength to avoid traffic and pulled over. i checked the steering fluid and there is plenty in there. i believe it is an electrical problem. the problem remains consistent after turning my car on and off. i've checked online to find that many others have had this same problem in their 2002 mini coopers and yet no recall has been made. | |||
| 10/18/2010 | 36000 | ||
| My 2002 mini cooper's power steering failed silently as i drove home from work a week ago, though was fine after restarting the car. since then, it has started failing consistently. this leads to very dangerous driving conditions because i have no idea how hard i will have to turn on the wheel for any given turn and thus makes me highly susceptible for hitting a pedestrian or another car.. investigations imply that i have to replace the power steering pump, which cost $1000+. my car has roughly 36,000 miles on it. | |||
| 09/30/2010 | 13500 | ||
| 2002 mini cooper power steering failure after power steering pump replaced. the car had no power steeering within 700 miles of having the power steering pump and pump fan replaced and now am told it is the power steering pump cable. | |||
| 08/24/2010 | 32421 | ||
| Power steering in my 2002 mini cooper failed. steering vehicle became very difficult with little ability to turn vehicle. repair required a new elec. stg pump and cooling fan ($602) plus labor of $384 for a total of $986. | |||
| 11/01/2008 | 70000 | ||
| Recent news reports alerted me about the investigation into mini power steering failures in 2004-05 mini coopers. i am writing to report that a few years ago, i experienced intermittent power steering failure in my 2002 mini cooper (at about 70k) making steering very difficult. because the problem would come and go, it was difficult for my repair shop to find the root cause. eventually, the power steering pump was replaced. | |||
| 08/24/2010 | 32421 | ||
| Power steering in my 2002 mini cooper failed. steering vehicle became very difficult with little ability to turn vehicle. repair required a new elec. stg pump and cooling fan ($602) plus labor of $384 for a total of $986. | |||
| 11/01/2008 | 70000 | ||
| Recent news reports alerted me about the investigation into mini power steering failures in 2004-05 mini coopers. i am writing to report that a few years ago, i experienced intermittent power steering failure in my 2002 mini cooper (at about 70k) making steering very difficult. because the problem would come and go, it was difficult for my repair shop to find the root cause. eventually, the power steering pump was replaced. | |||
| 08/24/2010 | 32421 | ||
| Power steering in my 2002 mini cooper failed. steering vehicle became very difficult with little ability to turn vehicle. repair required a new elec. stg pump and cooling fan ($602) plus labor of $384 for a total of $986. | |||
| 11/01/2008 | 70000 | ||
| Recent news reports alerted me about the investigation into mini power steering failures in 2004-05 mini coopers. i am writing to report that a few years ago, i experienced intermittent power steering failure in my 2002 mini cooper (at about 70k) making steering very difficult. because the problem would come and go, it was difficult for my repair shop to find the root cause. eventually, the power steering pump was replaced. | |||
| 08/24/2010 | 32421 | ||
| Power steering in my 2002 mini cooper failed. steering vehicle became very difficult with little ability to turn vehicle. repair required a new elec. stg pump and cooling fan ($602) plus labor of $384 for a total of $986. | |||
| 11/01/2008 | 70000 | ||
| Recent news reports alerted me about the investigation into mini power steering failures in 2004-05 mini coopers. i am writing to report that a few years ago, i experienced intermittent power steering failure in my 2002 mini cooper (at about 70k) making steering very difficult. because the problem would come and go, it was difficult for my repair shop to find the root cause. eventually, the power steering pump was replaced. | |||
| 09/04/2010 | 98500 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. while the contact was driving approximately 2 mph, there was a loss of power steering which caused difficulty in turning the steering wheel. the engine was turned off and restarted. the vehicle was able to continue in operation. the failure occurred four different times. the contact stated the power steering fluid reading was at the correct capacity level. also, he mentioned that the power steering fan motor could possibly overheat and cause the failure. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 98,500. js | |||
| 08/24/2010 | 32421 | ||
| Power steering in my 2002 mini cooper failed. steering vehicle became very difficult with little ability to turn vehicle. repair required a new elec. stg pump and cooling fan ($602) plus labor of $384 for a total of $986. | |||
| 11/01/2008 | 70000 | ||
| Recent news reports alerted me about the investigation into mini power steering failures in 2004-05 mini coopers. i am writing to report that a few years ago, i experienced intermittent power steering failure in my 2002 mini cooper (at about 70k) making steering very difficult. because the problem would come and go, it was difficult for my repair shop to find the root cause. eventually, the power steering pump was replaced. | |||
| 09/04/2010 | 98500 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper. while the contact was driving approximately 2 mph, there was a loss of power steering which caused difficulty in turning the steering wheel. the engine was turned off and restarted. the vehicle was able to continue in operation. the failure occurred four different times. the contact stated the power steering fluid reading was at the correct capacity level. also, he mentioned that the power steering fan motor could possibly overheat and cause the failure. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 98,500. js | |||
| 03/21/2010 | 67000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper s. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 mph and the power steering failed. he stated that the power steering failure occurred no matter the speed and has occurred at other speed levels. he called the dealership and was told that they would not inspect the vehicle without him paying a diagnostic fee. the vehicle had not been inspected or repaired at the time of the complaint. the failure mileage was approximately 67,000. the current mileage was appproximately 67,500. | |||
| 11/16/2009 | 49989 | 1 | |
| 2002 mini cooper, power steering pump shorted out causing a small fire which destroyed the pump,fan,wiring harness,power steering line. car had less than 50,000 miles on it. cost of repair over 1200 dollars. *tr | |||
| 11/21/2009 | 43000 | 1 | |
| 2002 mini cooper. power steering quit (my wife driving and by herself) in a turn with oncoming traffic. no injuries but very close. *tr | |||
| 05/15/2008 | 1 | ||
| 2002 mini cooper power steering hydraulic assist fails without warning making car difficult to steer. failure is intermittent and may occur on the highway or on surface roads. in either case there is absolutely no warning. *tr | |||
| 11/21/2008 | 82000 | 1 | |
| My 2002 mini cooper electrohydraulic power steering (ehps) pump will not shut off causing associated wiring to become dangerously hot (smells like an electrical fire). this is a common problem with the mini cooper and there needs to be a recall. i am trying to figure out how to keep my mini from catching fire. *tr | |||
| 10/06/2008 | 51000 | 1 | |
| Abrupt failure of the power steering system in a 2002 mini cooper. *tr | |||
| 02/20/2008 | 60000 | 1 | |
| Back in feb 2008 the steering on my 2002 mini cooper just went out with no warning. i was left without power steering in the middle of the 101 freeway, which is very dangerous! i fixed the problem, which was very expensive as it was the entire steering system that failed and filed a complaint with mini, i never heard back but continued to drive the car. recently, september 2008 the transmission in that same car needs to be replaced. i have had nothing but major problems with this car and feel it may be a lemon. mini is unwilling to help me as my car is no longer under warranty. i feel as though these problems could result in serious injury as there is no prior warning and i am concerned for all present and future mini cooper drivers. *tr | |||
| 07/07/2008 | 62000 | 1 | |
| Clutch and cables fail at 100 000km. rattling noise at start up. very loud humming noise coming from the steering. transmission gone at 103 000km. *tr | |||
| 02/18/2008 | 60000 | 1 | 06/10/2005 |
| I recently had a 60k service on my 2002 mini cooper. a couple days later i drove from monterey, ca to los angeles, ca and my car was running fine. all of a sudden out of the blue, my power steering went out. i was driving on the 101 freeway and could not turn my car. i was able to get it to a repair shop where they told me my power steering pump had broke. $1,000 later the part of replaced. luckily i was safe, as was the passenger in my car. but what if i had been on a very cury, busy highway? i could have driven off a cliff! this is not a part that should simply wear out or break, we are talking people's lives! i love my mini and am a proud mini owner and driver but after this i don't think i will ever buy another mini or bmw. *tr | |||
| 11/21/2005 | 40000 | 2 | 08/19/2002 |
| (1) events leading up to failure - normal wear and tear, car driven 40k+ miles (2) failure & consequence - both bearings in the steering column began to fail. details not exactly available since i didn't have the opportunity to inspect them, but bearings would grind when turning the steering wheel. dealer told me that these would not impact driving safety, if not, what is their purpose? (3) corrective action - dealer replaced both bearings since car is still under warranty (50k miles). i inquired with dealer if mini has either improved the design of the replacement bearings or if the original bearings had been improperly installed. dealer stated that neither was the case and that it isn't/wouldn't be unusual for steering bearings to fail after 40k miles, which by today's standards is completely false!. *jb | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||
| 08/13/2007 | 86000 | 1 | 04/04/2004 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 bmw mini cooper. while driving 35 mph he noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle, as well as pieces of burning plastic falling from the vehicle. he attempted to apply the brakes however, the vehicle would not stop. he then noticed flames coming from the engine. he was able to pull over and tried to contain the fire however, the fire continued to spread into the interior of the vehicle. the fire department extinguished the fire. the fire destroyed the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 86,000. | |||
| 10/02/2006 | 60000 | 1 | 05/01/2002 |
| Power steering motor failure on mini cooper. 1 - while driving, the steering became very difficult, at times almost impossible. 2 - once home while parking the car, smoke started to billow our from under the hood. turned off the ignition, smoke continued to billow and get thicker, opened the hood, heard a sizzling sound and noticed that some of the wires were melting. immediately disconnected the battery, the smoke started to dissapate, the noise stopped etc. 3 - the car had to be towed to the dealer for repair. according to the tow operator, based upon the condidtion of the wiring harness, if the battery had not be disconnected quickly, the car would have caught on fire. the dealer informed us that the power steering pump motor had failed and that mini would replace the parts at no charge, but labor would be at our cost. total parts were approximatley $1,000.00 with labor totaling about $400.00. the car is now fixed and operating properly. *nm | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 06/01/2007 | 126800 | 1 | 04/18/2007 |
| Power steering pump is noisy all the time. i am afraid this may lead to failure of my ability to steer the vehicle . the car is a 2002 mini. *tr | |||
| 12/13/2007 | 62000 | 3 | 08/10/2002 |
| The power steering on my 2002 mini cooper s, 62,000 miles, fails intermittently and unexpectedly while driving, causing an instant and unexpected loss of power assisted steering. this is extremely dangerous and can cause injury or death should loss of power steering cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. further research of online forums (mini2.com, northamericanmotoring.com, roadfly.com) indicates that this is a known problem affecting many mini owners, and power steering pump failure has also been known to cause engine bay fires. *cn | |||
| 06/01/2005 | 1 | 08/09/2002 | |
| Dt: the contact owned a 2002 bmw mini cooper s. the contact complained steering failure. the steering was not operating. . could drive but could not steer because there was no power steering. the steering system was broke a couple of months ago , and they repaired it. currently, the dealership will not repair car anymore even though it was under warranty. the steering became very heavy, had to muscle the steering in order to turn the car. while driving on the highway all of a sudden could not steer the car, and it was very dangerous. did have one steering failure before, and had to replace the entire steering mechanism. currently, he could not steer under normal road conditions. *ak | |||