Investigations

NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
STEERING
PE10038BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC09/24/201005/10/2011Loss of Power Steering Assist
 Odi has received 339 complaints alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle.when the power steering assist stops working, drivers experienced difficulty in steering and/or controlling the vehicle.according to bmw drivers may experience either a temporary or permanent loss of power steering assist.bmw further advised that a temporary loss of power steering assist may be due to a malfunctioning cooling fan or an under-voltage condition in the power steering system.a permanent loss of power steering assist may be due to an error in the internal electronics, and may also result in the continuous running of the power steering pump.the voq complaints allege 5 minor crashes and 3 fires.the crashes are described as hit the curb.the fires are described as melted wires. there were no property damage claims.odi has received similar complaints for other model year mini.additional information is required to evaluate the frequency, consequence, and scope of this issue.accordingly the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (see ea11-005).
EA11005BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC05/04/2011Loss of Power Steering Assist
 Odi has received 339 complaints alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle.when the power steering assist stops working, drivers experienced difficulty in steering and/or controlling the vehicle.according to bmw drivers may experience either a temporary or permanent loss of power steering assist.bmw further advised that a temporary loss of power steering assist may be due to a malfunctioning cooling fan or an under-voltage condition in the power steering system.a permanent loss of power steering assist may be due to an error in the internal electronics, and may also result in the continuous running of the power steering pump.the voq complaints allege 5 minor crashes and 3 fires.the crashes are described as hit the curb.the fires are described as melted wires. there were no property damage claims.odi has received similar complaints for other model year mini cooper vehicles.additional information is required to evaluate the frequency, consequence, and scope of this issue.accordingly, the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis.
PE10038BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC09/24/2010Loss of power steering assist
 The office of defect investigations has received 54 complaints and a confidential number of field reports alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle. when the power steering assist stops working it requires increased force to steer the vehicle.some drivers reported experiencing difficulty while trying to steer or control the vehicle.the reports indicate that the loss of power steering assist may be related to a power steering pump failure.
STEERING - ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
PE10038BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC09/24/201005/10/2011Loss of Power Steering Assist
 Odi has received 339 complaints alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle.when the power steering assist stops working, drivers experienced difficulty in steering and/or controlling the vehicle.according to bmw drivers may experience either a temporary or permanent loss of power steering assist.bmw further advised that a temporary loss of power steering assist may be due to a malfunctioning cooling fan or an under-voltage condition in the power steering system.a permanent loss of power steering assist may be due to an error in the internal electronics, and may also result in the continuous running of the power steering pump.the voq complaints allege 5 minor crashes and 3 fires.the crashes are described as hit the curb.the fires are described as melted wires. there were no property damage claims.odi has received similar complaints for other model year mini.additional information is required to evaluate the frequency, consequence, and scope of this issue.accordingly the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (see ea11-005).
EA11005BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC05/04/2011Loss of Power Steering Assist
 Odi has received 339 complaints alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle.when the power steering assist stops working, drivers experienced difficulty in steering and/or controlling the vehicle.according to bmw drivers may experience either a temporary or permanent loss of power steering assist.bmw further advised that a temporary loss of power steering assist may be due to a malfunctioning cooling fan or an under-voltage condition in the power steering system.a permanent loss of power steering assist may be due to an error in the internal electronics, and may also result in the continuous running of the power steering pump.the voq complaints allege 5 minor crashes and 3 fires.the crashes are described as hit the curb.the fires are described as melted wires. there were no property damage claims.odi has received similar complaints for other model year mini cooper vehicles.additional information is required to evaluate the frequency, consequence, and scope of this issue.accordingly, the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis.
PE10038BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC09/24/2010Loss of power steering assist
 The office of defect investigations has received 54 complaints and a confidential number of field reports alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle. when the power steering assist stops working it requires increased force to steer the vehicle.some drivers reported experiencing difficulty while trying to steer or control the vehicle.the reports indicate that the loss of power steering assist may be related to a power steering pump failure.
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP
PE10038BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC09/24/201005/10/2011Loss of Power Steering Assist
 Odi has received 339 complaints alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle.when the power steering assist stops working, drivers experienced difficulty in steering and/or controlling the vehicle.according to bmw drivers may experience either a temporary or permanent loss of power steering assist.bmw further advised that a temporary loss of power steering assist may be due to a malfunctioning cooling fan or an under-voltage condition in the power steering system.a permanent loss of power steering assist may be due to an error in the internal electronics, and may also result in the continuous running of the power steering pump.the voq complaints allege 5 minor crashes and 3 fires.the crashes are described as hit the curb.the fires are described as melted wires. there were no property damage claims.odi has received similar complaints for other model year mini.additional information is required to evaluate the frequency, consequence, and scope of this issue.accordingly the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (see ea11-005).
EA11005BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC05/04/2011Loss of Power Steering Assist
 Odi has received 339 complaints alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle.when the power steering assist stops working, drivers experienced difficulty in steering and/or controlling the vehicle.according to bmw drivers may experience either a temporary or permanent loss of power steering assist.bmw further advised that a temporary loss of power steering assist may be due to a malfunctioning cooling fan or an under-voltage condition in the power steering system.a permanent loss of power steering assist may be due to an error in the internal electronics, and may also result in the continuous running of the power steering pump.the voq complaints allege 5 minor crashes and 3 fires.the crashes are described as hit the curb.the fires are described as melted wires. there were no property damage claims.odi has received similar complaints for other model year mini cooper vehicles.additional information is required to evaluate the frequency, consequence, and scope of this issue.accordingly, the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis.
PE10038BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC09/24/2010Loss of power steering assist
 The office of defect investigations has received 54 complaints and a confidential number of field reports alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle. when the power steering assist stops working it requires increased force to steer the vehicle.some drivers reported experiencing difficulty while trying to steer or control the vehicle.the reports indicate that the loss of power steering assist may be related to a power steering pump failure.
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
PE10038BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC09/24/201005/10/2011Loss of Power Steering Assist
 Odi has received 339 complaints alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle.when the power steering assist stops working, drivers experienced difficulty in steering and/or controlling the vehicle.according to bmw drivers may experience either a temporary or permanent loss of power steering assist.bmw further advised that a temporary loss of power steering assist may be due to a malfunctioning cooling fan or an under-voltage condition in the power steering system.a permanent loss of power steering assist may be due to an error in the internal electronics, and may also result in the continuous running of the power steering pump.the voq complaints allege 5 minor crashes and 3 fires.the crashes are described as hit the curb.the fires are described as melted wires. there were no property damage claims.odi has received similar complaints for other model year mini.additional information is required to evaluate the frequency, consequence, and scope of this issue.accordingly the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (see ea11-005).
EA11005BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC05/04/2011Loss of Power Steering Assist
 Odi has received 339 complaints alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle.when the power steering assist stops working, drivers experienced difficulty in steering and/or controlling the vehicle.according to bmw drivers may experience either a temporary or permanent loss of power steering assist.bmw further advised that a temporary loss of power steering assist may be due to a malfunctioning cooling fan or an under-voltage condition in the power steering system.a permanent loss of power steering assist may be due to an error in the internal electronics, and may also result in the continuous running of the power steering pump.the voq complaints allege 5 minor crashes and 3 fires.the crashes are described as hit the curb.the fires are described as melted wires. there were no property damage claims.odi has received similar complaints for other model year mini cooper vehicles.additional information is required to evaluate the frequency, consequence, and scope of this issue.accordingly, the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis.
PE10038BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC09/24/2010Loss of power steering assist
 The office of defect investigations has received 54 complaints and a confidential number of field reports alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle. when the power steering assist stops working it requires increased force to steer the vehicle.some drivers reported experiencing difficulty while trying to steer or control the vehicle.the reports indicate that the loss of power steering assist may be related to a power steering pump failure.

Consumer Complaints

Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STEERING
01/29/201365000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper. while driving approximately 25 mph, the steering wheel locked independently without any warning. the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and then towed to the residence. the similar failure occurred five times. the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the problem and they informed that there was not a recall related to the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 65,000. js
01/10/2013853541
 The mini cooper was sitting in the garage. my family noticed a distinct burning smell. we did not know where is was coming from. the burning smell was traced to the garage, but still did not identify the source. the next day when the vehicle was driven, there was no power steering. upon inspection and removal of the power steering pump, all the electrical connections to the unit were melted. the power steering unit and the wiring harness leading to the unit are damaged and must be replaced. in conclusion the unit drew power while the car was off and fried the electrical connections. *tr
01/10/201385354
 The mini cooper was sitting in the garage. my family noticed a distinct burning smell. we did not know where is was coming from. the burning smell was traced to the garage, but still did not identify the source. the next day when the vehicle was driven, there was no power steering. upon inspection and removal of the power steering pump, all the electrical connections to the unit were melted. the power steering unit and the wiring harness leading to the unit are damaged and must be replaced. in conclusion the unit drew power while the car was off and fried the electrical connections.
02/14/2013144411
 The power steering pump suddenly went out on my 2005 mini cooper s. fortunately for me (although this easily could have been tragically unfortunate for someone else) this happened in a school zone, which means i was driving very slowly. but with little children around this could have been extremely dangerous. in doing some research i find this sudden power steering failure is a common problem on early mini coopers. the pump has been recalled in canada, but why not in the u.s.a? can you tell me why this is not a recall item here?
01/10/201385354
 The mini cooper was sitting in the garage. my family noticed a distinct burning smell. we did not know where is was coming from. the burning smell was traced to the garage, but still did not identify the source. the next day when the vehicle was driven, there was no power steering. upon inspection and removal of the power steering pump, all the electrical connections to the unit were melted. the power steering unit and the wiring harness leading to the unit are damaged and must be replaced. in conclusion the unit drew power while the car was off and fried the electrical connections.
02/14/2013144411
 The power steering pump suddenly went out on my 2005 mini cooper s. fortunately for me (although this easily could have been tragically unfortunate for someone else) this happened in a school zone, which means i was driving very slowly. but with little children around this could have been extremely dangerous. in doing some research i find this sudden power steering failure is a common problem on early mini coopers. the pump has been recalled in canada, but why not in the u.s.a? can you tell me why this is not a recall item here?
02/07/201369165
 Power steering failed as i was making a right hand turn from one street to another. while 1/2 way into the turn the steering no longer responded and started to go straight into oncoming opposing traffic. it took quite a bit of effort to yank the steering wheel and avoid a crash (much more effort than steering my 54 chevy pick up truck). had car towed to bmw/mini dealer - diagnosed as power steering pump shorting. cost of repairs to replace power steering pump (including new p/s hoses): $1977.62
01/24/20131000601
 Power steering failed at freeway speed. driver narrowly escaped accident at freeway speed. power steering pump total failure. someone will die unless this issue is addressed. *tr
01/24/2013100060
 Power steering failed at freeway speed. driver narrowly escaped accident at freeway speed. power steering pump total failure. someone will die unless this issue is addressed.
11/12/20121100001
 Was driving along the road and came up on a turn when the steering locked up. put all of my weight into the steering wheel to keep from jumping the median. scared the life out of me. immediately pulled over to figure out what happened. turned the car off, then back on and it seemed fine. then getting on the freeway, i was on the clover-leaf and it locked up again so i put all of my weight into it again, then it suddenly released. with the sudden jerk/movement (and it has done this a few times) someday i know it will cause the car to flip. the power steering seems to work in phases: it will be fine for a couple days, then its intermittent/gone for a week or 2. the past few days, it has sounded like the engine fan was engaged even though i had not been for a strenuous drive. i think it was actually the pump not turning off when the car was turned off. this morning i got to my car to find the battery completely drained... an apparent short in the power steering pump (and/or fan) killed it. *tr
11/12/2012110000
 Was driving along the road and came up on a turn when the steering locked up. put all of my weight into the steering wheel to keep from jumping the median. scared the life out of me. immediately pulled over to figure out what happened. turned the car off, then back on and it seemed fine. then getting on the freeway, i was on the clover-leaf and it locked up again so i put all of my weight into it again, then it suddenly released. with the sudden jerk/movement (and it has done this a few times) someday i know it will cause the car to flip. the power steering seems to work in phases: it will be fine for a couple days, then its intermittent/gone for a week or 2. the past few days, it has sounded like the engine fan was engaged even though i had not been for a strenuous drive. i think it was actually the pump not turning off when the car was turned off. this morning i got to my car to find the battery completely drained... an apparent short in the power steering pump (and/or fan) killed it.
01/17/2013810001
 While driving my mini cooper s '05, i suddenly lost power steering, which made it extremely difficult to steer. i feel threatened driving my car. *tr
01/17/201381000
 While driving my mini cooper s '05, i suddenly lost power steering, which made it extremely difficult to steer. i feel threatened driving my car.
12/29/201259895
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that while attempting to turn, the steering wheel failed to respond. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic were it was found that the power steering pump failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the issue. the failure and current mileages were 59,895. kmj
12/29/201259895
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that while attempting to turn, the steering wheel failed to respond. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic were it was found that the power steering pump had failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the issue. the failure and current mileages were 59,895. mh
11/07/20121203341
 The power steering went out and was virtually impossible to steer. *tr
11/07/2012120334
 The power steering went out and was virtually imossible to steer
11/02/2012686601
 I was driving down the freeway attempting to change lanes when i noticed that my steering wheel suddenly became very difficult to turn and maneuver, as if the power steering feature had been disabled. initially, i thought it was just the surface of the road making handling of the car difficult, but the problem continued to persist even after i exited the freeway. while performing left-turns and right-turns on the side streets, i had to exert tremendous labor to complete the turn, and on a couple of occasions i almost hit adjacent cars on the road because i couldn't forcibly turn the steering wheel enough. when i arrived at my destination, i turned off my engine, re-started it, and to my relief and amazement, the steering wheel became easy to maneuver again, without a trace of the steering problems that had just occurred. *tr
11/02/201268660
 I was driving down the freeway attempting to change lanes when i noticed that my steering wheel suddenly became very difficult to turn and maneuver, as if the power steering feature had been disabled. initially, i thought it was just the surface of the road making handling of the car difficult, but the problem continued to persist even after i exited the freeway. while performing left-turns and right-turns on the side streets, i had to exert tremendous labor to complete the turn, and on a couple of occasions i almost hit adjacent cars on the road because i couldn't forcibly turn the steering wheel enough. when i arrived at my destination, i turned off my engine, re-started it, and to my relief and amazement, the steering wheel became easy to maneuver again, without a trace of the steering problems that had just occurred.
02/01/2012630001
 The power steering goes out intermittently. *tr
02/01/201263000
 The power steering goes out intermittently.
08/31/2012962661
 I was exiting the interstate and the ramp curved to the right, as i began to negotiate the curve i noticed i had no power steering at all. i reached my destination about 15 minutes later and had no power steering assistance at all the entire time. i parked the vehicle and did not use it again until 9/3/12 and the steering appeared to be working properly again. in reading the investigative study i noted that it may be due to an error in the internal electronics and may also result in a continuous running of the power steering pump. last year almost to the day, the electrical system went haywire and the car would not steer and had what seemed like power surge and after shutting the car off and removing the key the car continued to make a clicking sound and the windows rolled down by themselves. i could not get the car to restart and had it towed to the dealer and was told to replace the battery,which i did, i now wonder if that was a related incident. *tr
08/22/2012750001
 The passenger air bag weight sensor stop working. as a result my vehicle displays a warning that the passenger side air bags are off. my driver side fog light housing melted and crack apart. i used stock 55w halogen bulbs. my passenger side fog light housing has also begun to melt. my power steering is not leaking now. but it has been replaced 3 times. *tr
08/31/2012962661
 I was exiting the interstate and the ramp curved to the right, as i began to negotiate the curve i noticed i had no power steering at all. i reached my destination about 15 minutes later and had no power steering assistance at all the entire time. i parked the vehicle and did not use it again until 9/3/12 and the steering appeared to be working properly again. in reading the investigative study i noted that it may be due to an error in the internal electronics and may also result in a continuous running of the power steering pump. last year almost to the day, the electrical system went haywire and the car would not steer and had what seemed like power surge and after shutting the car off and removing the key the car continued to make a clicking sound and the windows rolled down by themselves. i could not get the car to restart and had it towed to the dealer and was told to replace the battery,which i did, i now wonder if that was a related incident. *tr
08/22/2012750001
 The passenger air bag weight sensor stop working. as a result my vehicle displays a warning that the passenger side air bags are off. my driver side fog light housing melted and crack apart. i used stock 55w halogen bulbs. my passenger side fog light housing has also begun to melt. my power steering is not leaking now. but it has been replaced 3 times. *tr
08/31/201296266
 I was exiting the interestate and the ramp curved to the right, as i began to negotiate the curve i noticed i had no power steering at all. i reached my destination about 15 minutes later and had no power steering assitance at all the entire time. i parked the vehichle and did not use it again until 9/3/12 and the steering appeared to be working properly again. in reading the investigative study i noted that it may be due to an error in the internal electronics and may also result in a continuous running of the power steering pump. last year altmost to the day, the electrical system went haywire and the car would not steer and had what seemed like power surge and after shutting the car off and removing the key the car continued to make a clicking sound and the windows rolled down by themselves. i could not get the car to restart and had it towed to the dealer and was told to replace the battery,which i did, i now wonder if that was a related incident.
08/22/201275000
 The passenger air bag weight sensor stop working. as a result my vehicle displays a warning that the passenger side air bags are off. my driver side fog light housing melted and crack apart. i used stock 55w halogen bulbs. my passenger side fog light housing has also begun to melt. my power steering is not leaking now. but it has been replaced 3 times.
08/31/201296266
 I was exiting the interestate and the ramp curved to the right, as i began to negotiate the curve i noticed i had no power steering at all. i reached my destination about 15 minutes later and had no power steering assitance at all the entire time. i parked the vehichle and did not use it again until 9/3/12 and the steering appeared to be working properly again. in reading the investigative study i noted that it may be due to an error in the internal electronics and may also result in a continuous running of the power steering pump. last year altmost to the day, the electrical system went haywire and the car would not steer and had what seemed like power surge and after shutting the car off and removing the key the car continued to make a clicking sound and the windows rolled down by themselves. i could not get the car to restart and had it towed to the dealer and was told to replace the battery,which i did, i now wonder if that was a related incident.
08/22/201275000
 The passenger air bag weight sensor stop working. as a result my vehicle displays a warning that the passenger side air bags are off. my driver side fog light housing melted and crack apart. i used stock 55w halogen bulbs. my passenger side fog light housing has also begun to melt. my power steering is not leaking now. but it has been replaced 3 times.
08/31/2012522001
 Right after exiting the highway, the steering wheel became suddenly very stiff as i was making a standard 90
08/24/2012302001
 My power steering went out while i was making a left turn in front of oncoming traffic. i managed to avoid hitting the curb and pulled over after completing the turn. it felt like driving with four flat tires. after restarting, the power steering worked again. the same thing happened again two days later. in both cases, this happened shortly after starting up. *tr
08/24/201230200
 My power steering went out while i was making a left turn in front of oncoming traffic. i managed to avoid hitting the curb and pulled over after completing the turn. it felt like driving with four flat tires. after restarting, the power steering worked again. the same thing happened again two days later. in both cases, this happened shortly after starting up.
06/22/20121080001
 The first time my power steering went out i was at a stop sign. i was making a right turn and had difficulty making the turn. the power steering went out again another time when i was in the middle of a turn, making it difficult to turn. i was fortunate there were no other cars around. today, 8/20/2012 is the most recent day that it went out. i was driving at approximately 35 mph and making a left turn when i noticed it was out. i have figured out that if i turn off my car it comes back on. luckily i had to stop before getting onto the freeway so i was able to control my car at high speeds. *tr
06/22/2012108000
 The first time my power steering went out i was at a stop sign. i was making a right turn and had difficulty making the turn. the power steering went out again another time when i was in the middle of a turn, making it difficult to turn. i was fortunate there were no other cars around. today, 8/20/2012 is the most recent day that it went out. i was driving at approximately 35 mph and making a left turn when i noticed it was out. i have figured out that if i turn off my car it comes back on. luckily i had to stop before getting onto the freeway so i was able to control my car at high speeds.
07/01/201283000
 The power steering went out while driving the vehicle. it has occurred intermittently since then.
07/22/2012105916
 Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that power steering failed. in addition, the vehicle was unable to be started. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who advised that the failure caused damage to the electrical system, which had become inoperable. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 105,916 and the current mileage was 105,960.
07/22/2012105916
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that power steering failed. in addition, the vehicle was unable to be started. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who advised that the failure caused damage to the electrical system, which had become inoperable. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 105,916 and the current mileage was 105,960. kmj
07/22/2012105916
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that vehicle power steering fail and was no able to star the engine at all and was inoperable. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who stated that failure caused damaged on the electrical system and was inoperable. the manufacture was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 105,916 and the current mileage was 105,960.
06/02/2010463241
 Power steering assist fails repeatedly. solution has been to stop car and restarted engine; seems to reset pump electronics. this intermittent power steering failure has happened dozens of times in the 3 years we've owned the car and can be very dangerous if driver is not aware of the change in steering ability. we're going to have to replace the pump i believe and with all the other complaints about this problem i feel mini/bmw should view this as a manufacturer defect and cover under warranty -- it is clearly a dangerous part and poor design. *tr
06/02/201046324
 Power steering assist fails repeatedly. solution has been to stop car and restarted engine; seems to reset pump electronics. this intermittent power steering failure has happened dozens of times in the 3 years we've owned the car and can be very dangerous if driver is not aware of the change in steering ability. we're going to have to replace the pump i believe and with all the other complaints about this problem i feel mini/bmw should view this as a manufacturer defect and cover under warranty -- it is clearly a dangerous part and poor design.
05/01/2012130000
 Since i had the car in 2009 i had this problem with the power steering that it has a failure. bmw no response for this its a pump that its not design correctly. lost of minis has this problems. hard to steer and almost got into a crash.
05/01/201263002
 I started the car cold before heading out and the power steering was completely out. after several minutes it started working again, although not with the full assist. since this time, every time i start up the car, i have a varying degree of assist for the first couple minutes of driving it.
05/11/2012110700
 Electric power steering pump failed while i was in a turn at 30 mph. steering became very heavy and nearly caused the car to leave the road due to greatly increased required steering effort. shut car off and checked fluid level. fluid level found to be full. researched the problem when i got home and found that this is a known safety issue with mini's. additionally, transport canada has issued a recall already on these power steering pumps due to continued failures.
02/01/2012145000
 Power steering cuts out intermittently. power steering comes back after restarting vehicle. then fails later again.
05/01/201263002
 I started the car cold before heading out and the power steering was completely out. after several minutes it started working again, although not with the full assist. since this time, every time i start up the car, i have a varying degree of assist for the first couple minutes of driving it.
05/11/2012110700
 Electric power steering pump failed while i was in a turn at 30 mph. steering became very heavy and nearly caused the car to leave the road due to greatly increased required steering effort. shut car off and checked fluid level. fluid level found to be full. researched the problem when i got home and found that this is a known safety issue with mini's. additionally, transport canada has issued a recall already on these power steering pumps due to continued failures.
02/01/2012145000
 Power steering cuts out intermittently. power steering comes back after restarting vehicle. then fails later again.
05/11/2012110700
 Electric power steering pump failed while i was in a turn at 30 mph. steering became very heavy and nearly caused the car to leave the road due to greatly increased required steering effort. shut car off and checked fluid level. fluid level found to be full. researched the problem when i got home and found that this is a known safety issue with mini's. additionally, transport canada has issued a recall already on these power steering pumps due to continued failures.
02/01/2012145000
 Power steering cuts out intermittently. power steering comes back after restarting vehicle. then fails later again.
04/20/201279700
 The car had been performing normally and when i attempted to turn into a parking space it was suddenly extremely difficult to turn. after coming out of the store the car resumed steering correctly. then a few days later the same thing happened-it was terribly difficult to turn the vehicle. i called my mechanic who suggested checking the power steering fluid level. i was unable to find in my owners manual where the power steering reservoir was located. the mechanic checked the fluid the following week and found the level to be normal. he investigated and found that there had been problems with power steering in other cars of my type. i ended up having to have everything replaced-pump, fan and reservoir at a cost for parts alone at $1033. i feel that if this problem was known to the manufacturing company that this should have been a recalled item for safety sake. the recall extended only to vehicles manufactured as of december 31, 2004. my vehicle was made in february 2005.
04/18/201260000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. while the contact was driving approximately 40 mph, there was a complete loss in the power steering without any prior warning. the contact was able to continue driving with caution at a reduced speed. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the power steering pump would need to be replaced. the contact planned to have the vehicle repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. there was currently there an open investigation associated with nhtsa action number ea11005 (steering: hydraulic power assist: pump). the approximate failure mileage was 60,000. the vin was unavailable. sm.
04/18/201260000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. while the contact was driving approximately 40 mph, there was a complete loss in the power steering without any prior warning. the contact was able to continue driving with caution at a reduced speed. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the power steering pump would need to be replaced. the contact planned to have the vehicle repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the malfunction. currently there is an open investigation associated with nhtsa action number ea11005 (steering: hydraulic power assist: pump). the approximate failure mileage was 60,000. the vin was unavailable. js
04/04/201256503
 Lost power steering while driving my 2005 mini cooper s. all of a sudden, have no power steering. very difficult to steer, but not impossible. thank god i was not in a place that this could have caused an accident. i note that i can turn off the motor, then turn it back on and the steering is ok for a few minutes, then goes out again. i love my mini cooper, but this is a serious safety problem. i am afraid to drive it now, if i can't count on the steering to function correctly.
03/27/201284000
 On date of incident, was attempting to park when the steering wheel locked up (became very difficult to move). i managed to get the car into a spot and called for tow assistance. the repair shop diagnosed as a power steering pump failure and had to replace that and other affiliated components (cooling fan, etc.). approximately 4 days before the failure, the power steering fan was uncharacteristically whiny, but went away after a few minutes and was not heard again before the failure.
03/14/201248500
 The car has been having issues with the power steering assist. the power steering assist goes out intermittently making it dangerous to drive in the transition from power steering assist to manual steering. i hope this assists the investigation into this issue.
03/27/201284000
 On date of incident, was attempting to park when the steering wheel locked up (became very difficult to move). i managed to get the car into a spot and called for tow assistance. the repair shop diagnosed as a power steering pump failure and had to replace that and other affiliated components (cooling fan, etc.). approximately 4 days before the failure, the power steering fan was uncharacteristically whiny, but went away after a few minutes and was not heard again before the failure.
03/14/201248500
 The car has been having issues with the power steering assist. the power steering assist goes out intermittently making it dangerous to drive in the transition from power steering assist to manual steering. i hope this assists the investigation into this issue.
03/27/201284000
 On date of incident, was attempting to park when the steering wheel locked up (became very difficult to move). i managed to get the car into a spot and called for tow assistance. the repair shop diagnosed as a power steering pump failure and had to replace that and other affiliated components (cooling fan, etc.). approximately 4 days before the failure, the power steering fan was uncharacteristically whiny, but went away after a few minutes and was not heard again before the failure.
03/14/201248500
 The car has been having issues with the power steering assist. the power steering assist goes out intermittently making it dangerous to drive in the transition from power steering assist to manual steering. i hope this assists the investigation into this issue.
01/20/201262000
 Power steering pump had to be replaced at 62,000 miles due to failure
03/22/201193000
 Over heating constantly no technical person knows of a remedy. overflow tank blows out when car overheats constantly .this seems to be a problem since the beginning no matter what year the car was built and never remedied. why not a recall? not knowing what other damage this causes to the engine. this has to be a recall for the company to fix it is a hit and miss fix??? this is a costly process and even in the forums on mini it has been an ongoing issue. front end fails all at the same time. (control arms, cv joints) steering becomes hard to control. mini help
09/01/200937800
 Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the steering wheel would not turn in either direction. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and they advised her that the power steering pump and assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. approximately one and a half years later while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle stalled and would not restart. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where they advised her that the power steering pump failed again and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired for the power steering pump. the manufacturer was contacted on both occasions and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 37,800. the vin was unavailable.
03/22/201193000
 Over heating constantly no technical person knows of a remedy. overflow tank blows out when car overheats constantly .this seems to be a problem since the beginning no matter what year the car was built and never remedied. why not a recall? not knowing what other damage this causes to the engine. this has to be a recall for the company to fix it is a hit and miss fix??? this is a costly process and even in the forums on mini it has been an ongoing issue. front end fails all at the same time. (control arms, cv joints) steering becomes hard to control. mini help
09/01/200937800
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the steering wheel would not turn in either direction. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and they advised her that the power steering pump and assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. approximately one and a half years later while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle stalled and would not restart. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where they advised her that the power steering pump failed again and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired for the power steering pump. the manufacturer was contacted on both occasions and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 37,800. the vin was unavailable. kmj
03/22/201193000
 Over heating constantly no technical person knows of a remedy. overflow tank blows out when car overheats constantly .this seems to be a problem since the beginning no matter what year the car was built and never remedied. why not a recall? not knowing what other damage this causes to the engine. this has to be a recall for the company to fix it is a hit and miss fix??? this is a costly process and even in the forums on mini it has been an ongoing issue. front end fails all at the same time. (control arms, cv joints) steering becomes hard to control. mini help
09/01/200937800
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that after starting her vehicle up the steering wheel would not turn in either direction. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and they advised her that the power steering pump and assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired for the components mentioned above. approximately 1.5 years later while driving approximately 30 mph the vehicle had stalled and would not restart. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they advised her that the power steering pump had failed again and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired for the power steering pump. the manufacturer was contacted on both occasions and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 37,800. the vin was unavailable. tb
03/22/201193000
 Over heating constantly no technical person knows of a remedy. overflow tank blows out when car overheats constantly .this seems to be a problem since the beginning no matter what year the car was built and never remedied. why not a recall? not knowing what other damage this causes to the engine. this has to be a recall for the company to fix it is a hit and miss fix??? this is a costly process and even in the forums on mini it has been an ongoing issue. front end fails all at the same time. (control arms, cv joints) steering becomes hard to control. mini help
09/01/200937800
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that after starting her vehicle up the steering wheel would not turn in either direction. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and they advised her that the power steering pump and assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired for the components mentioned above. approximately 1.5 years later while driving approximately 30 mph the vehicle had stalled and would not restart. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they advised her that the power steering pump had failed again and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired for the power steering pump. the manufacturer was contacted on both occasions and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 37,800. the vin was unavailable. tb
03/22/201193000
 Over heating constantly no technical person knows of a remedy. overflow tank blows out when car overheats constantly .this seems to be a problem since the beginning no matter what year the car was built and never remedied. why not a recall? not knowing what other damage this causes to the engine. this has to be a recall for the company to fix it is a hit and miss fix??? this is a costly process and even in the forums on mini it has been an ongoing issue. front end fails all at the same time. (control arms, cv joints) steering becomes hard to control. mini help
02/25/201250600
 Vehicle darting around on road like steering stops then starts back up,acceleration darts left , deceleration darts right.
01/20/201293000
 Was driving in traffic on interstate 95 when power steering failed without warning. car became very difficult to drive. pulled off road, checked fluid levels and couldn't find any obvious problems. power steering came back on when restarted car. power steering stayed on for rest of drive, but has gone out several times since. always comes back if turn off car and restart.
02/25/201250600
 Vehicle darting around on road like steering stops then starts back up,acceleration darts left , deceleration darts right.
01/20/201293000
 Was driving in traffic on interstate 95 when power steering failed without warning. car became very difficult to drive. pulled off road, checked fluid levels and couldn't find any obvious problems. power steering came back on when restarted car. power steering stayed on for rest of drive, but has gone out several times since. always comes back if turn off car and restart.
02/25/201250600
 Vehicle darting around on road like steering stops then starts back up,acceleration darts left , deceleration darts right.
01/20/201293000
 Was driving in traffic on interstate 95 when power steering failed without warning. car became very difficult to drive. pulled off road, checked fluid levels and couldn't find any obvious problems. power steering came back on when restarted car. power steering stayed on for rest of drive, but has gone out several times since. always comes back if turn off car and restart.
02/25/201250600
 Vehicle darting around on road like steering stops then starts back up,acceleration darts left , deceleration darts right.
01/20/201293000
 Was driving in traffic on interstate 95 when power steering failed without warning. car became very difficult to drive. pulled off road, checked fluid levels and couldn't find any obvious problems. power steering came back on when restarted car. power steering stayed on for rest of drive, but has gone out several times since. always comes back if turn off car and restart.
09/10/201090000
 Sometime in late summer of last year, my car began to make a honking sound. it sounded like the clutch that had already been replaced on both of our 2005 mini coopers under warranty (another possible safety issue?) but the clutching seemed ok. up until the time i was able to get the car in to the shop to get looked at, i noticed a puddle in the garage, and i also noticed it was getting harder to steer. the shop determined that my steering rack was leaking and needed to be completely replaced, which we did. now, just over 1 year later, the car is already exhibiting the same behaviors exactly. something in the vehicle is causing the rack to malfunction and require replacement.
12/07/2011118000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. while driving at approximately 30 mph the steering wheel became difficult to steer and locked up. the power steering warning light did not illuminate on the instrument panel. the vehicle was towed to the contacts home. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available.the approximate failure mileage was 118,000. ds
12/04/201163260
 Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. while driving 30 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to move when the contact noticed a burning odor. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where he was informed that the power steering component had melted and needed to be repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was a concurrent investigation for the failure however, there were no recalls. the manufacturer offered no further assistance. no repairs were performed. the current and the failure mileages were 63,260.
12/04/201163260
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. while driving 30 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to move when the contact noticed a burning odor. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where he was informed that the power steering component had melted and needed to be repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was a concurrent investigation for the failure however, there were no recalls. the manufacturer offered no further assistance. no repairs were performed. the current and the failure mileages were 63,260. kmj
12/04/201163260
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. while driving 30 mph the contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to move when he noticed a burning smell. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where he was informed that the power steering had melted and needed to be repaired. the dealer had not been notified. the manufacturer informed the contact that there was an investigation currently open with the nhtsa however, there was no recall and offered no further assistance. no repairs were performed. the current and failure mileages were 63,260. bw
10/19/201055000
 Power steering for the last year or so only works a fraction of the time. the first time it went out was while driving on the freeway. last weekend it stopped working and didn't work again for a full week. very hard to drive this vehicle when it goes out unexpectedly.
09/19/201187215
 I was driving down brookwood street and went to make a curve when i realized that i couldn't turn the car. i was able to pull harder on the wheel and make the curve. i pulled over and turned the car off to look things over,checked the power steering fluid which was full. i restarted the car and the steering worked again.i finished driving to work with no problems. when i came out of work i again had no power steering and had the car towed into a shop where they told me the power steering pump had failed and it was going to cost over $1300 to fix. i had the repair done but am afraid to drive the car as they told me it could happen again even with the new part.
09/04/201151000
 Temporary loss of power steering. after driving for about 2 hours, i stopped to fill up at a gas station. i then started the car and began to drive out of the gas station. i soon noticed the power steering was not working. i pulled into a parking space, opened the hood, and proceeded to check the power steering fluid. the power steering fluid reservoir was full. i restarted the car after about 5 minutes and the power steering was working again. this temporary power steering loss has occurred 3 more times over the last month since the initial incident described above. during the last occurrence, i drove a short distance back to my home with no power steering. i'd like to point out steering was very difficult, nearly undriveable around slow speed turns. the steering effort was much more than manual steering cars i've owned in the past.
10/04/201075655
 Powr steering completely fails
08/29/201075000
 On multiple occasions at various speeds and at random times, the power steering on my 2005 mini cooper s will stop working. after researching the issue, this appears to be a very common problem that plagues almost every mini sold since 2002. i would also like to reference nhtsa action number :ea11005, as it applies to my particular issue.
10/04/201075655
 Powr steering completely fails
08/29/201075000
 On multiple occasions at various speeds and at random times, the power steering on my 2005 mini cooper s will stop working. after researching the issue, this appears to be a very common problem that plagues almost every mini sold since 2002. i would also like to reference nhtsa action number :ea11005, as it applies to my particular issue.
10/04/201075655
 Powr steering completely fails
08/29/201075000
 On multiple occasions at various speeds and at random times, the power steering on my 2005 mini cooper s will stop working. after researching the issue, this appears to be a very common problem that plagues almost every mini sold since 2002. i would also like to reference nhtsa action number :ea11005, as it applies to my particular issue.
09/01/200810000
 Noticed level of power steering fluid was low. no apparent leak on ground. noticed the boots on rack and pinion are pressurized and realized that is where the fluid is leaking into
09/01/200928452
 The power assist for the steering fails intermittently. often this occurs midway through a turn. sometimes turning the car off and re-starting will resolve the problem, other times it does not. reported the issue to the dealer service department and before i could finish the sentence the two service writers said there was not issue with the power steering pump! without the power assist the steering is very heavy. as a strong, experienced driver i knew what to do when the power assist failed, but this would be very dangerous for an older or less physical driver since the assist failure is sudden and without warning. as a driver you go from being able to casually steer with minimal input to instantly needing to forcefully turn the steering wheel to maintain control of the car!!!! the car currently has 40,011 miles and continues to have this problem intermittently.
09/01/200810000
 Noticed level of power steering fluid was low. no apparent leak on ground. noticed the boots on rack and pinion are pressurized and realized that is where the fluid is leaking into
09/01/200928452
 The power assist for the steering fails intermittently. often this occurs midway through a turn. sometimes turning the car off and re-starting will resolve the problem, other times it does not. reported the issue to the dealer service department and before i could finish the sentence the two service writers said there was not issue with the power steering pump! without the power assist the steering is very heavy. as a strong, experienced driver i knew what to do when the power assist failed, but this would be very dangerous for an older or less physical driver since the assist failure is sudden and without warning. as a driver you go from being able to casually steer with minimal input to instantly needing to forcefully turn the steering wheel to maintain control of the car!!!! the car currently has 40,011 miles and continues to have this problem intermittently.
09/01/200810000
 Noticed level of power steering fluid was low. no apparent leak on ground. noticed the boots on rack and pinion are pressurized and realized that is where the fluid is leaking into
09/01/200928452
 The power assist for the steering fails intermittently. often this occurs midway through a turn. sometimes turning the car off and re-starting will resolve the problem, other times it does not. reported the issue to the dealer service department and before i could finish the sentence the two service writers said there was not issue with the power steering pump! without the power assist the steering is very heavy. as a strong, experienced driver i knew what to do when the power assist failed, but this would be very dangerous for an older or less physical driver since the assist failure is sudden and without warning. as a driver you go from being able to casually steer with minimal input to instantly needing to forcefully turn the steering wheel to maintain control of the car!!!! the car currently has 40,011 miles and continues to have this problem intermittently.
09/01/200810000
 Noticed level of power steering fluid was low. no apparent leak on ground. noticed the boots on rack and pinion are pressurized and realized that is where the fluid is leaking into
09/01/200928452
 The power assist for the steering fails intermittently. often this occurs midway through a turn. sometimes turning the car off and re-starting will resolve the problem, other times it does not. reported the issue to the dealer service department and before i could finish the sentence the two service writers said there was not issue with the power steering pump! without the power assist the steering is very heavy. as a strong, experienced driver i knew what to do when the power assist failed, but this would be very dangerous for an older or less physical driver since the assist failure is sudden and without warning. as a driver you go from being able to casually steer with minimal input to instantly needing to forcefully turn the steering wheel to maintain control of the car!!!! the car currently has 40,011 miles and continues to have this problem intermittently.
08/01/201197000
 I started to hear this winding or loud humming sound, did not know where it was coming from..it was examined by a mechanic,,and it was the power steering pump failing, and the electric cooling fan failing. read about many problems with this steering pump on 2005 mini's. the cost was $1226.00 to replace. even though i did not lost power steering, it could have happened at anytime.
09/01/200810000
 Noticed level of power steering fluid was low. no apparent leak on ground. noticed the boots on rack and pinion are pressurized and realized that is where the fluid is leaking into
09/01/200928452
 The power assist for the steering fails intermittently. often this occurs midway through a turn. sometimes turning the car off and re-starting will resolve the problem, other times it does not. reported the issue to the dealer service department and before i could finish the sentence the two service writers said there was not issue with the power steering pump! without the power assist the steering is very heavy. as a strong, experienced driver i knew what to do when the power assist failed, but this would be very dangerous for an older or less physical driver since the assist failure is sudden and without warning. as a driver you go from being able to casually steer with minimal input to instantly needing to forcefully turn the steering wheel to maintain control of the car!!!! the car currently has 40,011 miles and continues to have this problem intermittently.
08/01/201197000
 I started to hear this winding or loud humming sound, did not know where it was coming from..it was examined by a mechanic,,and it was the power steering pump failing, and the electric cooling fan failing. read about many problems with this steering pump on 2005 mini's. the cost was $1226.00 to replace. even though i did not lost power steering, it could have happened at anytime.
09/10/201152000
 My power steering pump on my 2005 mini cooper s failed at 45 mph in downtown los angeles. i have taken my vehicle in for a diagnoses in which they informed me the repair would be over $1k. i declined the repair as i have located a number of complaints regarding this issue, and am now taking it up with mini hq.
09/14/201165575
 Power steering stopped working near the end of a 15 mile drive to work. power steering functioned normally on the drive home 9 hours later.
09/10/201152000
 My power steering pump on my 2005 mini cooper s failed at 45 mph in downtown los angeles. i have taken my vehicle in for a diagnoses in which they informed me the repair would be over $1k. i declined the repair as i have located a number of complaints regarding this issue, and am now taking it up with mini hq.
09/14/201165575
 Power steering stopped working near the end of a 15 mile drive to work. power steering functioned normally on the drive home 9 hours later.
09/10/201152000
 My power steering pump on my 2005 mini cooper s failed at 45 mph in downtown los angeles. i have taken my vehicle in for a diagnoses in which they informed me the repair would be over $1k. i declined the repair as i have located a number of complaints regarding this issue, and am now taking it up with mini hq.
09/14/201165575
 Power steering stopped working near the end of a 15 mile drive to work. power steering functioned normally on the drive home 9 hours later.
09/05/201196400
 Bought my dream car, an '05 mini cooper s monday, labor day, and immediately started having problems with the steering randomly cutting in and out. not awesome! each time, turning the car off and then back on has resolved the issue, however it would seem that it shouldn't be happening, like, at all, let along having to 'cycle' the engine each time.
09/02/2011
 Parked the vehicle after a short trip of approx. 10 miles. left car for approx 5 to 7 minutes. returned to find smoke billowing from under the hood. immediately started to unhook the battery cable. got the battery unhooked and smoke diminished. tried restarting car, restarted fine, but no power steering. assuming that the power steering pump went up in smoke. fortunetly, damage seems to be limited to ps pump... not sure yet if smoldering/smoke indicates any other damage under the hood or not.
07/05/2011160000
 Power stearing went out on 2005 mini cooper while driving on lots of curves along columbia river, seems to be a thing with these cars after looking on line. just glad i'm not swimming with the fishes due to having to muscle the car on the road.
08/01/201173000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that the power steering pump would continue to run even when the vehicle was turned off, causing the vehicle to loose power steering while driving. neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 73,000 and the current mileage was 74,000.
07/05/2011160000
 Power stearing went out on 2005 mini cooper while driving on lots of curves along columbia river, seems to be a thing with these cars after looking on line. just glad i'm not swimming with the fishes due to having to muscle the car on the road.
08/01/201173000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that the power steering pump would continue to run even when the vehicle was turned off, causing the vehicle to loose power steering while driving. neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 73,000 and the current mileage was 74,000. kmj
07/05/2011160000
 Power stearing went out on 2005 mini cooper while driving on lots of curves along columbia river, seems to be a thing with these cars after looking on line. just glad i'm not swimming with the fishes due to having to muscle the car on the road.
08/01/201173000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that the power steering pump would continue to run even when the vehicle was turned off, causing the vehicle to loose power steering while driving. neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 73,000 and the current mileage was 74,000. kmj
07/05/2011160000
 Power stearing went out on 2005 mini cooper while driving on lots of curves along columbia river, seems to be a thing with these cars after looking on line. just glad i'm not swimming with the fishes due to having to muscle the car on the road.
08/01/201173000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that the power steering pump would continue to run even when the vehicle was turned off, causing the vehicle to loose power steering while driving. the dealer nor manufacturer were notified of this failure. the failure was not remedied. the failure mileage 73,000 and the current mileage was 74,000. nw
07/27/201186000
 2005 mini cooper s - engine fire a few days ago (7/27/2011) my 2005 mini cooper s caught fire in the lower rear engine compartment while parked in a business parking lot. it had been driven a short distance (about 6 miles) three hours prior with no indication of a problem. the car ignition was off and there was no key present in or near the vehicle. fortunately, a co-worker spotted the car billowing smoke from beneath the hood and we were able to quickly extinguish the fire before any significant damage was done to the vehicle or surrounding property. according to the mechanic who diagnosed the car and subsequent electrical fire - the incident was caused by an overheating and eventual ignition of an electrical harness caused by a sudden failure of the power steering pump. i must emphasize that prior to the fire, there was no indication in the vehicle (warning system) or by the vehicles performance that there was any problem with the pump or handling. it failed completely without warning! while parked and unattended! thankfully, the car was not parked in my garage at night where the fire would have certainly gotten a lot worse before being discovered and could have potentially been devastating to my property and family. as it stands the car is scheduled to be repaired at a cost of nearly 1000.00, possibly more as we do not yet know if there was any damaged caused to additional components within the vehicle by the pumps failure. i am the original owner and only driver of this vehicle. this car has been regularly maintained and was recently mechanically inspected last march. no issues were found with the vehicle at the time of it's last maintenance and inspection.
06/21/201140540
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper. the contact stated that shortly after powering off the ignition, he noticed smoke coming from the steering pump. the fire department arrived and cut the battery line. the dealer did not offer any assistance. the manufacturer was aware of the failure. the contact replaced the steering pump. the current mileage was 40,746. the approximate failure mileage was 40,540. the vin was unavailable. bw
02/12/201121100
 I have a january 2005 built mini cooper s (r53) with approximately 21,000 miles on it. on february 12, 2011 i was driving the car on a winding road in southern california when the power steering pump catastrophically failed without any warning in the middle of a high speed turn. the unexpected power steering pump failure made the steering completely unresponsive causing the car to spin out of control and nearly hit a tree (i was very lucky that i wasn't killed!). after doing some research, it appears that unwarranted power steering pump failures are quite common with the earlier mini cooper models. i feel that this is a huge safety concern that should be addressed by the manufacture via a mandatory safety recall. after the initial catastrophic failure of the power steering pump, the pump would work intermittently in that it would run fine for a while and then fail again without warning a short time later making the car extremely dangerous to drive. at times, the electric power steering pump would not switch off after turning off the car
06/21/201140540
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper. the contact stated that shortly after powering off the ignition, he noticed smoke coming from the steering pump. the fire department arrived and cut the battery line. the dealer did not offer any assistance. the manufacturer was aware of the failure. the contact replaced the steering pump. the current mileage was 40,746. the approximate failure mileage was 40,540. the vin was unavailable. bw
02/12/201121100
 I have a january 2005 built mini cooper s (r53) with approximately 21,000 miles on it. on february 12, 2011 i was driving the car on a winding road in southern california when the power steering pump catastrophically failed without any warning in the middle of a high speed turn. the unexpected power steering pump failure made the steering completely unresponsive causing the car to spin out of control and nearly hit a tree (i was very lucky that i wasn't killed!). after doing some research, it appears that unwarranted power steering pump failures are quite common with the earlier mini cooper models. i feel that this is a huge safety concern that should be addressed by the manufacture via a mandatory safety recall. after the initial catastrophic failure of the power steering pump, the pump would work intermittently in that it would run fine for a while and then fail again without warning a short time later making the car extremely dangerous to drive. at times, the electric power steering pump would not switch off after turning off the car
06/21/201140540
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper. the contact stated that shortly after powering off the ignition, he noticed smoke coming from the steering pump. the fire department arrived and cut the battery line. the dealer did not offer any assistance. the manufacturer was aware of the failure. the contact replaced the steering pump. the current mileage was 40,746. the approximate failure mileage was 40,540. the vin was unavailable. bw
02/12/201121100
 I have a january 2005 built mini cooper s (r53) with approximately 21,000 miles on it. on february 12, 2011 i was driving the car on a winding road in southern california when the power steering pump catastrophically failed without any warning in the middle of a high speed turn. the unexpected power steering pump failure made the steering completely unresponsive causing the car to spin out of control and nearly hit a tree (i was very lucky that i wasn't killed!). after doing some research, it appears that unwarranted power steering pump failures are quite common with the earlier mini cooper models. i feel that this is a huge safety concern that should be addressed by the manufacture via a mandatory safety recall. after the initial catastrophic failure of the power steering pump, the pump would work intermittently in that it would run fine for a while and then fail again without warning a short time later making the car extremely dangerous to drive. at times, the electric power steering pump would not switch off after turning off the car
06/21/201140540
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper. the contact stated that shortly after powering off the ignition, he noticed smoke coming from the steering pump. the fire department arrived and cut the battery line. the dealer did not offer any assistance. the manufacturer was aware of the failure. the contact replaced the steering pump. the current mileage was 40,746. the approximate failure mileage was 40,540. the vin was unavailable. bw
02/12/201121100
 I have a january 2005 built mini cooper s (r53) with approximately 21,000 miles on it. on february 12, 2011 i was driving the car on a winding road in southern california when the power steering pump catastrophically failed without any warning in the middle of a high speed turn. the unexpected power steering pump failure made the steering completely unresponsive causing the car to spin out of control and nearly hit a tree (i was very lucky that i wasn't killed!). after doing some research, it appears that unwarranted power steering pump failures are quite common with the earlier mini cooper models. i feel that this is a huge safety concern that should be addressed by the manufacture via a mandatory safety recall. after the initial catastrophic failure of the power steering pump, the pump would work intermittently in that it would run fine for a while and then fail again without warning a short time later making the car extremely dangerous to drive. at times, the electric power steering pump would not switch off after turning off the car
07/18/201164000
 Power steering pump failure on 2005 mini cooper leads to dangerous driving
06/22/201165000
 Upon starting the vehicle and sometimes while moving at low speeds the power steering would fail making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer. the dealer explained that the relay in the auxiliary engine fan had failed likely as a result of the power steering fan failing. both the auxiliary engine fan and the power steering fan had to be replaced. the cost of the repairs and labor was $1060.14.
07/18/201164000
 Power steering pump failure on 2005 mini cooper leads to dangerous driving
06/22/201165000
 Upon starting the vehicle and sometimes while moving at low speeds the power steering would fail making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer. the dealer explained that the relay in the auxiliary engine fan had failed likely as a result of the power steering fan failing. both the auxiliary engine fan and the power steering fan had to be replaced. the cost of the repairs and labor was $1060.14.
07/18/201164000
 Power steering pump failure on 2005 mini cooper leads to dangerous driving
06/22/201165000
 Upon starting the vehicle and sometimes while moving at low speeds the power steering would fail making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer. the dealer explained that the relay in the auxiliary engine fan had failed likely as a result of the power steering fan failing. both the auxiliary engine fan and the power steering fan had to be replaced. the cost of the repairs and labor was $1060.14.
07/18/201164000
 Power steering pump failure on 2005 mini cooper leads to dangerous driving
06/22/201165000
 Upon starting the vehicle and sometimes while moving at low speeds the power steering would fail making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer. the dealer explained that the relay in the auxiliary engine fan had failed likely as a result of the power steering fan failing. both the auxiliary engine fan and the power steering fan had to be replaced. the cost of the repairs and labor was $1060.14.
07/04/201189450
 Power steering is intermittent making car difficult to control. i'm the second owner of car. first failure occurred at approximately 85,000 miles.
07/02/201165000
 Power steering pump failed while driving on the freeway, resulting in loss of steering control.
05/10/201190000
 2005 mini cooper power steering failure
06/24/201139500
 After driving for approx 2 hours at highway speeds, power steering failed. noticed upon exiting highway - no accident, but steering required unexpectedly significant force.
05/10/201190000
 2005 mini cooper power steering failure
06/24/201139500
 After driving for approx 2 hours at highway speeds, power steering failed. noticed upon exiting highway - no accident, but steering required unexpectedly significant force.
05/10/201190000
 2005 mini cooper power steering failure
06/24/201139500
 After driving for approx 2 hours at highway speeds, power steering failed. noticed upon exiting highway - no accident, but steering required unexpectedly significant force.
06/20/201161509
 2005 mini cooper s power steering failed while turning off highway almost causing me to crash into an adjacent car because i had to muscle the car into a corner. this is a very serious problem which happened one more time later in the week while i was turning into my driveway. a woman might not be able to muscle the car correctly thus causing an accident.
06/08/201076000
 I own a 05 mini cooper s that has power steering problems..the steering went out when driving 75mph..since then the power steering motor will not shut off on its own and the battery must be disconnected which is another issue altogether...i am not able to drive this vehicle as it is not safe...it started as an intemittent problem and now is a constant problem...i only own this vehicle as was hoping mini would step up and take care of this...
06/20/201161509
 2005 mini cooper s power steering failed while turning off highway almost causing me to crash into an adjacent car because i had to muscle the car into a corner. this is a very serious problem which happened one more time later in the week while i was turning into my driveway. a woman might not be able to muscle the car correctly thus causing an accident.
06/08/201076000
 I own a 05 mini cooper s that has power steering problems..the steering went out when driving 75mph..since then the power steering motor will not shut off on its own and the battery must be disconnected which is another issue altogether...i am not able to drive this vehicle as it is not safe...it started as an intemittent problem and now is a constant problem...i only own this vehicle as was hoping mini would step up and take care of this...
06/20/201161509
 2005 mini cooper s power steering failed while turning off highway almost causing me to crash into an adjacent car because i had to muscle the car into a corner. this is a very serious problem which happened one more time later in the week while i was turning into my driveway. a woman might not be able to muscle the car correctly thus causing an accident.
06/08/201076000
 I own a 05 mini cooper s that has power steering problems..the steering went out when driving 75mph..since then the power steering motor will not shut off on its own and the battery must be disconnected which is another issue altogether...i am not able to drive this vehicle as it is not safe...it started as an intemittent problem and now is a constant problem...i only own this vehicle as was hoping mini would step up and take care of this...
06/14/201156000
 2005 mini cooper s. power steering failure: i was driving my car for about 10 minutes, when the power steering failed. i reached my destination (without power steering), the car sat for approx 3 hours, when i got back in the car, the power steering worked. the first occurrence was on tuesday, june 14, 2011. on wednesday, june 15, this occurred numerous times after driving the vehicle only for a few minutes. again, after the car sat for a few hours, the power steering resumed working. my car has approx 56k miles on it, and i am the original owner of the vehicle.
06/08/201076000
 I own a 05 mini cooper s that has power steering problems..the steering went out when driving 75mph..since then the power steering motor will not shut off on its own and the battery must be disconnected which is another issue altogether...i am not able to drive this vehicle as it is not safe...it started as an intemittent problem and now is a constant problem...i only own this vehicle as was hoping mini would step up and take care of this...
06/14/201156000
 2005 mini cooper s. power steering failure: i was driving my car for about 10 minutes, when the power steering failed. i reached my destination (without power steering), the car sat for approx 3 hours, when i got back in the car, the power steering worked. the first occurrence was on tuesday, june 14, 2011. on wednesday, june 15, this occurred numerous times after driving the vehicle only for a few minutes. again, after the car sat for a few hours, the power steering resumed working. my car has approx 56k miles on it, and i am the original owner of the vehicle.
06/14/201169426
 While driving my 2005 mini cooper s through a crowded parking lot, my power steering just suddenly went out without warning. there was no indication of the sudden failure and i was barely able to get my mini into a parking spot away from pedestrians.
05/26/201184000
 I have a 2005 mini cooper s. the power steering went out on me as i was driving on the bay bridge. almost killed me and god only knows who else was on the bridge! how can the people at bmw sleep at night knowing there are minis out there with this problem! do the research and you will see how many terrified mini owners are out there! thank god i was in the far right lane so i could pull the car over and coast the rest of the way. the car was towed to minisf, who told me the power steering pump failed. i replaced the pump, but for some reason the problem continues intermittently. the fan runs all the time, even when driven for a short time. the entire system needs to be replaced. and, what's worse is the thought of selling this car to someone who might experience the same terror i did. there were no injuries or crashes. thank god for that.
06/14/201156000
 2005 mini cooper s. power steering failure: i was driving my car for about 10 minutes, when the power steering failed. i reached my destination (without power steering), the car sat for approx 3 hours, when i got back in the car, the power steering worked. the first occurrence was on tuesday, june 14, 2011. on wednesday, june 15, this occurred numerous times after driving the vehicle only for a few minutes. again, after the car sat for a few hours, the power steering resumed working. my car has approx 56k miles on it, and i am the original owner of the vehicle.
06/14/201169426
 While driving my 2005 mini cooper s through a crowded parking lot, my power steering just suddenly went out without warning. there was no indication of the sudden failure and i was barely able to get my mini into a parking spot away from pedestrians.
05/26/201184000
 I have a 2005 mini cooper s. the power steering went out on me as i was driving on the bay bridge. almost killed me and god only knows who else was on the bridge! how can the people at bmw sleep at night knowing there are minis out there with this problem! do the research and you will see how many terrified mini owners are out there! thank god i was in the far right lane so i could pull the car over and coast the rest of the way. the car was towed to minisf, who told me the power steering pump failed. i replaced the pump, but for some reason the problem continues intermittently. the fan runs all the time, even when driven for a short time. the entire system needs to be replaced. and, what's worse is the thought of selling this car to someone who might experience the same terror i did. there were no injuries or crashes. thank god for that.
06/14/201169426
 While driving my 2005 mini cooper s through a crowded parking lot, my power steering just suddenly went out without warning. there was no indication of the sudden failure and i was barely able to get my mini into a parking spot away from pedestrians.
05/26/201184000
 I have a 2005 mini cooper s. the power steering went out on me as i was driving on the bay bridge. almost killed me and god only knows who else was on the bridge! how can the people at bmw sleep at night knowing there are minis out there with this problem! do the research and you will see how many terrified mini owners are out there! thank god i was in the far right lane so i could pull the car over and coast the rest of the way. the car was towed to minisf, who told me the power steering pump failed. i replaced the pump, but for some reason the problem continues intermittently. the fan runs all the time, even when driven for a short time. the entire system needs to be replaced. and, what's worse is the thought of selling this car to someone who might experience the same terror i did. there were no injuries or crashes. thank god for that.
06/07/201164500
 Power steeting intermittently goes out while driving and continues to run while the car has turned off. has almost caused me to crash several times when it has gone out on the express way.
05/21/201163200
 Power steering intermittently goes out while driving and does not return until car is cycled off and back on again.
03/10/201188000
 My power steering began to stop working as i rode. i would park the car, switch the engine off and restart and the power steering would come back. this happened several times both in back roads and highways. finally last month it stopped working completely and now it is very difficult to drive and really a danger to be on the road with.
05/21/201163200
 Power steering intermittently goes out while driving and does not return until car is cycled off and back on again.
03/10/201188000
 My power steering began to stop working as i rode. i would park the car, switch the engine off and restart and the power steering would come back. this happened several times both in back roads and highways. finally last month it stopped working completely and now it is very difficult to drive and really a danger to be on the road with.
04/22/201150000
 My 2005 mini cooper s has power steering wheel failure. it started happening after the car hit 50,000 miles which i think it's still too low for any cars. i first encountered the problem a couple weeks ago when i was trying to make a left turn on a main rd. the steering was so diffucult to turn even with both hands that i had to come to halt in the middle of the road. the car would have hit the building if i kept on going at full speed which is 30 mils. so glad there was no car behind me. encountered a few more times after this. my car is now parked at my condo lot as it cost over $1300 to get it fixed. it will be very dangerous is this happens on the freeway. a few of my friends have the same problem. something needs to be done or life will be lost. bmw/mini needs to do something about this.
03/10/201188000
 My power steering began to stop working as i rode. i would park the car, switch the engine off and restart and the power steering would come back. this happened several times both in back roads and highways. finally last month it stopped working completely and now it is very difficult to drive and really a danger to be on the road with.
04/22/201150000
 My 2005 mini cooper s has power steering wheel failure. it started happening after the car hit 50,000 miles which i think it's still too low for any cars. i first encountered the problem a couple weeks ago when i was trying to make a left turn on a main rd. the steering was so diffucult to turn even with both hands that i had to come to halt in the middle of the road. the car would have hit the building if i kept on going at full speed which is 30 mils. so glad there was no car behind me. encountered a few more times after this. my car is now parked at my condo lot as it cost over $1300 to get it fixed. it will be very dangerous is this happens on the freeway. a few of my friends have the same problem. something needs to be done or life will be lost. bmw/mini needs to do something about this.
05/07/201160000
 Power steering has been failing to work intermittently over the last couple of years. it occurs mainly after starting the car and driving away from a stop. stoping and restarting clears the problem. it did happen once at freeway speed on a left hand off ramp. it made the steering very heavy and hard to turn and could have lead to loss of control had the pavement been slippery. the power steering did return after slowing and completing the turn.
04/10/201154000
 While driving, the power steering stops working. this problem is intermittent and happens every few days. simply cycling the ignition gets it working again but is a big safety concern in my book.
04/24/201181000
 Experienced abrupt and complete loss of the power steering system simultaneous with an immediate and sharp decrease in power. this incident occurred at 75 mph on an interstate highway, car in middle lane. very narrowly avoided collision with a truck when moving vehicle to full stop in emergency lane. vehicle currently not in use as we feel it is a road hazard and unsafe to operate in current condition. also awaiting for response from mini dealer.
04/18/201124000
 The power steering has been failing on and off for the past 2 years. i first noticed it when i was trying to get out of a parallel parking spot. upon turning off the car and restarting it, the power steering was restored. it most often happened when maneuvering out of parallel parked spots. sometimes it would happen several times in one day and then not again for a few months. several times when i was driving i felt the power steering lock up and have had to drive the car to safely and restart the steering. i took it in to the mini dealership and described the problem. i was told it sounded like the power steering pump and given a quote of $895 to get it replaced.
04/05/201192000
 On tuesday, 5 april 2011, i drove my 2005 mini cooper s aboout 20 - 25 miles heading for work - i made a brief stop for coffee. the car operated properly during this drive, however, when i left the coffee shop i notice a very acrid smell in the area. when i got in my car and started it the battery indicator light was on. i check the owner's manual and it said this indicated the battery was not being charged. as the car was running i decided i could drive it to work and then address the charging issue. when i back out of the parking spot i realized i had also lost my power steering. i was concerned that my car might not be cooling as well, so moved the car to a spot further out in the parking lot to allow for a tow truck to pick it up. i realized the acrid smoke smell was still with me and decided to check under the hood. when i lifted the hood i found there was a fire in the engine compartment. fortunately i carried a fire extinguisher and was able to put the fire out - the fire department also responded. the car was towed to sandia mini cooper in albuquerque nm and i have since been informed that the power steering pump malfunctioned and caused the fire. from some research i have done on line it appears this is not an issue isolated to my vehicle, but that it was occurred in a number of cases.
03/15/201169000
 My 2005 mini cooper s had a sudden power steering failure while approaching a highway off ramp. i went to turn into it and the car had become a tank. after some panic braking and all the upper body strength i could muster on the steering wheel... i did not fly into the ditch, but had the road been wet or icy i have no doubt the results would have been different. contacted the local dealership and was estimated $1200 for the repair of a known factory defect.
04/05/201192000
 On tuesday, 5 april 2011, i drove my 2005 mini cooper s aboout 20 - 25 miles heading for work - i made a brief stop for coffee. the car operated properly during this drive, however, when i left the coffee shop i notice a very acrid smell in the area. when i got in my car and started it the battery indicator light was on. i check the owner's manual and it said this indicated the battery was not being charged. as the car was running i decided i could drive it to work and then address the charging issue. when i back out of the parking spot i realized i had also lost my power steering. i was concerned that my car might not be cooling as well, so moved the car to a spot further out in the parking lot to allow for a tow truck to pick it up. i realized the acrid smoke smell was still with me and decided to check under the hood. when i lifted the hood i found there was a fire in the engine compartment. fortunately i carried a fire extinguisher and was able to put the fire out - the fire department also responded. the car was towed to sandia mini cooper in albuquerque nm and i have since been informed that the power steering pump malfunctioned and caused the fire. from some research i have done on line it appears this is not an issue isolated to my vehicle, but that it was occurred in a number of cases.
03/15/201169000
 My 2005 mini cooper s had a sudden power steering failure while approaching a highway off ramp. i went to turn into it and the car had become a tank. after some panic braking and all the upper body strength i could muster on the steering wheel... i did not fly into the ditch, but had the road been wet or icy i have no doubt the results would have been different. contacted the local dealership and was estimated $1200 for the repair of a known factory defect.
04/05/201192000
 On tuesday, 5 april 2011, i drove my 2005 mini cooper s aboout 20 - 25 miles heading for work - i made a brief stop for coffee. the car operated properly during this drive, however, when i left the coffee shop i notice a very acrid smell in the area. when i got in my car and started it the battery indicator light was on. i check the owner's manual and it said this indicated the battery was not being charged. as the car was running i decided i could drive it to work and then address the charging issue. when i back out of the parking spot i realized i had also lost my power steering. i was concerned that my car might not be cooling as well, so moved the car to a spot further out in the parking lot to allow for a tow truck to pick it up. i realized the acrid smoke smell was still with me and decided to check under the hood. when i lifted the hood i found there was a fire in the engine compartment. fortunately i carried a fire extinguisher and was able to put the fire out - the fire department also responded. the car was towed to sandia mini cooper in albuquerque nm and i have since been informed that the power steering pump malfunctioned and caused the fire. from some research i have done on line it appears this is not an issue isolated to my vehicle, but that it was occurred in a number of cases.
03/15/201169000
 My 2005 mini cooper s had a sudden power steering failure while approaching a highway off ramp. i went to turn into it and the car had become a tank. after some panic braking and all the upper body strength i could muster on the steering wheel... i did not fly into the ditch, but had the road been wet or icy i have no doubt the results would have been different. contacted the local dealership and was estimated $1200 for the repair of a known factory defect.
03/10/201170000
 Power steering fails intermittently. failure has occured numerous times while parking and twice unexpectedly while driving and making a right turn. makes car hard to maneuver and unsafe because of the unpredictable nature of the failure.
03/15/201169000
 My 2005 mini cooper s had a sudden power steering failure while approaching a highway off ramp. i went to turn into it and the car had become a tank. after some panic braking and all the upper body strength i could muster on the steering wheel... i did not fly into the ditch, but had the road been wet or icy i have no doubt the results would have been different. contacted the local dealership and was estimated $1200 for the repair of a known factory defect.
03/10/201170000
 Power steering fails intermittently. failure has occured numerous times while parking and twice unexpectedly while driving and making a right turn. makes car hard to maneuver and unsafe because of the unpredictable nature of the failure.
09/10/201060000
 Electric power steering pump & fan failure during left turn. several thousands of mini coppers in the uk have had similar recalls. in fact i did find a recall for the power steering pump fan for faulty wires. i could fall under the same recall, but bmw mini dealers are stating that it will cost me just for diagnostics (roughly $90), they also states they knew about a filed complaint but said they couldn't even look at the fan without charging me. i did find after days and days of internet searches that their was a recall # issued for the fan but could not locate it again. website citing bbc article. www.newmini.wordpress.com/?s=mini+cooper+power+steering+failure. everyday i feel less and less safe driving my mini. thanks.
03/10/201170000
 Power steering fails intermittently. failure has occured numerous times while parking and twice unexpectedly while driving and making a right turn. makes car hard to maneuver and unsafe because of the unpredictable nature of the failure.
09/10/201060000
 Electric power steering pump & fan failure during left turn. several thousands of mini coppers in the uk have had similar recalls. in fact i did find a recall for the power steering pump fan for faulty wires. i could fall under the same recall, but bmw mini dealers are stating that it will cost me just for diagnostics (roughly $90), they also states they knew about a filed complaint but said they couldn't even look at the fan without charging me. i did find after days and days of internet searches that their was a recall # issued for the fan but could not locate it again. website citing bbc article. www.newmini.wordpress.com/?s=mini+cooper+power+steering+failure. everyday i feel less and less safe driving my mini. thanks.
03/28/201151000
 We purchased our 2005 mini cooper less than a week ago. it has 51,000 miles on it. i was traveling on the interstate for about an hour. i tried to take an off ramp to the right traveling about 60 mph and realized the power steering had failed. i applied the brake and brought the car to a stop. i slowly drove the car to a gas station where i turned the car off. the fan continued to run. i waited for about 10 minutes and restarted the car. the power steering was working again. 2 days later i was driving in town only 10 minutes and the power steering failed again. i was driving in freezing rain...thank goodness i was in town. if the steering had failed on the interstate with these weather conditions there could have been a serious problem. i am taking my mini into the dealership tomorrow. when we bought the mini cooper we thought we were buying a safe and dependable car..now it looks like an unsafe money pit.
03/10/201170000
 Power steering fails intermittently. failure has occured numerous times while parking and twice unexpectedly while driving and making a right turn. makes car hard to maneuver and unsafe because of the unpredictable nature of the failure.
09/10/201060000
 Electric power steering pump & fan failure during left turn. several thousands of mini coppers in the uk have had similar recalls. in fact i did find a recall for the power steering pump fan for faulty wires. i could fall under the same recall, but bmw mini dealers are stating that it will cost me just for diagnostics (roughly $90), they also states they knew about a filed complaint but said they couldn't even look at the fan without charging me. i did find after days and days of internet searches that their was a recall # issued for the fan but could not locate it again. website citing bbc article. www.newmini.wordpress.com/?s=mini+cooper+power+steering+failure. everyday i feel less and less safe driving my mini. thanks.
03/28/201151000
 We purchased our 2005 mini cooper less than a week ago. it has 51,000 miles on it. i was traveling on the interstate for about an hour. i tried to take an off ramp to the right traveling about 60 mph and realized the power steering had failed. i applied the brake and brought the car to a stop. i slowly drove the car to a gas station where i turned the car off. the fan continued to run. i waited for about 10 minutes and restarted the car. the power steering was working again. 2 days later i was driving in town only 10 minutes and the power steering failed again. i was driving in freezing rain...thank goodness i was in town. if the steering had failed on the interstate with these weather conditions there could have been a serious problem. i am taking my mini into the dealership tomorrow. when we bought the mini cooper we thought we were buying a safe and dependable car..now it looks like an unsafe money pit.
03/10/201170000
 Power steering fails intermittently. failure has occured numerous times while parking and twice unexpectedly while driving and making a right turn. makes car hard to maneuver and unsafe because of the unpredictable nature of the failure.
09/10/201060000
 Electric power steering pump & fan failure during left turn. several thousands of mini coppers in the uk have had similar recalls. in fact i did find a recall for the power steering pump fan for faulty wires. i could fall under the same recall, but bmw mini dealers are stating that it will cost me just for diagnostics (roughly $90), they also states they knew about a filed complaint but said they couldn't even look at the fan without charging me. i did find after days and days of internet searches that their was a recall # issued for the fan but could not locate it again. website citing bbc article. www.newmini.wordpress.com/?s=mini+cooper+power+steering+failure. everyday i feel less and less safe driving my mini. thanks.
03/28/201151000
 We purchased our 2005 mini cooper less than a week ago. it has 51,000 miles on it. i was traveling on the interstate for about an hour. i tried to take an off ramp to the right traveling about 60 mph and realized the power steering had failed. i applied the brake and brought the car to a stop. i slowly drove the car to a gas station where i turned the car off. the fan continued to run. i waited for about 10 minutes and restarted the car. the power steering was working again. 2 days later i was driving in town only 10 minutes and the power steering failed again. i was driving in freezing rain...thank goodness i was in town. if the steering had failed on the interstate with these weather conditions there could have been a serious problem. i am taking my mini into the dealership tomorrow. when we bought the mini cooper we thought we were buying a safe and dependable car..now it looks like an unsafe money pit.
09/10/201060000
 Electric power steering pump & fan failure during left turn. several thousands of mini coppers in the uk have had similar recalls. in fact i did find a recall for the power steering pump fan for faulty wires. i could fall under the same recall, but bmw mini dealers are stating that it will cost me just for diagnostics (roughly $90), they also states they knew about a filed complaint but said they couldn't even look at the fan without charging me. i did find after days and days of internet searches that their was a recall # issued for the fan but could not locate it again. website citing bbc article. www.newmini.wordpress.com/?s=mini+cooper+power+steering+failure. everyday i feel less and less safe driving my mini. thanks.
03/28/201151000
 We purchased our 2005 mini cooper less than a week ago. it has 51,000 miles on it. i was traveling on the interstate for about an hour. i tried to take an off ramp to the right traveling about 60 mph and realized the power steering had failed. i applied the brake and brought the car to a stop. i slowly drove the car to a gas station where i turned the car off. the fan continued to run. i waited for about 10 minutes and restarted the car. the power steering was working again. 2 days later i was driving in town only 10 minutes and the power steering failed again. i was driving in freezing rain...thank goodness i was in town. if the steering had failed on the interstate with these weather conditions there could have been a serious problem. i am taking my mini into the dealership tomorrow. when we bought the mini cooper we thought we were buying a safe and dependable car..now it looks like an unsafe money pit.
03/20/201153000
 Power steering has failed twice. once was in rush hour traffic and the other was in mid-day traffic. the vehicle became extremely hard to handle. the first time, i almost caused an accident. my car only has 53,000 miles and this should not be happening.
01/03/201155000
 Lost power steering and ability to make turn easily
01/15/201188412
 Power steering pump was making a loud whining noise as soon as the car was started, and would wind down a few seconds after the car was turned off. the pump and fan were both replaced thankfully before the system failed.
03/20/201153000
 Power steering has failed twice. once was in rush hour traffic and the other was in mid-day traffic. the vehicle became extremely hard to handle. the first time, i almost caused an accident. my car only has 53,000 miles and this should not be happening.
01/03/201155000
 Lost power steering and ability to make turn easily
01/15/201188412
 Power steering pump was making a loud whining noise as soon as the car was started, and would wind down a few seconds after the car was turned off. the pump and fan were both replaced thankfully before the system failed.
01/03/201155000
 Lost power steering and ability to make turn easily
01/15/201188412
 Power steering pump was making a loud whining noise as soon as the car was started, and would wind down a few seconds after the car was turned off. the pump and fan were both replaced thankfully before the system failed.
01/03/201155000
 Lost power steering and ability to make turn easily
01/15/201188412
 Power steering pump was making a loud whining noise as soon as the car was started, and would wind down a few seconds after the car was turned off. the pump and fan were both replaced thankfully before the system failed.
01/03/201155000
 Lost power steering and ability to make turn easily
01/15/201188412
 Power steering pump was making a loud whining noise as soon as the car was started, and would wind down a few seconds after the car was turned off. the pump and fan were both replaced thankfully before the system failed.
08/01/200860000
 Power steering unit had to be replaced twice because of ps motor failing suddenly and with no warning. first occurrence nearly caused crash because ps failed while negotiating intersection.
03/12/201167000
 Power steering failure on my 05 mini cooper-s. power steering just stopped working while driving the car on the road in regular traffic, was turning left into a parking lot from a 5 lane road when it quit working, was barely able to turn the wheel enough to safely make it into the parking lot and avoid a crash. apparently as of now if i turn the car off and then back on the power steering might come back on; terribly dangerous problem to have on a part on a car that should last the life of the car. repair estimates are around $800-1300, and is apparently a common problem w/ these cars.
12/03/201075350
 The vehicle has loss the power steering assist due to power steering pump failure. thus requiring increased force to steer and control the vehicle. steering has becomes extremely difficult and has made manoeuvring this car far harder and dangerous. the car has spotty electrical failures; example the window just doesn't want to roll up; no, wait, it does. no, wait, it doesn't. the stereo just gives up; no sound anymore,then it plays again. the same with the drivers side door you could here it unlock and re-lock, but the door would not open and then it would. also both of my keys to open the door both turned off at the same time and i had to have the keys re-calibrated at a mini dealership to reopen the vehicle.
08/01/200860000
 Power steering unit had to be replaced twice because of ps motor failing suddenly and with no warning. first occurrence nearly caused crash because ps failed while negotiating intersection.
03/12/201167000
 Power steering failure on my 05 mini cooper-s. power steering just stopped working while driving the car on the road in regular traffic, was turning left into a parking lot from a 5 lane road when it quit working, was barely able to turn the wheel enough to safely make it into the parking lot and avoid a crash. apparently as of now if i turn the car off and then back on the power steering might come back on; terribly dangerous problem to have on a part on a car that should last the life of the car. repair estimates are around $800-1300, and is apparently a common problem w/ these cars.
12/03/201075350
 The vehicle has loss the power steering assist due to power steering pump failure. thus requiring increased force to steer and control the vehicle. steering has becomes extremely difficult and has made manoeuvring this car far harder and dangerous. the car has spotty electrical failures; example the window just doesn't want to roll up; no, wait, it does. no, wait, it doesn't. the stereo just gives up; no sound anymore,then it plays again. the same with the drivers side door you could here it unlock and re-lock, but the door would not open and then it would. also both of my keys to open the door both turned off at the same time and i had to have the keys re-calibrated at a mini dealership to reopen the vehicle.
03/05/201172300
 I have a 2005 mini cooper s with mileage of about 72k. the power steering failed on and off for a week and was completely gone on mar 5.
08/01/200860000
 Power steering unit had to be replaced twice because of ps motor failing suddenly and with no warning. first occurrence nearly caused crash because ps failed while negotiating intersection.
03/12/201167000
 Power steering failure on my 05 mini cooper-s. power steering just stopped working while driving the car on the road in regular traffic, was turning left into a parking lot from a 5 lane road when it quit working, was barely able to turn the wheel enough to safely make it into the parking lot and avoid a crash. apparently as of now if i turn the car off and then back on the power steering might come back on; terribly dangerous problem to have on a part on a car that should last the life of the car. repair estimates are around $800-1300, and is apparently a common problem w/ these cars.
12/03/201075350
 The vehicle has loss the power steering assist due to power steering pump failure. thus requiring increased force to steer and control the vehicle. steering has becomes extremely difficult and has made manoeuvring this car far harder and dangerous. the car has spotty electrical failures; example the window just doesn't want to roll up; no, wait, it does. no, wait, it doesn't. the stereo just gives up; no sound anymore,then it plays again. the same with the drivers side door you could here it unlock and re-lock, but the door would not open and then it would. also both of my keys to open the door both turned off at the same time and i had to have the keys re-calibrated at a mini dealership to reopen the vehicle.
03/05/201172300
 I have a 2005 mini cooper s with mileage of about 72k. the power steering failed on and off for a week and was completely gone on mar 5.
11/01/201074000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to control and the steering pump stayed on while the vehicle was turned off causing the battery to fail. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the power steering pump failed and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 74,000.
08/01/200860000
 Power steering unit had to be replaced twice because of ps motor failing suddenly and with no warning. first occurrence nearly caused crash because ps failed while negotiating intersection.
03/12/201167000
 Power steering failure on my 05 mini cooper-s. power steering just stopped working while driving the car on the road in regular traffic, was turning left into a parking lot from a 5 lane road when it quit working, was barely able to turn the wheel enough to safely make it into the parking lot and avoid a crash. apparently as of now if i turn the car off and then back on the power steering might come back on; terribly dangerous problem to have on a part on a car that should last the life of the car. repair estimates are around $800-1300, and is apparently a common problem w/ these cars.
12/03/201075350
 The vehicle has loss the power steering assist due to power steering pump failure. thus requiring increased force to steer and control the vehicle. steering has becomes extremely difficult and has made manoeuvring this car far harder and dangerous. the car has spotty electrical failures; example the window just doesn't want to roll up; no, wait, it does. no, wait, it doesn't. the stereo just gives up; no sound anymore,then it plays again. the same with the drivers side door you could here it unlock and re-lock, but the door would not open and then it would. also both of my keys to open the door both turned off at the same time and i had to have the keys re-calibrated at a mini dealership to reopen the vehicle.
03/05/201172300
 I have a 2005 mini cooper s with mileage of about 72k. the power steering failed on and off for a week and was completely gone on mar 5.
11/01/201074000
 Tl - the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated the vehicle was hard steering and the pump continue to run while the vehicle was off causing the battery to die. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the power steering pump failed and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 74,000. pm
08/01/200860000
 Power steering unit had to be replaced twice because of ps motor failing suddenly and with no warning. first occurrence nearly caused crash because ps failed while negotiating intersection.
03/12/201167000
 Power steering failure on my 05 mini cooper-s. power steering just stopped working while driving the car on the road in regular traffic, was turning left into a parking lot from a 5 lane road when it quit working, was barely able to turn the wheel enough to safely make it into the parking lot and avoid a crash. apparently as of now if i turn the car off and then back on the power steering might come back on; terribly dangerous problem to have on a part on a car that should last the life of the car. repair estimates are around $800-1300, and is apparently a common problem w/ these cars.
12/03/201075350
 The vehicle has loss the power steering assist due to power steering pump failure. thus requiring increased force to steer and control the vehicle. steering has becomes extremely difficult and has made manoeuvring this car far harder and dangerous. the car has spotty electrical failures; example the window just doesn't want to roll up; no, wait, it does. no, wait, it doesn't. the stereo just gives up; no sound anymore,then it plays again. the same with the drivers side door you could here it unlock and re-lock, but the door would not open and then it would. also both of my keys to open the door both turned off at the same time and i had to have the keys re-calibrated at a mini dealership to reopen the vehicle.
03/05/201172300
 I have a 2005 mini cooper s with mileage of about 72k. the power steering failed on and off for a week and was completely gone on mar 5.
11/01/201074000
 Tl - the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated the vehicle was hard steering and the pump continue to run while the vehicle was off causing the battery to die. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the power steering pump failed and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 74,000. pm
03/12/201167000
 Power steering failure on my 05 mini cooper-s. power steering just stopped working while driving the car on the road in regular traffic, was turning left into a parking lot from a 5 lane road when it quit working, was barely able to turn the wheel enough to safely make it into the parking lot and avoid a crash. apparently as of now if i turn the car off and then back on the power steering might come back on; terribly dangerous problem to have on a part on a car that should last the life of the car. repair estimates are around $800-1300, and is apparently a common problem w/ these cars.
12/03/201075350
 The vehicle has loss the power steering assist due to power steering pump failure. thus requiring increased force to steer and control the vehicle. steering has becomes extremely difficult and has made manoeuvring this car far harder and dangerous. the car has spotty electrical failures; example the window just doesn't want to roll up; no, wait, it does. no, wait, it doesn't. the stereo just gives up; no sound anymore,then it plays again. the same with the drivers side door you could here it unlock and re-lock, but the door would not open and then it would. also both of my keys to open the door both turned off at the same time and i had to have the keys re-calibrated at a mini dealership to reopen the vehicle.
03/05/201172300
 I have a 2005 mini cooper s with mileage of about 72k. the power steering failed on and off for a week and was completely gone on mar 5.
11/01/201074000
 Tl - the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated the vehicle was hard steering and the pump continue to run while the vehicle was off causing the battery to die. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the power steering pump failed and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 74,000. pm
03/07/201156000
 My 2005 mini cooper s had the power steering fail while i was driving. this car only has 56,000 miles. i took the car into the dealer to have maintenance done on it last week and was told the power steering pump was seeping but was not of immediate concern and i could wait on fixing/replacing it. today there is almost no fluid in the reservoir and i am unable to purchase at any local auto part store as no one carries (chs 11s) apparently a type of mineral spirit. in researching the issue, i found this to be a very common complaint and discovered that the national highway safety administration is investigating the issue so i wanted to add my voice. i was traveling at a low rate of speed in a slight corner at the time and yet still had a very hard time maintaining control of the car. please look into this issue, this could really lead to a tragedy.
02/27/2011122000
 Our 2005 mini cooper s has intermittant steering issues. the power steering comes and goes. when researching the fix, i found that a lot of people are having the same issue. there is even a guy on ebay selling remanufactured power steering pumps at an average of one every three days. (based on ebay feed back)
03/07/201156000
 My 2005 mini cooper s had the power steering fail while i was driving. this car only has 56,000 miles. i took the car into the dealer to have maintenance done on it last week and was told the power steering pump was seeping but was not of immediate concern and i could wait on fixing/replacing it. today there is almost no fluid in the reservoir and i am unable to purchase at any local auto part store as no one carries (chs 11s) apparently a type of mineral spirit. in researching the issue, i found this to be a very common complaint and discovered that the national highway safety administration is investigating the issue so i wanted to add my voice. i was traveling at a low rate of speed in a slight corner at the time and yet still had a very hard time maintaining control of the car. please look into this issue, this could really lead to a tragedy.
02/27/2011122000
 Our 2005 mini cooper s has intermittant steering issues. the power steering comes and goes. when researching the fix, i found that a lot of people are having the same issue. there is even a guy on ebay selling remanufactured power steering pumps at an average of one every three days. (based on ebay feed back)
02/21/201153000
 Power steering assist failed to operate without warning while i was parking the car, mini cooper s 2005 model year. there was no service light or any other warning before the failure occurred.
02/14/201151000
 Noticed a whirring noise from the engine compartment. then suddenly the steering became difficult likely due to power steering pump failure. looked up possible issues on line and noticed that other folks had very similar experiences.
02/01/201142027
 Power steering appears to not be working. power in the vehicle is interrupted at low speeds after driving the vehicle for a brief period of time. symptoms of this began occurring over three months ago with the battery of the car being drained after sitting for a period of 4 days or more. all relays and fuses have been checked. the power steering pump cooling fan was found to have been inoperative and was removed, cleaned and reinstalled approximately 2 weeks ago.
02/14/201151000
 Noticed a whirring noise from the engine compartment. then suddenly the steering became difficult likely due to power steering pump failure. looked up possible issues on line and noticed that other folks had very similar experiences.
02/01/201142027
 Power steering appears to not be working. power in the vehicle is interrupted at low speeds after driving the vehicle for a brief period of time. symptoms of this began occurring over three months ago with the battery of the car being drained after sitting for a period of 4 days or more. all relays and fuses have been checked. the power steering pump cooling fan was found to have been inoperative and was removed, cleaned and reinstalled approximately 2 weeks ago.
02/02/201151000
 I have a 2005 mini cooper s with 51,000 miles on it. i recently had to replace the lower control arm bushings and have had a creak in my steering column that is getting worse. last month, i first experienced complete lack of power steering. the car corrected itself and worked properly until a few intermittent occasions this week. turning off the car and turning it back on seem to temporarily correct the lack of power steering. however, it is very temporary. while driving, i can feel the steering response change on/off due to lack of power steering control. when the power steering fails, the wheel is very difficult to turn. it feels like a 1961 chevy truck with a 350 v8. it is nearly impossible to steer the car from a dead stop making parking extremely difficult. i am being forced to drive below the speed limit to limit my liability in corners and turns, especially on the interstate. i am setting up an appointment with my local mini dealer to address and correct the failure. i understand this is under investigation by nhtsa, but i cannot wait to have the repair. i am bewildered as to why there hasn't been a recall yet. it is unacceptable that a vehicle's steering system can fail after very little miles. mini needs to be held accountable for this problem.
01/31/201155000
 My 2005 mini cooper s suddenly lost power steering as i was driving almost causing an accident. i've not had it in for repairs yet, but researching on the internet it seems many consumers have had the same problem. i have even read of those whose car caught on fire and am fearful of the same happening to me not to mention the extremely high cost of repair. mini should recall the 2005 and fix this issue.
01/17/201190000
 I have an 05 mini cooper s and the power steering pump is defective along with 80,000+ others. i am roughly around 90,000 miles and the pump has just recently stared going out due to what the dealership called a defective leak on the actually body of the pump. i asked them what i should do and they wanted to charge me $1100 to fix it but said that it could go out and fail at anytime while i am driving. this is a serious issue because my wife would not be able to control the car if it could go out at anytime? they also said that this was a very common problem in 04/05 mini coopers. i really wish somebody would make them recall this potential life threatening problem without charging us $1100 for their mistake in designing/installing the power steering pumps???
02/02/201151000
 I have a 2005 mini cooper s with 51,000 miles on it. i recently had to replace the lower control arm bushings and have had a creak in my steering column that is getting worse. last month, i first experienced complete lack of power steering. the car corrected itself and worked properly until a few intermittent occasions this week. turning off the car and turning it back on seem to temporarily correct the lack of power steering. however, it is very temporary. while driving, i can feel the steering response change on/off due to lack of power steering control. when the power steering fails, the wheel is very difficult to turn. it feels like a 1961 chevy truck with a 350 v8. it is nearly impossible to steer the car from a dead stop making parking extremely difficult. i am being forced to drive below the speed limit to limit my liability in corners and turns, especially on the interstate. i am setting up an appointment with my local mini dealer to address and correct the failure. i understand this is under investigation by nhtsa, but i cannot wait to have the repair. i am bewildered as to why there hasn't been a recall yet. it is unacceptable that a vehicle's steering system can fail after very little miles. mini needs to be held accountable for this problem.
01/31/201155000
 My 2005 mini cooper s suddenly lost power steering as i was driving almost causing an accident. i've not had it in for repairs yet, but researching on the internet it seems many consumers have had the same problem. i have even read of those whose car caught on fire and am fearful of the same happening to me not to mention the extremely high cost of repair. mini should recall the 2005 and fix this issue.
01/17/201190000
 I have an 05 mini cooper s and the power steering pump is defective along with 80,000+ others. i am roughly around 90,000 miles and the pump has just recently stared going out due to what the dealership called a defective leak on the actually body of the pump. i asked them what i should do and they wanted to charge me $1100 to fix it but said that it could go out and fail at anytime while i am driving. this is a serious issue because my wife would not be able to control the car if it could go out at anytime? they also said that this was a very common problem in 04/05 mini coopers. i really wish somebody would make them recall this potential life threatening problem without charging us $1100 for their mistake in designing/installing the power steering pumps???
01/31/201155000
 My 2005 mini cooper s suddenly lost power steering as i was driving almost causing an accident. i've not had it in for repairs yet, but researching on the internet it seems many consumers have had the same problem. i have even read of those whose car caught on fire and am fearful of the same happening to me not to mention the extremely high cost of repair. mini should recall the 2005 and fix this issue.
01/17/201190000
 I have an 05 mini cooper s and the power steering pump is defective along with 80,000+ others. i am roughly around 90,000 miles and the pump has just recently stared going out due to what the dealership called a defective leak on the actually body of the pump. i asked them what i should do and they wanted to charge me $1100 to fix it but said that it could go out and fail at anytime while i am driving. this is a serious issue because my wife would not be able to control the car if it could go out at anytime? they also said that this was a very common problem in 04/05 mini coopers. i really wish somebody would make them recall this potential life threatening problem without charging us $1100 for their mistake in designing/installing the power steering pumps???
03/14/201050000
 Multiple power steering failures. initially when driving for more than 1 hour, now (jan. 2011) often goes out when driving more than 10 minutes. sometimes comes/goes during a turn. extremely difficult to handle when cornering in the city or parallel parking.
01/31/201155000
 My 2005 mini cooper s suddenly lost power steering as i was driving almost causing an accident. i've not had it in for repairs yet, but researching on the internet it seems many consumers have had the same problem. i have even read of those whose car caught on fire and am fearful of the same happening to me not to mention the extremely high cost of repair. mini should recall the 2005 and fix this issue.
01/17/201190000
 I have an 05 mini cooper s and the power steering pump is defective along with 80,000+ others. i am roughly around 90,000 miles and the pump has just recently stared going out due to what the dealership called a defective leak on the actually body of the pump. i asked them what i should do and they wanted to charge me $1100 to fix it but said that it could go out and fail at anytime while i am driving. this is a serious issue because my wife would not be able to control the car if it could go out at anytime? they also said that this was a very common problem in 04/05 mini coopers. i really wish somebody would make them recall this potential life threatening problem without charging us $1100 for their mistake in designing/installing the power steering pumps???
03/14/201050000
 Multiple power steering failures. initially when driving for more than 1 hour, now (jan. 2011) often goes out when driving more than 10 minutes. sometimes comes/goes during a turn. extremely difficult to handle when cornering in the city or parallel parking.
01/31/201155000
 My 2005 mini cooper s suddenly lost power steering as i was driving almost causing an accident. i've not had it in for repairs yet, but researching on the internet it seems many consumers have had the same problem. i have even read of those whose car caught on fire and am fearful of the same happening to me not to mention the extremely high cost of repair. mini should recall the 2005 and fix this issue.
01/17/201190000
 I have an 05 mini cooper s and the power steering pump is defective along with 80,000+ others. i am roughly around 90,000 miles and the pump has just recently stared going out due to what the dealership called a defective leak on the actually body of the pump. i asked them what i should do and they wanted to charge me $1100 to fix it but said that it could go out and fail at anytime while i am driving. this is a serious issue because my wife would not be able to control the car if it could go out at anytime? they also said that this was a very common problem in 04/05 mini coopers. i really wish somebody would make them recall this potential life threatening problem without charging us $1100 for their mistake in designing/installing the power steering pumps???
03/14/201050000
 Multiple power steering failures. initially when driving for more than 1 hour, now (jan. 2011) often goes out when driving more than 10 minutes. sometimes comes/goes during a turn. extremely difficult to handle when cornering in the city or parallel parking.
01/17/201190000
 I have an 05 mini cooper s and the power steering pump is defective along with 80,000+ others. i am roughly around 90,000 miles and the pump has just recently stared going out due to what the dealership called a defective leak on the actually body of the pump. i asked them what i should do and they wanted to charge me $1100 to fix it but said that it could go out and fail at anytime while i am driving. this is a serious issue because my wife would not be able to control the car if it could go out at anytime? they also said that this was a very common problem in 04/05 mini coopers. i really wish somebody would make them recall this potential life threatening problem without charging us $1100 for their mistake in designing/installing the power steering pumps???
03/14/201050000
 Multiple power steering failures. initially when driving for more than 1 hour, now (jan. 2011) often goes out when driving more than 10 minutes. sometimes comes/goes during a turn. extremely difficult to handle when cornering in the city or parallel parking.
01/14/201151180
 On 1/14/11 while driving my car on a highway my steering wheel tightened up and made steering impossible. i was able to get back to my driveway. it didn't happen again until 1/16/11 and then 1/20/11, all while driving my car at different speeds, also while trying to back into my driveway. it happens with absolutely no warning. no warning lights or notification from the mini computer system has alerted me.
01/11/201160000
 Power steering suddenly failed while driving and the vehicle became very difficult to steer at all speeds.
12/31/201060000
 Intermittent power steering loss resulting in several complaints to dealer. dealer provided no working resolution. power steering loss in this vehicle made steering very difficult and resulted in excessively dangerous driving conditions. power pump finally failed and needed to be replaced.
05/26/201065000
 Power steering will go out without notice at all speeds. it will reset if the car is turned off and restarted, however the interval to the next power outage is unpredictable. it occurred the first time, and then didn't reoccur for a couple of months. then when the problem returned it did this for approximately two weeks, then didn't happen again for another month. it has no been a fairly common problem. have also had experiences where making a turn, the power assist will go out, and then return, which has me putting extra exertion into making the turn, only to have it come back on resulting in oversteer.
12/01/201045000
 2005 mini cooper s. intermittent failure of power steering under varied driving conditions. although nhtsa has opened investigation, bmw has not issued a recall yet. local mini service department will change the electric steering motor at about $1000, but is unaware of the reason for the failures.
12/24/201097500
 The power steering suddenly went out on my 2005 mini cooper s as i was about to turn right onto a highway on ramp. i felt the lack of power and continued straight so i could pull into a service station up ahead. the power steering was intermittent for a bit then totally out, leaving me with a 45 minute drive down the mountains to home without power steering. i have had multiple incidents of the power steering fan running after the car was off. now it looks as if the fan is no longer cooling the pump causing it to overheat which could start a fire. i am planning to try to replace the fan soon but i am just a broke college student so i really hope this recall goes through.
11/15/201085000
 2005 mini cooper s power steering pump failure. this is the second time within a two year period that i had to replace the pump. the result is a sudden loss of steering control and degradation of the battery.
10/01/200967000
 The power steering failed during a left turn, almost causing me to head straight into opposing traffic waiting at the left turn signal opposite me. i managed to pull the wheel hard enough to get it to the curb. i restarted the car and it was fine. this happened again months later on a canyon road and finally on a 2 hour road trip where i was freeway driving approximately 70 mph when i felt the wheel tighten. as i was on straightaway, it wasn't obvious until i had to exit. again, i pulled over, turned the car off and restarted with no problem. i brought it in on 11/30/2010 and had to have the power steering pump replaced. now i have to go in because there is an electrical current coming through my steering wheel. there have been several other issues with this model that are not life threatening but have been an unnecessary expense. without quick reflexes and, quite frankly, a bit of strength, this could have been a very serious accident.
05/26/201065000
 Power steering will go out without notice at all speeds. it will reset if the car is turned off and restarted, however the interval to the next power outage is unpredictable. it occurred the first time, and then didn't reoccur for a couple of months. then when the problem returned it did this for approximately two weeks, then didn't happen again for another month. it has no been a fairly common problem. have also had experiences where making a turn, the power assist will go out, and then return, which has me putting extra exertion into making the turn, only to have it come back on resulting in oversteer.
12/01/201045000
 2005 mini cooper s. intermittent failure of power steering under varied driving conditions. although nhtsa has opened investigation, bmw has not issued a recall yet. local mini service department will change the electric steering motor at about $1000, but is unaware of the reason for the failures.
12/24/201097500
 The power steering suddenly went out on my 2005 mini cooper s as i was about to turn right onto a highway on ramp. i felt the lack of power and continued straight so i could pull into a service station up ahead. the power steering was intermittent for a bit then totally out, leaving me with a 45 minute drive down the mountains to home without power steering. i have had multiple incidents of the power steering fan running after the car was off. now it looks as if the fan is no longer cooling the pump causing it to overheat which could start a fire. i am planning to try to replace the fan soon but i am just a broke college student so i really hope this recall goes through.
11/15/201085000
 2005 mini cooper s power steering pump failure. this is the second time within a two year period that i had to replace the pump. the result is a sudden loss of steering control and degradation of the battery.
10/01/200967000
 The power steering failed during a left turn, almost causing me to head straight into opposing traffic waiting at the left turn signal opposite me. i managed to pull the wheel hard enough to get it to the curb. i restarted the car and it was fine. this happened again months later on a canyon road and finally on a 2 hour road trip where i was freeway driving approximately 70 mph when i felt the wheel tighten. as i was on straightaway, it wasn't obvious until i had to exit. again, i pulled over, turned the car off and restarted with no problem. i brought it in on 11/30/2010 and had to have the power steering pump replaced. now i have to go in because there is an electrical current coming through my steering wheel. there have been several other issues with this model that are not life threatening but have been an unnecessary expense. without quick reflexes and, quite frankly, a bit of strength, this could have been a very serious accident.
12/01/201045000
 2005 mini cooper s. intermittent failure of power steering under varied driving conditions. although nhtsa has opened investigation, bmw has not issued a recall yet. local mini service department will change the electric steering motor at about $1000, but is unaware of the reason for the failures.
12/24/201097500
 The power steering suddenly went out on my 2005 mini cooper s as i was about to turn right onto a highway on ramp. i felt the lack of power and continued straight so i could pull into a service station up ahead. the power steering was intermittent for a bit then totally out, leaving me with a 45 minute drive down the mountains to home without power steering. i have had multiple incidents of the power steering fan running after the car was off. now it looks as if the fan is no longer cooling the pump causing it to overheat which could start a fire. i am planning to try to replace the fan soon but i am just a broke college student so i really hope this recall goes through.
11/15/201085000
 2005 mini cooper s power steering pump failure. this is the second time within a two year period that i had to replace the pump. the result is a sudden loss of steering control and degradation of the battery.
10/01/200967000
 The power steering failed during a left turn, almost causing me to head straight into opposing traffic waiting at the left turn signal opposite me. i managed to pull the wheel hard enough to get it to the curb. i restarted the car and it was fine. this happened again months later on a canyon road and finally on a 2 hour road trip where i was freeway driving approximately 70 mph when i felt the wheel tighten. as i was on straightaway, it wasn't obvious until i had to exit. again, i pulled over, turned the car off and restarted with no problem. i brought it in on 11/30/2010 and had to have the power steering pump replaced. now i have to go in because there is an electrical current coming through my steering wheel. there have been several other issues with this model that are not life threatening but have been an unnecessary expense. without quick reflexes and, quite frankly, a bit of strength, this could have been a very serious accident.
12/23/201072000
 Drove car to work - someone came in a few minutes after i arrived at work and told me my car was smoking. went out and looked but smoke had stopped by time got bonnet open. came from front passenger side. when started car to leave work - had warning light and power steering would not work. mini manual said to stop immediately. had car towed to local german repair shop and the said power steering motor had burned up and melted all the adjacent wiring. had to replace motor and wiring.
12/12/201058692
 2005 mini cooper s intermittently loses power steering, this happens without warning and renders the vehicle nearly impossible to steer. the first time it happened was on an elevated exit ramp and almost caused me to strike the safety wall. after a drastic slow down i was able to strong arm the vehicle back on course. this has happened several times since - most dangerous when it cuts out and the randomly comes back on causing severe over-steering.
11/15/201085000
 2005 mini cooper s power steering pump failure. this is the second time within a two year period that i had to replace the pump. the result is a sudden loss of steering control and degradation of the battery.
10/01/200967000
 The power steering failed during a left turn, almost causing me to head straight into opposing traffic waiting at the left turn signal opposite me. i managed to pull the wheel hard enough to get it to the curb. i restarted the car and it was fine. this happened again months later on a canyon road and finally on a 2 hour road trip where i was freeway driving approximately 70 mph when i felt the wheel tighten. as i was on straightaway, it wasn't obvious until i had to exit. again, i pulled over, turned the car off and restarted with no problem. i brought it in on 11/30/2010 and had to have the power steering pump replaced. now i have to go in because there is an electrical current coming through my steering wheel. there have been several other issues with this model that are not life threatening but have been an unnecessary expense. without quick reflexes and, quite frankly, a bit of strength, this could have been a very serious accident.
12/23/201072000
 Drove car to work - someone came in a few minutes after i arrived at work and told me my car was smoking. went out and looked but smoke had stopped by time got bonnet open. came from front passenger side. when started car to leave work - had warning light and power steering would not work. mini manual said to stop immediately. had car towed to local german repair shop and the said power steering motor had burned up and melted all the adjacent wiring. had to replace motor and wiring.
12/12/201058692
 2005 mini cooper s intermittently loses power steering, this happens without warning and renders the vehicle nearly impossible to steer. the first time it happened was on an elevated exit ramp and almost caused me to strike the safety wall. after a drastic slow down i was able to strong arm the vehicle back on course. this has happened several times since - most dangerous when it cuts out and the randomly comes back on causing severe over-steering.
11/15/201085000
 2005 mini cooper s power steering pump failure. this is the second time within a two year period that i had to replace the pump. the result is a sudden loss of steering control and degradation of the battery.
10/01/200967000
 The power steering failed during a left turn, almost causing me to head straight into opposing traffic waiting at the left turn signal opposite me. i managed to pull the wheel hard enough to get it to the curb. i restarted the car and it was fine. this happened again months later on a canyon road and finally on a 2 hour road trip where i was freeway driving approximately 70 mph when i felt the wheel tighten. as i was on straightaway, it wasn't obvious until i had to exit. again, i pulled over, turned the car off and restarted with no problem. i brought it in on 11/30/2010 and had to have the power steering pump replaced. now i have to go in because there is an electrical current coming through my steering wheel. there have been several other issues with this model that are not life threatening but have been an unnecessary expense. without quick reflexes and, quite frankly, a bit of strength, this could have been a very serious accident.
12/23/201072000
 Drove car to work - someone came in a few minutes after i arrived at work and told me my car was smoking. went out and looked but smoke had stopped by time got bonnet open. came from front passenger side. when started car to leave work - had warning light and power steering would not work. mini manual said to stop immediately. had car towed to local german repair shop and the said power steering motor had burned up and melted all the adjacent wiring. had to replace motor and wiring.
12/12/201058692
 2005 mini cooper s intermittently loses power steering, this happens without warning and renders the vehicle nearly impossible to steer. the first time it happened was on an elevated exit ramp and almost caused me to strike the safety wall. after a drastic slow down i was able to strong arm the vehicle back on course. this has happened several times since - most dangerous when it cuts out and the randomly comes back on causing severe over-steering.
11/23/201045000
 Found need more turning of steering wheel at traffic light into the cross street, then parked the car, turned off engine but still found something running in engine bay. thought it was the fan to cool the engine off, so didn't pay attention. at lunch, come back to pick up the car, and found its battery was drained almost totally. jumped the car without issue and drove back home without issue. turned off engine and still hear the noise of something running in the engine bay. pulled all fuses to see if can identify the problem, doesn't help, something still run with load noise. searched internet, found other owners also experienced the same and is the power steering pump failure, some even found failure while driving.
12/06/201089500
 I was driving my 2005 mini cooper and took a sweeping right turn onto a freeway on ramp. during the turn the power steering stopped working and it took an extreme amount of force on the wheel for me to avoid hitting the side of the overpass as the car wanted to continue going straight.. it proceeded to cut out again as i tried to get it home. luckily i was able to control it and park it. when i turned the car off the pump continued to run and drained the battery overnight. the car would not start in the morning.
10/06/201093000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini coopers s. while driving 30 mph the power steering started to fail and was uncontrollable. the vehicle was pull to the side of the road turns the engine off and then on and the power steering was reset itself. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who ran a diagnostic test and found four codes that had failed. they informed him and they had to replace the power steering pump. this was an $800 cost to him. the manufacturer was notified who stated there was no recall and offered no other assistance. the failure mileage was 93,000....mw
12/06/201089500
 I was driving my 2005 mini cooper and took a sweeping right turn onto a freeway on ramp. during the turn the power steering stopped working and it took an extreme amount of force on the wheel for me to avoid hitting the side of the overpass as the car wanted to continue going straight.. it proceeded to cut out again as i tried to get it home. luckily i was able to control it and park it. when i turned the car off the pump continued to run and drained the battery overnight. the car would not start in the morning.
10/06/201093000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini coopers s. while driving 30 mph the power steering started to fail and was uncontrollable. the vehicle was pull to the side of the road turns the engine off and then on and the power steering was reset itself. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who ran a diagnostic test and found four codes that had failed. they informed him and they had to replace the power steering pump. this was an $800 cost to him. the manufacturer was notified who stated there was no recall and offered no other assistance. the failure mileage was 93,000....mw
12/06/201089500
 I was driving my 2005 mini cooper and took a sweeping right turn onto a freeway on ramp. during the turn the power steering stopped working and it took an extreme amount of force on the wheel for me to avoid hitting the side of the overpass as the car wanted to continue going straight.. it proceeded to cut out again as i tried to get it home. luckily i was able to control it and park it. when i turned the car off the pump continued to run and drained the battery overnight. the car would not start in the morning.
10/06/201093000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini coopers s. while driving 30 mph the power steering started to fail and was uncontrollable. the vehicle was pull to the side of the road turns the engine off and then on and the power steering was reset itself. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who ran a diagnostic test and found four codes that had failed. they informed him and they had to replace the power steering pump. this was an $800 cost to him. the manufacturer was notified who stated there was no recall and offered no other assistance. the failure mileage was 93,000....mw
12/06/201089500
 I was driving my 2005 mini cooper and took a sweeping right turn onto a freeway on ramp. during the turn the power steering stopped working and it took an extreme amount of force on the wheel for me to avoid hitting the side of the overpass as the car wanted to continue going straight.. it proceeded to cut out again as i tried to get it home. luckily i was able to control it and park it. when i turned the car off the pump continued to run and drained the battery overnight. the car would not start in the morning.
10/06/201093000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini coopers s. while driving 30 mph the power steering started to fail and was uncontrollable. the vehicle was pull to the side of the road turns the engine off and then on and the power steering was reset itself. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who ran a diagnostic test and found four codes that had failed. they informed him and they had to replace the power steering pump. this was an $800 cost to him. the manufacturer was notified who stated there was no recall and offered no other assistance. the failure mileage was 93,000....mw
12/06/201089500
 I was driving my 2005 mini cooper and took a sweeping right turn onto a freeway on ramp. during the turn the power steering stopped working and it took an extreme amount of force on the wheel for me to avoid hitting the side of the overpass as the car wanted to continue going straight.. it proceeded to cut out again as i tried to get it home. luckily i was able to control it and park it. when i turned the car off the pump continued to run and drained the battery overnight. the car would not start in the morning.
10/06/201093000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini coopers s. while driving 30 mph the power steering started to fail and was uncontrollable. the vehicle was pull to the side of the road turns the engine off and then on and the power steering was reset itself. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who ran a diagnostic test and found four codes that had failed. they informed him and they had to replace the power steering pump. this was an $800 cost to him. the manufacturer was notified who stated there was no recall and offered no other assistance. the failure mileage was 93,000....mw
11/25/201062400
 2005 mini cooper s power steering failure, while turning power steering failed, no leaks, and fluid reservoir full. researched possible problems and found an article on http://new mini.word press.com report published on http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog talks about this same problem effected 175,000 mini's between 2001-2007. this seems pretty serious and with that many vehicles i shouldn't incur any costs for repair.
11/22/2010125000
 My 2005 mini cooper s appears to have lost its power steering. just happened today (11/22/10) as i was driving on the interstate. i did not lose control or anything like that. it just became exceedingly difficult to steer the car.
11/05/201063423
 My power steering in my 2005 mini cooper failed while driving. this is a common issue for all 01-07 mini coopers and before someone dies or is seriously injured bmw mini needs to issue a recall and replace this faulty part. i was driving home from work and the steering started to lockup on the highway, i then pulled over and turned off the car then restarted and the steering worked just fine. two days later i was pulling off of the highway again and the steering started to lock up once more. i barely made it to a nearby parking lot strong-arming the car with each turn. i pulled into a parking spot and turned off the car once again. after restarting the car the steering still would not work, i even let it cool down for a few minutes to try once more. still unable to steer. had to get my car towed and had to replace power steering pump and fan on car. this car is less than 5 years old and the power steering should last the life of the car.
11/09/201065000
 Power steering pump and cooling fan failure. unsafe to drive and safety hazard. poor engineering design with regards to placement of pump / fan and electrical load. defective (rebuilt and not new) parts from mini dealership repaired under warranty one time. mini does not stand by its products or engineering. replacement and repairs occurred 3 times in less than 5 years and less than 65,000.
11/05/201063000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini coopers s. while driving 30 mph the power steering goes out intermittently. at times if the vehicle is turned off and on the power steering would reset itself. the dealer was not contacted in regards to this failure. the manufacturer was not notified. vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 63,000....mw
11/05/201063423
 My power steering in my 2005 mini cooper failed while driving. this is a common issue for all 01-07 mini coopers and before someone dies or is seriously injured bmw mini needs to issue a recall and replace this faulty part. i was driving home from work and the steering started to lockup on the highway, i then pulled over and turned off the car then restarted and the steering worked just fine. two days later i was pulling off of the highway again and the steering started to lock up once more. i barely made it to a nearby parking lot strong-arming the car with each turn. i pulled into a parking spot and turned off the car once again. after restarting the car the steering still would not work, i even let it cool down for a few minutes to try once more. still unable to steer. had to get my car towed and had to replace power steering pump and fan on car. this car is less than 5 years old and the power steering should last the life of the car.
11/09/201065000
 Power steering pump and cooling fan failure. unsafe to drive and safety hazard. poor engineering design with regards to placement of pump / fan and electrical load. defective (rebuilt and not new) parts from mini dealership repaired under warranty one time. mini does not stand by its products or engineering. replacement and repairs occurred 3 times in less than 5 years and less than 65,000.
11/05/201063000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini coopers s. while driving 30 mph the power steering goes out intermittently. at times if the vehicle is turned off and on the power steering would reset itself. the dealer was not contacted in regards to this failure. the manufacturer was not notified. vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 63,000....mw
11/09/201065000
 Power steering pump and cooling fan failure. unsafe to drive and safety hazard. poor engineering design with regards to placement of pump / fan and electrical load. defective (rebuilt and not new) parts from mini dealership repaired under warranty one time. mini does not stand by its products or engineering. replacement and repairs occurred 3 times in less than 5 years and less than 65,000.
11/05/201063000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini coopers s. while driving 30 mph the power steering goes out intermittently. at times if the vehicle is turned off and on the power steering would reset itself. the dealer was not contacted in regards to this failure. the manufacturer was not notified. vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 63,000....mw
10/22/201049000
 I drive a 2005 mini cooper s, with approximately 49,000 miles driven. on october 22, 2010, the power steering on the car completely failed while driving on the highway, leaving barely enough control over the car to drive very cautiously. the car was diagnosed by two mechanics, one a reputable new england chain and the other an expert mini cooper facility, and both determined that the power steering pump, rack and fan had all failed on the car. even using refurbished parts, the repair is costing $1,100; with new parts, my understanding is that the repair would have been upwards of $2,000. my understanding is that nhtsa is already investigating frequent power steering issues for minis in this date range. the mini shop doing the work for me certainly confirms the stories i've read about other shops around the country - the manager told me that they're doing about 6-7 power steering jobs per month on these cars. hopefully the addition of my situation to the database can help justify a recall - it certainly seems warranted based on the volume of problems that mini owners have had.
11/01/201050000
 2005 mini cooper s, 50,000 miles on the odometer, loses power steering which causes significant problems at slow speeds. the car will still steer at faster speeds, but with very heavy, unpredictable response. the problem began with an increased droning noise when the steering wheel was in the neutral position which would diminish when the steering wheel was turned. the problem was intermittent, and therefore, i thought it was related to a low fluid level issue. i went to the dealership and purchased special steering fluid, and no mention was made to me about any steering pump defect. i installed the fluid to the recommended level with no change in response. i telephoned the dealership service department and the person who answered the phone said he knew the problem, and that i needed a new steering pump, cooling fan, hoses, and resevoir, and the cost of the work was $1600.00. i then did internet research and learned that this problem is frequently experienced in 2004 and 2005 mini cooper models. i then telephoned mini cooper's corporate complain department and i was told to spend the money to repair the car. this problem is undoubtedly a persistent defect, and should be the subject of recall repair program.
10/22/201049000
 I drive a 2005 mini cooper s, with approximately 49,000 miles driven. on october 22, 2010, the power steering on the car completely failed while driving on the highway, leaving barely enough control over the car to drive very cautiously. the car was diagnosed by two mechanics, one a reputable new england chain and the other an expert mini cooper facility, and both determined that the power steering pump, rack and fan had all failed on the car. even using refurbished parts, the repair is costing $1,100; with new parts, my understanding is that the repair would have been upwards of $2,000. my understanding is that nhtsa is already investigating frequent power steering issues for minis in this date range. the mini shop doing the work for me certainly confirms the stories i've read about other shops around the country - the manager told me that they're doing about 6-7 power steering jobs per month on these cars. hopefully the addition of my situation to the database can help justify a recall - it certainly seems warranted based on the volume of problems that mini owners have had.
11/01/201050000
 2005 mini cooper s, 50,000 miles on the odometer, loses power steering which causes significant problems at slow speeds. the car will still steer at faster speeds, but with very heavy, unpredictable response. the problem began with an increased droning noise when the steering wheel was in the neutral position which would diminish when the steering wheel was turned. the problem was intermittent, and therefore, i thought it was related to a low fluid level issue. i went to the dealership and purchased special steering fluid, and no mention was made to me about any steering pump defect. i installed the fluid to the recommended level with no change in response. i telephoned the dealership service department and the person who answered the phone said he knew the problem, and that i needed a new steering pump, cooling fan, hoses, and resevoir, and the cost of the work was $1600.00. i then did internet research and learned that this problem is frequently experienced in 2004 and 2005 mini cooper models. i then telephoned mini cooper's corporate complain department and i was told to spend the money to repair the car. this problem is undoubtedly a persistent defect, and should be the subject of recall repair program.
10/22/201049000
 I drive a 2005 mini cooper s, with approximately 49,000 miles driven. on october 22, 2010, the power steering on the car completely failed while driving on the highway, leaving barely enough control over the car to drive very cautiously. the car was diagnosed by two mechanics, one a reputable new england chain and the other an expert mini cooper facility, and both determined that the power steering pump, rack and fan had all failed on the car. even using refurbished parts, the repair is costing $1,100; with new parts, my understanding is that the repair would have been upwards of $2,000. my understanding is that nhtsa is already investigating frequent power steering issues for minis in this date range. the mini shop doing the work for me certainly confirms the stories i've read about other shops around the country - the manager told me that they're doing about 6-7 power steering jobs per month on these cars. hopefully the addition of my situation to the database can help justify a recall - it certainly seems warranted based on the volume of problems that mini owners have had.
11/01/201050000
 2005 mini cooper s, 50,000 miles on the odometer, loses power steering which causes significant problems at slow speeds. the car will still steer at faster speeds, but with very heavy, unpredictable response. the problem began with an increased droning noise when the steering wheel was in the neutral position which would diminish when the steering wheel was turned. the problem was intermittent, and therefore, i thought it was related to a low fluid level issue. i went to the dealership and purchased special steering fluid, and no mention was made to me about any steering pump defect. i installed the fluid to the recommended level with no change in response. i telephoned the dealership service department and the person who answered the phone said he knew the problem, and that i needed a new steering pump, cooling fan, hoses, and resevoir, and the cost of the work was $1600.00. i then did internet research and learned that this problem is frequently experienced in 2004 and 2005 mini cooper models. i then telephoned mini cooper's corporate complain department and i was told to spend the money to repair the car. this problem is undoubtedly a persistent defect, and should be the subject of recall repair program.
10/22/201049000
 I drive a 2005 mini cooper s, with approximately 49,000 miles driven. on october 22, 2010, the power steering on the car completely failed while driving on the highway, leaving barely enough control over the car to drive very cautiously. the car was diagnosed by two mechanics, one a reputable new england chain and the other an expert mini cooper facility, and both determined that the power steering pump, rack and fan had all failed on the car. even using refurbished parts, the repair is costing $1,100; with new parts, my understanding is that the repair would have been upwards of $2,000. my understanding is that nhtsa is already investigating frequent power steering issues for minis in this date range. the mini shop doing the work for me certainly confirms the stories i've read about other shops around the country - the manager told me that they're doing about 6-7 power steering jobs per month on these cars. hopefully the addition of my situation to the database can help justify a recall - it certainly seems warranted based on the volume of problems that mini owners have had.
11/01/201050000
 2005 mini cooper s, 50,000 miles on the odometer, loses power steering which causes significant problems at slow speeds. the car will still steer at faster speeds, but with very heavy, unpredictable response. the problem began with an increased droning noise when the steering wheel was in the neutral position which would diminish when the steering wheel was turned. the problem was intermittent, and therefore, i thought it was related to a low fluid level issue. i went to the dealership and purchased special steering fluid, and no mention was made to me about any steering pump defect. i installed the fluid to the recommended level with no change in response. i telephoned the dealership service department and the person who answered the phone said he knew the problem, and that i needed a new steering pump, cooling fan, hoses, and resevoir, and the cost of the work was $1600.00. i then did internet research and learned that this problem is frequently experienced in 2004 and 2005 mini cooper models. i then telephoned mini cooper's corporate complain department and i was told to spend the money to repair the car. this problem is undoubtedly a persistent defect, and should be the subject of recall repair program.
09/20/201093000
 I own a 2005 mini cooper s 2 door hard top with currently 90,000 miles. just recently a semi loud whirring sound started from underneath the hood as soon as the engine is started. immediately i can notice that the pitch of the noise subtly changes when you go to turn the steering wheel in either direction. i had a certified mechanic look at the car and he confirmed to me that the power steering pump is failing. when i am driving the mini cooper the steering will intermitently begin to get a little harder to steer. the pump is on the way to complete failure and hard steering will end up being the result. i have been researching this issue via the web and have discovered that the failing power steering unit in mini coopers has been a known issue with bmw but i have yet to find any information as to what they are doing about it. aside from speed, steering a motor vehicle is one of the most important safety concerns when in operation.
09/22/201072000
 2005 mini cooper s. complete power steering failure. shutting off engine and restarting corrected problem for a short time, then problem resumed. happened numerous times over the course of the next two weeks.
08/09/201075000
 The power steering on my 2005 mini cooper s began malfunctioning on 8-9-2010. while going left on a mixmaster, the power steering failed and i thought i was going to hit the side of the bridge and perhaps drive off of the side of the bridge. the passenger in my car helped me steer (with force) to the left and drive to the straightaway. the power steering is intermittent, working five percent of the time. my car was serviced in june of 2010 due to a problem with the tension belt, which caused the car to have a burning smell and no air conditioning. the service engine light is on ten percent of the time and the check tire pressure light is on often, though i no longer have run-flat tires. my car is difficult to drive due to the lack of power steering. at the time of the first incident, my car had approximately 75,000 miles.
10/03/201059700
 Complaint in association with nhtsa action number: pe10038 2005 mini cooper s - power steering failure while driving. i own a 2005 mini cooper s with approximately 60,000 miles on the clock. recently while driving home from work, in the process of turning a corner, the steering on the car became instantly heavy causing me to temporarily veer in to the oncoming traffic lane. fortunately at the time there were no other cars coming in the opposite direction and i was able to compensate for the loss of steering control and correct the direction of the car. the situation remained for the duration of my journey, but i was able to safely navigate the car home. i restarted the engine and this appeared to correct the problem. however, during the next 2 car trips similar failures occurred (fortunately i was prepared for the possibility and so did not end up in the opposing traffic lane). the mini dealership diagnosed this as a failure of the power steering pump, a problem which i understand to be the subject of a recently opened nhsta investigation (pe 10038). personally i believe this situation to be potentially extremely dangerous. there was no warning that the power steering was going to fail, and when it did, the impact was immediate and caused me to steer in to the oncoming traffic (as a result of not being able to turn the corner at the required angle). due to the immediate nature of the failure i was not able to correct the problem safely in time. i am writing this report to be added to the existing nhtsa investigation (pe 10038).
09/22/201072000
 2005 mini cooper s. complete power steering failure. shutting off engine and restarting corrected problem for a short time, then problem resumed. happened numerous times over the course of the next two weeks.
08/09/201075000
 The power steering on my 2005 mini cooper s began malfunctioning on 8-9-2010. while going left on a mixmaster, the power steering failed and i thought i was going to hit the side of the bridge and perhaps drive off of the side of the bridge. the passenger in my car helped me steer (with force) to the left and drive to the straightaway. the power steering is intermittent, working five percent of the time. my car was serviced in june of 2010 due to a problem with the tension belt, which caused the car to have a burning smell and no air conditioning. the service engine light is on ten percent of the time and the check tire pressure light is on often, though i no longer have run-flat tires. my car is difficult to drive due to the lack of power steering. at the time of the first incident, my car had approximately 75,000 miles.
10/03/201059700
 Complaint in association with nhtsa action number: pe10038 2005 mini cooper s - power steering failure while driving. i own a 2005 mini cooper s with approximately 60,000 miles on the clock. recently while driving home from work, in the process of turning a corner, the steering on the car became instantly heavy causing me to temporarily veer in to the oncoming traffic lane. fortunately at the time there were no other cars coming in the opposite direction and i was able to compensate for the loss of steering control and correct the direction of the car. the situation remained for the duration of my journey, but i was able to safely navigate the car home. i restarted the engine and this appeared to correct the problem. however, during the next 2 car trips similar failures occurred (fortunately i was prepared for the possibility and so did not end up in the opposing traffic lane). the mini dealership diagnosed this as a failure of the power steering pump, a problem which i understand to be the subject of a recently opened nhsta investigation (pe 10038). personally i believe this situation to be potentially extremely dangerous. there was no warning that the power steering was going to fail, and when it did, the impact was immediate and caused me to steer in to the oncoming traffic (as a result of not being able to turn the corner at the required angle). due to the immediate nature of the failure i was not able to correct the problem safely in time. i am writing this report to be added to the existing nhtsa investigation (pe 10038).
09/22/201072000
 2005 mini cooper s. complete power steering failure. shutting off engine and restarting corrected problem for a short time, then problem resumed. happened numerous times over the course of the next two weeks.
08/09/201075000
 The power steering on my 2005 mini cooper s began malfunctioning on 8-9-2010. while going left on a mixmaster, the power steering failed and i thought i was going to hit the side of the bridge and perhaps drive off of the side of the bridge. the passenger in my car helped me steer (with force) to the left and drive to the straightaway. the power steering is intermittent, working five percent of the time. my car was serviced in june of 2010 due to a problem with the tension belt, which caused the car to have a burning smell and no air conditioning. the service engine light is on ten percent of the time and the check tire pressure light is on often, though i no longer have run-flat tires. my car is difficult to drive due to the lack of power steering. at the time of the first incident, my car had approximately 75,000 miles.
10/03/201059700
 Complaint in association with nhtsa action number: pe10038 2005 mini cooper s - power steering failure while driving. i own a 2005 mini cooper s with approximately 60,000 miles on the clock. recently while driving home from work, in the process of turning a corner, the steering on the car became instantly heavy causing me to temporarily veer in to the oncoming traffic lane. fortunately at the time there were no other cars coming in the opposite direction and i was able to compensate for the loss of steering control and correct the direction of the car. the situation remained for the duration of my journey, but i was able to safely navigate the car home. i restarted the engine and this appeared to correct the problem. however, during the next 2 car trips similar failures occurred (fortunately i was prepared for the possibility and so did not end up in the opposing traffic lane). the mini dealership diagnosed this as a failure of the power steering pump, a problem which i understand to be the subject of a recently opened nhsta investigation (pe 10038). personally i believe this situation to be potentially extremely dangerous. there was no warning that the power steering was going to fail, and when it did, the impact was immediate and caused me to steer in to the oncoming traffic (as a result of not being able to turn the corner at the required angle). due to the immediate nature of the failure i was not able to correct the problem safely in time. i am writing this report to be added to the existing nhtsa investigation (pe 10038).
09/22/201072000
 2005 mini cooper s. complete power steering failure. shutting off engine and restarting corrected problem for a short time, then problem resumed. happened numerous times over the course of the next two weeks.
08/09/201075000
 The power steering on my 2005 mini cooper s began malfunctioning on 8-9-2010. while going left on a mixmaster, the power steering failed and i thought i was going to hit the side of the bridge and perhaps drive off of the side of the bridge. the passenger in my car helped me steer (with force) to the left and drive to the straightaway. the power steering is intermittent, working five percent of the time. my car was serviced in june of 2010 due to a problem with the tension belt, which caused the car to have a burning smell and no air conditioning. the service engine light is on ten percent of the time and the check tire pressure light is on often, though i no longer have run-flat tires. my car is difficult to drive due to the lack of power steering. at the time of the first incident, my car had approximately 75,000 miles.
10/03/201059700
 Complaint in association with nhtsa action number: pe10038 2005 mini cooper s - power steering failure while driving. i own a 2005 mini cooper s with approximately 60,000 miles on the clock. recently while driving home from work, in the process of turning a corner, the steering on the car became instantly heavy causing me to temporarily veer in to the oncoming traffic lane. fortunately at the time there were no other cars coming in the opposite direction and i was able to compensate for the loss of steering control and correct the direction of the car. the situation remained for the duration of my journey, but i was able to safely navigate the car home. i restarted the engine and this appeared to correct the problem. however, during the next 2 car trips similar failures occurred (fortunately i was prepared for the possibility and so did not end up in the opposing traffic lane). the mini dealership diagnosed this as a failure of the power steering pump, a problem which i understand to be the subject of a recently opened nhsta investigation (pe 10038). personally i believe this situation to be potentially extremely dangerous. there was no warning that the power steering was going to fail, and when it did, the impact was immediate and caused me to steer in to the oncoming traffic (as a result of not being able to turn the corner at the required angle). due to the immediate nature of the failure i was not able to correct the problem safely in time. i am writing this report to be added to the existing nhtsa investigation (pe 10038).
09/13/201097800
 On september 12th i was making my commute home from work in my 2005 mini cooper s. upon my return home, my battery indicator light went on. i parked and turned off the car and the next morning when i went to run errands the power steering was non-existent. i had he car towed to the bmw/mini dealership where they gave me a diagnosis of a failing power steering pump and a bad alternator.
10/02/2010104304
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. while driving approximately 5 mph the steering wheel became very stiff. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where he was informed the power steering pump needed to be replaced, but it was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 104,304. sm.
10/01/201071000
 Steering on my mini cooper 2005 failed this morning, resulting in a near accident in a parking garage. it felt like the power steering was failing. it came back briefly on the way to the repair shop, but the tech confirmed that there is a problem. it is currently being diagnosed, but it is likely the power steering pump.
09/28/2010102100
 I have a 2005 mini cooper s. last year the power steering pump randomly stopped working on my way to school. i did not crash or anything but it was very hard to steer my car. i have not replaced the pump because honestly i do not know how to and i believe the pump costs nearly $1000. the pump on my car still works fine most of the time. now every once in a while on sharp corners the pump will give out and if i pull over, shut the car off, and turn the car back on the pump will work again. this is obviously either a defect with the pump itself or the electronics which run the pump. the fact that shutting my car off and turning it back on makes me think it is mostly an electrical problem, possibly inside the pump itself.
10/02/2010104304
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. while driving approximately 5 mph the steering wheel became very stiff. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where he was informed the power steering pump needed to be replaced, but it was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 104,304. sm.
10/01/201071000
 Steering on my mini cooper 2005 failed this morning, resulting in a near accident in a parking garage. it felt like the power steering was failing. it came back briefly on the way to the repair shop, but the tech confirmed that there is a problem. it is currently being diagnosed, but it is likely the power steering pump.
09/28/2010102100
 I have a 2005 mini cooper s. last year the power steering pump randomly stopped working on my way to school. i did not crash or anything but it was very hard to steer my car. i have not replaced the pump because honestly i do not know how to and i believe the pump costs nearly $1000. the pump on my car still works fine most of the time. now every once in a while on sharp corners the pump will give out and if i pull over, shut the car off, and turn the car back on the pump will work again. this is obviously either a defect with the pump itself or the electronics which run the pump. the fact that shutting my car off and turning it back on makes me think it is mostly an electrical problem, possibly inside the pump itself.
05/03/2010110000
 My 2005 mini cooper s has had the power steering go out several times. this happens with no warning and has caused me to almost be involed in an accident. as i was changing lanes on major highways i couldn't turn the wheel and almost went into a concret wall. it also went out while on a trip in the mountains, i was very concered about going off the side of a mountain road. this power steering pump also has stayed runing and killed my battery leaving me to find a jump. the issue is that it turns off and on at random times and with no warning.
10/02/2010104304
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. while driving approximately 5 mph the steering wheel became very stiff. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where he was informed the power steering pump needed to be replaced, but it was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 104,304. sm.
10/01/201071000
 Steering on my mini cooper 2005 failed this morning, resulting in a near accident in a parking garage. it felt like the power steering was failing. it came back briefly on the way to the repair shop, but the tech confirmed that there is a problem. it is currently being diagnosed, but it is likely the power steering pump.
09/28/2010102100
 I have a 2005 mini cooper s. last year the power steering pump randomly stopped working on my way to school. i did not crash or anything but it was very hard to steer my car. i have not replaced the pump because honestly i do not know how to and i believe the pump costs nearly $1000. the pump on my car still works fine most of the time. now every once in a while on sharp corners the pump will give out and if i pull over, shut the car off, and turn the car back on the pump will work again. this is obviously either a defect with the pump itself or the electronics which run the pump. the fact that shutting my car off and turning it back on makes me think it is mostly an electrical problem, possibly inside the pump itself.
05/03/2010110000
 My 2005 mini cooper s has had the power steering go out several times. this happens with no warning and has caused me to almost be involed in an accident. as i was changing lanes on major highways i couldn't turn the wheel and almost went into a concret wall. it also went out while on a trip in the mountains, i was very concered about going off the side of a mountain road. this power steering pump also has stayed runing and killed my battery leaving me to find a jump. the issue is that it turns off and on at random times and with no warning.
09/28/200955000
 2005 mini cooper intermittent power steering started at 55,000 miles. during right hand turn at approximately 30mi/hr had near head on collision with the car in the left hand lane do to the unexpected power steering outage. repair was not covered under warranty (5,000 miles over) cost estimate at $1,200. car is safer without power steering. predictable, but difficult to drive.
05/09/200580000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that when driving the vehicle he looses the steering function. when the failure happens if he stops the vehicle and restarts it the steering will function normally for a while. the dealer stated that if they can't diagnose it they can don't anything about it. the failure has been going on for about four months and is getting progressively worse. the current and failure mileages were approximately 80,000. rd
05/26/201030000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini coopers s. while driving 35mph and other various speeds the power steering fan becomes inoperable and he looses the power steering intermittently. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic shop who replaced the power steering fan at a cost to him. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 30,000....mw
08/26/201027000
 Dear sir/madam, today (9/29/2010) i saw a news item, (cnnmoney.com) -- the national highway traffic safety administration has opened an investigation into possible power steering failures in mini cooper cars and felt compeled to add to the existing complains regarding the dangerously defective power steering electrohydraulic pump in my 2005 mini cooper s. while driving in the city, average speed of 25 to 35 mph, the power assistance provided by the power steering went down to zero, totally unassisted, without any previous warning whatsoever, making the steering of the vehicle extremely difficult, almost impossible, while going around a roundabout (traffic circle) at no more than 25 mph. consequetially i was unable to steer first right and the left around the circle, my passenger side front wheel stricking the right side curb at the point that i needed to turn left, damaging both the wheel and the tire, and possibly the suspension (macpherson strut). and i ask you, what if i had to steer to avoid a mother pushing a baby stroller, or even an errant dog or cat at the moment the power steering assistance decided to quit? what if the failure occured at a higher speed while merging on a freeway? i consider bmw/mini to be totally responsible for any deaths or injuries and property damages related to their negligent failure to engineer a properly working power steering pump (an known problem as the newer models have done away with the electrohydraulic pump in favor of a totally electical assisted streering). i also urge you to look into the failure rate of the power steering fan due to its absurd location (under the car unprotected from the dirt, water, stones,etc. 5-6 inches from the road) an afterthough of a solution that bmw/mini used to resolve the previously known to them power steering pump failure. my car has 27,000 miles, and is dealer mantained since new. i urge you to take action regarding this problem before something more tragic happens. thank you.
05/01/201052000
 2005 mini cooper s power steering assistance suddenly disappearing from time to time, at least once a month. so far i avoided accident but this can be dangerous. i heard it happens to a lot of minis, but there is no recall issued.
09/19/201089800
 On sept. 19, 2010, my 2005 mini cooper s had been parked in a garage for about 10 hours. when i went to leave, i found that the power steering was not working at all and i had to really muscle it to drive it. i'd never had a problem with it before. because i had to get to where i was going, i drove it very carefully. after about forty minutes, i stopped at a service area to use the restroom. when i came back out and started my car up, the power steering was working again. since then, i've had no problem with it. i had planned on mentioning this to my mechanic when i go in to have my brakes done in the next week. but then my husband forwarded me a news story about the power steering issue and i figured that i should report mine.
05/22/201045000
 My power steering is going out. upon my own investigation i have learned that this is a common problem. should such a vital piece to having control of the car be a problem? no. cost of repair is $1,070 as quoted from my dealer.
10/01/201071000
 Steering on my mini cooper 2005 failed this morning, resulting in a near accident in a parking garage. it felt like the power steering was failing. it came back briefly on the way to the repair shop, but the tech confirmed that there is a problem. it is currently being diagnosed, but it is likely the power steering pump.
09/28/2010102100
 I have a 2005 mini cooper s. last year the power steering pump randomly stopped working on my way to school. i did not crash or anything but it was very hard to steer my car. i have not replaced the pump because honestly i do not know how to and i believe the pump costs nearly $1000. the pump on my car still works fine most of the time. now every once in a while on sharp corners the pump will give out and if i pull over, shut the car off, and turn the car back on the pump will work again. this is obviously either a defect with the pump itself or the electronics which run the pump. the fact that shutting my car off and turning it back on makes me think it is mostly an electrical problem, possibly inside the pump itself.
05/03/2010110000
 My 2005 mini cooper s has had the power steering go out several times. this happens with no warning and has caused me to almost be involed in an accident. as i was changing lanes on major highways i couldn't turn the wheel and almost went into a concret wall. it also went out while on a trip in the mountains, i was very concered about going off the side of a mountain road. this power steering pump also has stayed runing and killed my battery leaving me to find a jump. the issue is that it turns off and on at random times and with no warning.
09/28/200955000
 2005 mini cooper intermittent power steering started at 55,000 miles. during right hand turn at approximately 30mi/hr had near head on collision with the car in the left hand lane do to the unexpected power steering outage. repair was not covered under warranty (5,000 miles over) cost estimate at $1,200. car is safer without power steering. predictable, but difficult to drive.
05/09/200580000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that when driving the vehicle he looses the steering function. when the failure happens if he stops the vehicle and restarts it the steering will function normally for a while. the dealer stated that if they can't diagnose it they can don't anything about it. the failure has been going on for about four months and is getting progressively worse. the current and failure mileages were approximately 80,000. rd
05/26/201030000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini coopers s. while driving 35mph and other various speeds the power steering fan becomes inoperable and he looses the power steering intermittently. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic shop who replaced the power steering fan at a cost to him. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 30,000....mw
08/26/201027000
 Dear sir/madam, today (9/29/2010) i saw a news item, (cnnmoney.com) -- the national highway traffic safety administration has opened an investigation into possible power steering failures in mini cooper cars and felt compeled to add to the existing complains regarding the dangerously defective power steering electrohydraulic pump in my 2005 mini cooper s. while driving in the city, average speed of 25 to 35 mph, the power assistance provided by the power steering went down to zero, totally unassisted, without any previous warning whatsoever, making the steering of the vehicle extremely difficult, almost impossible, while going around a roundabout (traffic circle) at no more than 25 mph. consequetially i was unable to steer first right and the left around the circle, my passenger side front wheel stricking the right side curb at the point that i needed to turn left, damaging both the wheel and the tire, and possibly the suspension (macpherson strut). and i ask you, what if i had to steer to avoid a mother pushing a baby stroller, or even an errant dog or cat at the moment the power steering assistance decided to quit? what if the failure occured at a higher speed while merging on a freeway? i consider bmw/mini to be totally responsible for any deaths or injuries and property damages related to their negligent failure to engineer a properly working power steering pump (an known problem as the newer models have done away with the electrohydraulic pump in favor of a totally electical assisted streering). i also urge you to look into the failure rate of the power steering fan due to its absurd location (under the car unprotected from the dirt, water, stones,etc. 5-6 inches from the road) an afterthough of a solution that bmw/mini used to resolve the previously known to them power steering pump failure. my car has 27,000 miles, and is dealer mantained since new. i urge you to take action regarding this problem before something more tragic happens. thank you.
05/01/201052000
 2005 mini cooper s power steering assistance suddenly disappearing from time to time, at least once a month. so far i avoided accident but this can be dangerous. i heard it happens to a lot of minis, but there is no recall issued.
09/19/201089800
 On sept. 19, 2010, my 2005 mini cooper s had been parked in a garage for about 10 hours. when i went to leave, i found that the power steering was not working at all and i had to really muscle it to drive it. i'd never had a problem with it before. because i had to get to where i was going, i drove it very carefully. after about forty minutes, i stopped at a service area to use the restroom. when i came back out and started my car up, the power steering was working again. since then, i've had no problem with it. i had planned on mentioning this to my mechanic when i go in to have my brakes done in the next week. but then my husband forwarded me a news story about the power steering issue and i figured that i should report mine.
05/22/201045000
 My power steering is going out. upon my own investigation i have learned that this is a common problem. should such a vital piece to having control of the car be a problem? no. cost of repair is $1,070 as quoted from my dealer.
05/15/201045000
 Power steering pump failed while driving on freeway over snoqualmie pass. since it is a windy road, steering became difficult.
09/27/201051000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that the power steering failed on the vehicle. the was no warning prior to the failure. the vehicle had not been inspected at the time of the complaint. a mechanic told the contact that the electronic power steering pump went out. the vin was not available at the time at the complaint. the failure mileage and current mileages was 51000.rl
09/20/201046000
 2005 mini cooper s (bmw) power steering unit failure - vehicle has less than 50,000 miles
05/03/2010110000
 My 2005 mini cooper s has had the power steering go out several times. this happens with no warning and has caused me to almost be involed in an accident. as i was changing lanes on major highways i couldn't turn the wheel and almost went into a concret wall. it also went out while on a trip in the mountains, i was very concered about going off the side of a mountain road. this power steering pump also has stayed runing and killed my battery leaving me to find a jump. the issue is that it turns off and on at random times and with no warning.
09/28/200955000
 2005 mini cooper intermittent power steering started at 55,000 miles. during right hand turn at approximately 30mi/hr had near head on collision with the car in the left hand lane do to the unexpected power steering outage. repair was not covered under warranty (5,000 miles over) cost estimate at $1,200. car is safer without power steering. predictable, but difficult to drive.
05/09/200580000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that when driving the vehicle he looses the steering function. when the failure happens if he stops the vehicle and restarts it the steering will function normally for a while. the dealer stated that if they can't diagnose it they can don't anything about it. the failure has been going on for about four months and is getting progressively worse. the current and failure mileages were approximately 80,000. rd
05/26/201030000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini coopers s. while driving 35mph and other various speeds the power steering fan becomes inoperable and he looses the power steering intermittently. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic shop who replaced the power steering fan at a cost to him. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 30,000....mw
08/26/201027000
 Dear sir/madam, today (9/29/2010) i saw a news item, (cnnmoney.com) -- the national highway traffic safety administration has opened an investigation into possible power steering failures in mini cooper cars and felt compeled to add to the existing complains regarding the dangerously defective power steering electrohydraulic pump in my 2005 mini cooper s. while driving in the city, average speed of 25 to 35 mph, the power assistance provided by the power steering went down to zero, totally unassisted, without any previous warning whatsoever, making the steering of the vehicle extremely difficult, almost impossible, while going around a roundabout (traffic circle) at no more than 25 mph. consequetially i was unable to steer first right and the left around the circle, my passenger side front wheel stricking the right side curb at the point that i needed to turn left, damaging both the wheel and the tire, and possibly the suspension (macpherson strut). and i ask you, what if i had to steer to avoid a mother pushing a baby stroller, or even an errant dog or cat at the moment the power steering assistance decided to quit? what if the failure occured at a higher speed while merging on a freeway? i consider bmw/mini to be totally responsible for any deaths or injuries and property damages related to their negligent failure to engineer a properly working power steering pump (an known problem as the newer models have done away with the electrohydraulic pump in favor of a totally electical assisted streering). i also urge you to look into the failure rate of the power steering fan due to its absurd location (under the car unprotected from the dirt, water, stones,etc. 5-6 inches from the road) an afterthough of a solution that bmw/mini used to resolve the previously known to them power steering pump failure. my car has 27,000 miles, and is dealer mantained since new. i urge you to take action regarding this problem before something more tragic happens. thank you.
05/01/201052000
 2005 mini cooper s power steering assistance suddenly disappearing from time to time, at least once a month. so far i avoided accident but this can be dangerous. i heard it happens to a lot of minis, but there is no recall issued.
09/19/201089800
 On sept. 19, 2010, my 2005 mini cooper s had been parked in a garage for about 10 hours. when i went to leave, i found that the power steering was not working at all and i had to really muscle it to drive it. i'd never had a problem with it before. because i had to get to where i was going, i drove it very carefully. after about forty minutes, i stopped at a service area to use the restroom. when i came back out and started my car up, the power steering was working again. since then, i've had no problem with it. i had planned on mentioning this to my mechanic when i go in to have my brakes done in the next week. but then my husband forwarded me a news story about the power steering issue and i figured that i should report mine.
05/22/201045000
 My power steering is going out. upon my own investigation i have learned that this is a common problem. should such a vital piece to having control of the car be a problem? no. cost of repair is $1,070 as quoted from my dealer.
05/15/201045000
 Power steering pump failed while driving on freeway over snoqualmie pass. since it is a windy road, steering became difficult.
09/27/201051000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that the power steering failed on the vehicle. the was no warning prior to the failure. the vehicle had not been inspected at the time of the complaint. a mechanic told the contact that the electronic power steering pump went out. the vin was not available at the time at the complaint. the failure mileage and current mileages was 51000.rl
09/20/201046000
 2005 mini cooper s (bmw) power steering unit failure - vehicle has less than 50,000 miles
09/28/200955000
 2005 mini cooper intermittent power steering started at 55,000 miles. during right hand turn at approximately 30mi/hr had near head on collision with the car in the left hand lane do to the unexpected power steering outage. repair was not covered under warranty (5,000 miles over) cost estimate at $1,200. car is safer without power steering. predictable, but difficult to drive.
05/09/200580000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that when driving the vehicle he looses the steering function. when the failure happens if he stops the vehicle and restarts it the steering will function normally for a while. the dealer stated that if they can't diagnose it they can don't anything about it. the failure has been going on for about four months and is getting progressively worse. the current and failure mileages were approximately 80,000. rd
05/26/201030000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2005 mini coopers s. while driving 35mph and other various speeds the power steering fan becomes inoperable and he looses the power steering intermittently. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic shop who replaced the power steering fan at a cost to him. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 30,000....mw
08/26/201027000
 Dear sir/madam, today (9/29/2010) i saw a news item, (cnnmoney.com) -- the national highway traffic safety administration has opened an investigation into possible power steering failures in mini cooper cars and felt compeled to add to the existing complains regarding the dangerously defective power steering electrohydraulic pump in my 2005 mini cooper s. while driving in the city, average speed of 25 to 35 mph, the power assistance provided by the power steering went down to zero, totally unassisted, without any previous warning whatsoever, making the steering of the vehicle extremely difficult, almost impossible, while going around a roundabout (traffic circle) at no more than 25 mph. consequetially i was unable to steer first right and the left around the circle, my passenger side front wheel stricking the right side curb at the point that i needed to turn left, damaging both the wheel and the tire, and possibly the suspension (macpherson strut). and i ask you, what if i had to steer to avoid a mother pushing a baby stroller, or even an errant dog or cat at the moment the power steering assistance decided to quit? what if the failure occured at a higher speed while merging on a freeway? i consider bmw/mini to be totally responsible for any deaths or injuries and property damages related to their negligent failure to engineer a properly working power steering pump (an known problem as the newer models have done away with the electrohydraulic pump in favor of a totally electical assisted streering). i also urge you to look into the failure rate of the power steering fan due to its absurd location (under the car unprotected from the dirt, water, stones,etc. 5-6 inches from the road) an afterthough of a solution that bmw/mini used to resolve the previously known to them power steering pump failure. my car has 27,000 miles, and is dealer mantained since new. i urge you to take action regarding this problem before something more tragic happens. thank you.
05/01/201052000
 2005 mini cooper s power steering assistance suddenly disappearing from time to time, at least once a month. so far i avoided accident but this can be dangerous. i heard it happens to a lot of minis, but there is no recall issued.
09/19/201089800
 On sept. 19, 2010, my 2005 mini cooper s had been parked in a garage for about 10 hours. when i went to leave, i found that the power steering was not working at all and i had to really muscle it to drive it. i'd never had a problem with it before. because i had to get to where i was going, i drove it very carefully. after about forty minutes, i stopped at a service area to use the restroom. when i came back out and started my car up, the power steering was working again. since then, i've had no problem with it. i had planned on mentioning this to my mechanic when i go in to have my brakes done in the next week. but then my husband forwarded me a news story about the power steering issue and i figured that i should report mine.
05/22/201045000
 My power steering is going out. upon my own investigation i have learned that this is a common problem. should such a vital piece to having control of the car be a problem? no. cost of repair is $1,070 as quoted from my dealer.
05/15/201045000
 Power steering pump failed while driving on freeway over snoqualmie pass. since it is a windy road, steering became difficult.
09/27/201051000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that the power steering failed on the vehicle. the was no warning prior to the failure. the vehicle had not been inspected at the time of the complaint. a mechanic told the contact that the electronic power steering pump went out. the vin was not available at the time at the complaint. the failure mileage and current mileages was 51000.rl
09/20/201046000
 2005 mini cooper s (bmw) power steering unit failure - vehicle has less than 50,000 miles
05/15/201045000
 Power steering pump failed while driving on freeway over snoqualmie pass. since it is a windy road, steering became difficult.
09/27/201051000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. the contact stated that the power steering failed on the vehicle. the was no warning prior to the failure. the vehicle had not been inspected at the time of the complaint. a mechanic told the contact that the electronic power steering pump went out. the vin was not available at the time at the complaint. the failure mileage and current mileages was 51000.rl
09/20/201046000
 2005 mini cooper s (bmw) power steering unit failure - vehicle has less than 50,000 miles
09/05/201069023
 I noticed a strange noise coming from the passenger side wheel area. took the car to the dealer and power steering pump failure was diagnosed.
09/02/201082000
 I started my car after it had been sitting parked for a few days, to find that my power steering had completely failed. the car was next to impossible to drive - but i had to move it to avoid it being towed. while able to maneuver the car with great difficulty, this unpredictable failure could have been catastrophic had i been driving on the highway, or in a densely populated area requiring quick steering reactions. this seems to be an endemic problem. see this thread on the mini north american motoring discussion pages: http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/74213-the-great-power-steering-pump-failure-problems-thread-22.html
09/05/201069023
 I noticed a strange noise coming from the passenger side wheel area. took the car to the dealer and power steering pump failure was diagnosed.
09/02/201082000
 I started my car after it had been sitting parked for a few days, to find that my power steering had completely failed. the car was next to impossible to drive - but i had to move it to avoid it being towed. while able to maneuver the car with great difficulty, this unpredictable failure could have been catastrophic had i been driving on the highway, or in a densely populated area requiring quick steering reactions. this seems to be an endemic problem. see this thread on the mini north american motoring discussion pages: http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/74213-the-great-power-steering-pump-failure-problems-thread-22.html
08/16/201061800
 Power steering intermittently turned on and off during the normal operation of the car three times since purchase ten months ago. the actual failure of the power steering pump occurred on 8/16/2010 when the relay within the unit failed and would not turn the pump off even when the cars engine was off. the result was a drained battery and the car was unable to be jump started because the power steering pump turned on and continued to drain power as soon as it was connected to power even with the engine off and the key out of the ignition. this is very dangerous as the steering wheel is nearly impossible to turn when the pump shuts down and all three occurrences were when traveling at highway speeds in excess of 55 mph. also when the car is off the cooling fan is also off and the pump heats up to the point where there is a very real risk of engine fire. the car was towed to a mechanic to have the power steering pump and the cooling fan replaced. the work is not yet completed but the estimated cost is 1,700 usd. this appears to be a recurring problem with mini coopers as the number of forums devoted to and persons reporting this issue on the forums are astounding.
08/14/201072000
 Pulled into a bookstore came back 30min later, tried to pull out of the parking lot and there was no power steering. my wife isn't quite strong enough - so i had to drive it the rest of the way home. very sudden and without warning, could have been much worse. power steering pump failure.
08/16/201061800
 Power steering intermittently turned on and off during the normal operation of the car three times since purchase ten months ago. the actual failure of the power steering pump occurred on 8/16/2010 when the relay within the unit failed and would not turn the pump off even when the cars engine was off. the result was a drained battery and the car was unable to be jump started because the power steering pump turned on and continued to drain power as soon as it was connected to power even with the engine off and the key out of the ignition. this is very dangerous as the steering wheel is nearly impossible to turn when the pump shuts down and all three occurrences were when traveling at highway speeds in excess of 55 mph. also when the car is off the cooling fan is also off and the pump heats up to the point where there is a very real risk of engine fire. the car was towed to a mechanic to have the power steering pump and the cooling fan replaced. the work is not yet completed but the estimated cost is 1,700 usd. this appears to be a recurring problem with mini coopers as the number of forums devoted to and persons reporting this issue on the forums are astounding.
08/14/201072000
 Pulled into a bookstore came back 30min later, tried to pull out of the parking lot and there was no power steering. my wife isn't quite strong enough - so i had to drive it the rest of the way home. very sudden and without warning, could have been much worse. power steering pump failure.
01/15/201052000
 There were no events leading up to this. sudden failure of power steering pump as i turned off the highway onto a city side street - no notice, just complete failure of component. the failure left the vehicle with no power steering - only manual arm strong steering until repaired. personally replaced the pump with new part - no support from dealer or manufacture.
08/16/201061800
 Power steering intermittently turned on and off during the normal operation of the car three times since purchase ten months ago. the actual failure of the power steering pump occurred on 8/16/2010 when the relay within the unit failed and would not turn the pump off even when the cars engine was off. the result was a drained battery and the car was unable to be jump started because the power steering pump turned on and continued to drain power as soon as it was connected to power even with the engine off and the key out of the ignition. this is very dangerous as the steering wheel is nearly impossible to turn when the pump shuts down and all three occurrences were when traveling at highway speeds in excess of 55 mph. also when the car is off the cooling fan is also off and the pump heats up to the point where there is a very real risk of engine fire. the car was towed to a mechanic to have the power steering pump and the cooling fan replaced. the work is not yet completed but the estimated cost is 1,700 usd. this appears to be a recurring problem with mini coopers as the number of forums devoted to and persons reporting this issue on the forums are astounding.
08/14/201072000
 Pulled into a bookstore came back 30min later, tried to pull out of the parking lot and there was no power steering. my wife isn't quite strong enough - so i had to drive it the rest of the way home. very sudden and without warning, could have been much worse. power steering pump failure.
01/15/201052000
 There were no events leading up to this. sudden failure of power steering pump as i turned off the highway onto a city side street - no notice, just complete failure of component. the failure left the vehicle with no power steering - only manual arm strong steering until repaired. personally replaced the pump with new part - no support from dealer or manufacture.
02/15/201066000
 I bought a 2005 mini cooper in sept 09 with 61,450 miles. several months later the steering cut out as i turned a corner. i took it to our mechanic who couldn't find anything wrong & said that it may just be that a speck of dirt that got into the system. it happened a couple more times and i assumed that the dirt was working its way out. then i had a dramatic incident where not only did the steering suddenly and unexpectedly cut out, but there was tremendous drag on the system and it took all my might & main to turn the steering wheel. trying to make a right turn i found myself in the opposite lane. i took the car back to the mechanic who eventually got the car to fail for him. he told me to go to a mini service center who could deal with the faulty electronics. i called mini of america to ask for assistance in making the car right but i was told that cars break, that it is beyond the 50,000 warranty and that if the car was unsafe, i should have it fixed. the rep said that maybe they would pay for part of the problem after it was diagnosed. i then spoke with a mechanic at a mini service center who knew immediately what whas wrong. he said this is a common problem with minis before 2007 ----first the problem is intermittant, then the electronics completely fail. paying for maintenance and repairs for a car that i own is my responsibility but i believe that a car manufacturer is obligated to put out a safe car. if this is a design error, then the company should make it right. when i turn the wheel, i need to trust the electronics to respond -- because my life and the lives of my passengers depends on it. i think that mini should be required to insure that the computer that governs steering operates properly. at present i have a car that sits driveway because it is too dangerous to drive. i am making a trip to a city that has a service center in two weeks and i am hoping that mini corrects this problem with no expense to me
03/24/201067000
 Intermittent complete loss of power steering. now is no longer working. has caused very serious situations and potential accident
04/06/201095000
 2005 mini cooper s; while driving at highway speed 60 mph going around a bend on the highway complete failure of power steering car was very difficult to manuver and almost crashed into median.
01/31/20101
 Owner parked mini cooper at store went inside. while in store, heard over intercom that her vehicle was on fire. she went outside and saw flames underneath front of vehicle. fire went out before fire department arrived. investigation found that electro-hydraulic power steering system wiring had overheated and burned only - nothing else ignited. the damage was consistent with the previous ea analysis ea07-011 pertaining to 2002-2003 mini coopers. *tr
01/06/2010560001
 The power steering on my 2005 mini copper s foes out intermittently which could potentially cause a terrible accident. i refuse to pay more than 1,000euros (since i serve overseas) to fix a known problem that bmw mini chooses to ignore despite the valid complaints from all over the world....*tr
10/22/2009633001
 2005 mini cooper s. approximately 63,000 miles. october 22, 2009. i had just gotten home from work and parked in the garage. going in the house i smelled something burning. after a couple minutes of investigating in the house, i decided to go back into the garage, and find that it is a little smokey. i open the garage door and back the mini out onto the driveway. now there is smoke streaming from under the hood. i can hear spinning/clicking noises coming from the engine compartment. i open the hood and see flames coming out of the back of the engine, below the exhaust manifold. i emptied 3 fire extinguishers into the engine bay and it was still burning. called 911. by the time the fire department came, the fire had burned itself out. i was extremely fortunate that i went back into the garage within minutes to investigate, otherwise it could've been a huge car fire and potentially fire damage to the garage and house as well. *tr
07/08/2009352301
 Power steering pump fan seized. per dealership and independent mechanic, most common mini repair. problem is that seized fan motor continues to draw power which drains battery. had to have car jumped by aaa to get it started to bring in for repair. now all the dashboard electrical functions are malfunctioning: no speedometer/tach/gas gage read out. in excess of $2k to fix plus already paid $400 for new power steering fan and battery, hoping that was all that was needed. *tr
04/20/2009490001
 Power steering unit stopped working driving normal highway conditions resulting in very difficult driving/handling. car has 48,000 miles and has been serviced on schedule. unit's fluids were normal and driving conditions were a normal commute. potentially a very dangerous condition. *tr
10/30/2008970001
 Auto was parked in driveway after a 30 mile drive, turned off and keys removed. after some time being parked, car started billowing smoke from under the hood. dash lights came on, parking lights came on spontaneously. no keys present in the vehicle. before i was able to disconnect the battery the apparent short circuit had drained the battery. vehicle was towed to mini of peabody ma where it was determined the electro-hydraulic power steering pump had shorted out causing the wiring harness to be destroyed and also destroying the battery. *tr
STEERING - ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
09/11/2012648681
 While driving through a residential area, the wheel of the car became very hard to turn. it was determined that the electric hydraulic power steering pump (ehps) was malfunctioning. the fan of the ehps was not disengaging when the car ignition was turned off, therefore running down the battery and causing the ehps to not work correctly. the next day, with the same ehps, the power steering was working fine. *tr
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP
04/09/201070000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. as he was making a left turn at 5 mph, the power steering pump locked without warning and caused uncontrollable hard steering. the dealer advised that the power steering pump would need to be replaced. the manufacturer advised there were no recalls and the failure was normal for his year, make and model. the contact advised the vehicle would be replaced by an independent mechanic. the failure and current mileages were 70,000.

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