The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible. The contact stated that she noticed a leak coming from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a power of steering hose leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
The worst 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Steering75
- Airbags7
- Electrical7
- Transmission6
- Engine3
- Locks3
- Seats2
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Fuel system1
- Seat belts1
- Suspension1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible
Recalls 1
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to November 28, 2006, and 2005-2008 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to July 31, 2008. Due to manufacturing, installation, and exposure issues, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat may not function properly and, as a result, the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash.
- Risk
- An improperly functioning mat may cause the passenger frontal air bag to be inactive when the seat is occupied, and in the event of a crash, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the passenger's risk of injury.
- Remedy
- MINI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. The recall began on October 12, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1‑866‑825‑1525.
Recall number 15V205000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible
Defect investigations
Loss of power steering assist
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) originally opened the investigation of loss of power steering assist in model year (MY) 2004 and 2005 Mini Cooper as Preliminary Evaluation PE10-038.The investigation was upgraded to Engineering Analysis EA11-005 in May, 2011.During EA11-005 the scope was expanded to include MY 2002 and 2003 vehicles that use the same steering system.The subject vehicles now include MY 2002, the first year BMW sold MINI in the U.S., through mid-MY 2005 covering approximately 109,000 vehicles.The subject vehicles use an electrically driven pump to provide hydraulic pressure to a conventional rack-and-pinion steering gear.A pump, the electric motor, and an electronic control unit (ECU) are housed in a single component BMW calls a Power Pack.The investigation focused on contaminant-induced failure of the ECU resulting in a loss of assist without warning.When assist is lost mechanical steering is retained however increased steering effort is required to keep the vehicle on an intended path.Some consumers reported that restarting the vehicle (cycling the ignition switch) would often reinstate the steering assist.Additionally, and by design, assist can also reinstate during the drive cycle in limited circumstances.The unexpected loss of assist, and/or possibly the reinstatement of assist while driving, may contribute to a loss of vehicle control in certain driving situations.During MY 2005 production BMW introduced a revised Power Pack design (the ECU incorporated a conformal coating of the circuit board) which resulted in a significant reduction in failures.ODI identified 20 reports describing crashes consistent with a loss of power assist event possibly caused by a failure of the Power Pack.Two reports alleged an injury however both were minor in nature and did not require emergency treatment (a subsequent doctor's visit occurred in one case).Ten of these reports described low speed crashes with minimal, or in most cases no property or vehicle damage (e.g., striking a movable barrier in a parking lot).Additionally 27 other reports alleged or indicated that a crash occurred due to a Power Pack failure however in reviewing these reports, ODI either 1) was unable to confirm that a crash actually occurred (8 reports), or 2) determined that the crash circumstances (e.g., adverse road/weather conditions) or cause (e.g., the crash was caused by steering linkage failure) were not attributable to a Power Pack failure (19 reports).Throughout the investigation BMW maintained that loss of assist in the subject vehicles did not constitute a safety related defect, noting that the subject vehicles are smaller, light weight vehicles that can be reasonably controlled when assist is lost.In May 2013 BMW launched a 13 year/150,000 mile extended warranty coverage utilizing the redesigned Power Pack as a replacement part.ODI continued its investigation.In July 2014 BMW provided ODI a status of the ongoing extended warranty program, and in May 2015 ODI requested an update of complaint data.Following a review of the provided data, ODI informed BMW of its assessment that loss of steering assist failures were not adequately resolved by an extended warranty program.On October 12, 2015 BMW notified the federal safety agency that it would conduct a safety recall (15V‑660) on approximately 86,000 subject vehicles not previously remedied with the new design Power Pack through regular or extended warranty programs.The recall covers MY 2002-2005 MINI Cooper, MY 2002-2005 MINI Cooper S, and MY 2005 MINI Cooper/Cooper S convertibles manufactured through Feb 9, 2005.Vehicles produced after this date are not included si
EA11005
Loss 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).
PE10038
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible 23
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years
- W10 engine: EMS2K - comprehensive component OBD readiness monitor not completed
- This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 32 02 14 dated August 2014
- Mini: faulty software for the tank ventilation control displays engine throttle reaction when temperature...
- Mini: some vehicles have turbocharger noise and a lack or loss of performance, due to restriction of...
- Mini: models R50, R52, and R53 with the electro-hydraulic power-assist steering pump and cooling fans will...
- Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Limited Warranty Extension to 13...
- Mini CVT
- Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle
- Mini: warranty coverage extension/repair expense reimbursement for the electro hydraulic power (assist)...
2005 MINI Cooper Convertible fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | FWD | 23-24 | 30-32 | 25-27 |
What 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The transmission will cycle first through third and when it tries to go into 4th it slips and will not operate higher gears it caused me to lose my forward drive momentum as I was switching lanes and the car I was getting in front of almost ran into me.
My son drives this car and the power steering went out twice on him while driving. I need to get the pump replaced via the recall, but the nearest location is 200 miles from me. It is not safe to drive this car that far and I would have to drop it off and make another trip to pick it up. Towing that far would cost a small fortune. I called every number and was transferred to several people to help with this issue. They say they can not and won't help me till I get the car to a dealership to fix it. One person from Mini told me I might be able to go to a certified mechanic but when I asked the next person they said it had to be a dealership. I spent two days on the phone with several people from Mini and no one was willing to offer a solution. I drive this car to get the recall fixed and something happens and the car wrecks, or worse someone is killed, who would it be on then? No happy about this at all.
The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering). The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed. The dealer was made aware of the recall but informed the contact that they do not service recall repairs. The nearest dealer that was able to service the recall repair was located 177 miles away. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Power steering pump stop working while driving turning in a city street
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 mini cooper convertible. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH after exiting his driveway, he suddenly lost power steering without warning. As a result of the failure, the contact lost complete control of the vehicle as the vehicle veered off the road and into a utility pole. The contact was unaware if the air bags deployed upon impact. The contact stated that he exited the vehicle, walked back to his home and took a nap. An hour later, the contact stated that he was awoken by a sheriff's deputy who asked him questions about the incident with his vehicle. A police report filed and the contact later went to a doctor where he was treated for injuries for his lower back which including a slipped disc and a bruised vertebrae. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was destroyed. Recently, the contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v660000 ( steering) which he linked to his vehicle failure. The contact reached out the manufacturer where he was asked questions about his vehicle failure; however, the contact refused to answer any questions and decided to seek legal advice. The vehicle was deemed destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown.
The car stopped steering correctly. It is very difficult to turn the wheels. The power steering is gone. I started noticing the difference in the steering and then the steering progressively got worse. I called the service department of the dealership to ask if there should be a concern because the steering started after I had the recall service on the seat warmmer.
Power steering pump goes out from time to time, brought it to mini dealerships once and was working fine when we brought it in, and was told nothing was wrong, and was sent on our way. Now had to disconnect battery to replace a part, and when reconnecting the battery, power steering pumps runs and wont shut off. Vehicle was stationary. Please hep, and thank you.
Power steering issues: mini cooper convertible 2005. The first evidence of my problem was when the electrical system seemed to be faulty. I replaced the alternator, and that fixed the car for about two weeks. At that point, I noticed a fan running a lot, and then found the battery dead on several occasions. Finally, I figured out that a fan was continuing to run--and I traced the noise to the power steering pump. I disconnected the battery, and then drove to the shop. They replaced the power steering cooling fan. This solved the problem for about three months. This weekend, I parallel parked in a tight space with a slight dip. I realized while parking that I suddenly had no power steering, but I thought it was because of the way I parked. It did not get better as I left. I muscled the car out of the space, and drove it to my local shop, where they told me that the fan still worked, that the fuses still worked, but that the power steering pump had failed. Had already read extensively about power steering pump failure issues when I heard the fan running in the first place. But... I thought after a few months that I was lucky to avoid the pump failure--in catching the fan first-- but it seems that many here have described. Exactly the same trajectory. I called miniusa and a local dealer, and they refuse to help, because my car's manufacture date is a little under two months past the date included in the "extended warranty notice". This is ridiculous! It is exactly the same problem described in the recall, in every detail, and it is a safety issue. I am extremely lucky I was not hurt by it. I filed a formal complaint directly with mini USA. If I felt it were for lack of maintenance, or normal wear and tear, I could accept that, but this car has meticulous maintenance, and records to back it up.
My vehicle caught fire while parked directly after driving it six miles, saved by fire extinguisher and fire department. Cause determined to be faulty power steering module.
Compare the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible
Other model years
Questions about the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible
Is the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible reliable?
Owners have filed 96 complaints about the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible, 7.4 times a typical Cooper Convertible model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible year score?
The 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible scores 5 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the MINI Cooper Convertible: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible?
Steering, with 75 complaints, typically around 74,000 miles. Next is airbags (7).
How many recalls does the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible have?
1 recall, covering air bags.
What year does the MINI Cooper Convertible have bad steering?
The MINI Cooper Convertible model years with the most steering complaints are 2005 (75 complaints) and 2006 (10 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible get?
Official estimates for the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible range from 25 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 23-24 city and 30-32 highway.
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