2005 MINI Cooper Convertible: sudden loss of power

Filed Mar 24, 2021 · Steering · OH · crash · 1 injury

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.

Filed Oct 9, 2013 · Steering · 70,057 miles · FL · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper convertible. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, she noticed smoke emitting from under the hood. In addition, there was a strong burning odor inside of the vehicle with a sudden loss of power steering. There were no warning indicators illuminated at the time of the malfunction. The vehicle taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The failure was contributed to the faulty cooling fan, which caused the power steering system to overheat and expose melted wires. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 70,057.

Filed Aug 26, 2012 · Electrical, Steering · 70,595 miles · AZ

Daughter/co-owner was driving car. Shifting from 1st in to 2nd gear. Loud clunk or rattle/clicking from unside. Car lost power steering, battery light came on. Could not control vehicle. Had to call tow truck.

Filed May 7, 2012 · Steering · 88,000 miles · CA

I have lost power steering intermittently over the past two months. It causes loss of control and makes the car undrivable and there is no warning. I pull over and restart it and it has power steering again. I am afraid to drive it on the freeway.

Filed Feb 29, 2012 · Electrical, Steering · 79,000 miles · MD

The car lost power steering intermittently lasting different length of times. The steering was extremely hard to move. This occurred as I was driving 35 MPH with no warning on a left hand turn. Mini diagnostics identified the power steering pump and fan needed to be replaced and said it was infact the same issue being investigated by the federal safety agency but declined to assist in repairs.. $1200.00... Standing only behind the 30,000mi/3 yr warranty expiration. Please recall the 2005 mini for this issue...

Filed Nov 29, 2011 · Steering · 44,776 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper convertible. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH the power steering became unresponsive. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the power steering pump was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 44,776. Updated 01/18/12*lj the stated she experienced a total failure of the power steering as she rounded a curve. The sudden loss of power steering forced her off the road and nearly into a ditch. The consumer was informed it would cost $1400 to replace the steering pump. Updated 02/28/12

Filed Sep 9, 2011 · Steering · 63,000 miles · IN

Intermittent loss of power steering, usually when making a turn - extremely dangerous in middle of intersection - have almost had two accidents when steering went out. It became progressively worse and as of may, 2011 the power steering was completely "out" - however as of august 22, 2011 it returned to full working order - and lasted for approx. 9 days and then started to pop in and out intermittently after starting and turning off the vehicle. As of approx. Sept. 8, 2011 the power steering is completely out.

Filed Mar 9, 2011 · Steering · 95,000 miles · FL

I had two separate incidents of losing power steering in my 2005 mini cooper convertible. About a month ago, I was driving and made a right turn. The steering wheel felt very heavy and it was extremely hard to make the turn - complete loss of power steering. The problem persisted for any turn on the way home. The next time I drove the car, the steering seemed fine, and continued to seem fine until yesterday afternoon (march 8, 2011). Once again, I made a right turn and found that I had no power steering. I needed to stop for gas, so after some rather tricky maneuvers to get parked by a gas pump, and shutting the car off, the power steering seemed ok again. I have seen where there are multiple reports of similar problems, so I wanted to add my incident to your database.

Filed Jan 28, 2011 · Engine · 58,900 miles · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper convertible. The contact stated that the instrument panel gauges all began to point to zero. The vehicle then lost power steering and the engine rpms began to fluctuate erratically, as well as the warning lights. The air conditioner also shut off independently. The contact continued driving the vehicle and as he exited, the vehicle caught on fire from under the hood. The fire was extinguished and the vehicle was towed to the dealer who repaired the power steering pump, power steering gasket, pressure hose and gasket, fan and motor, valve cover, engine harness, and thermostat. The contact stated that the failure recurred after repairs but the vehicle did not catch fire. The dealer was contacted and informed him that they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not further repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 58,900.

Filed Nov 26, 2010 · Steering · 56,123 miles · CA

Mini cooper 2005 california USA. Loss of power steering problem - currently, intermittent loss of power steering, either from cold-start, or while driving on short or long distances. Can happen for only a few seconds or remain for minutes. Once the power loss is realized, it is possible to switch engine off then on again to regain power - sometimes - but problem can return after minutes or hours. It is very scary to be driving on busy roads when cornering is required, lacking faith whether one will be able to steer the vehicle out of the path of other road-users... Internet searches show other people experiencing similar problems but dealers and manufacturers are ignoring or side-stepping this serious safety issue.

Filed Oct 14, 2010 · Steering · 122,000 miles · NY

Twice, while parallel parking my 2005 mini cooper convertible, I lost power steering. It seems to happen intermittently and restores when I restart my car. Dealer says I need to replace my power steering pump.

Filed Sep 28, 2010 · Brakes, Steering · 66,890 miles · MA

Loss of power steering and power brakes in a 2005 mini cooper convertible. No warning and intermittent occurrence. Sometimes would happen while driving and some times would be immediately after turning car on. Took car to mechanic and he could not find cause. No computer damage, no codes present to indicate that any thing unusual had occurred. I traded the car in for a different maker and model.