2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible problems

Filed Aug 27, 2019 · Steering · 52,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper s convertible. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle became extremely difficult to steer without warning. The contact managed to drive home. Mini of st. Louis (40 sunnen dr, maplewood, mo 63143, (314) 644-6464) stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed and referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v660000 (steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

Filed Apr 30, 2018 · Airbags, Seats · 80,000 miles · HI

Passenger side seat airbag sensor (recall 15v‑205, oc3 seat occupancy mat) in my 2006 mini cooper s convertible has failed. The passenger side airbag light on dash and overhead stay lit at all times. Recall issued by mini in 2015 covering exact problem described for same make and model for years 2005 - 2008. Dealer ship and mini USA both say the VIN number for my 2006 s convertible is not included with this recall. How can this be, the exact problem for the exact vehicles identified for this recall. Mini states that this vehicle is the correct type, model and year but not part of the recall because it probably didn't have the same part that has been identified as failing installed. I was told there is nothing they will do for me and what I've been told is that the cost for the fix will be at least $1,200 out of pocket. This cost is ridiculous and should be included under the standing recall from the manufacturer. The fact that this is a manufacturing defect is obvious and is a serious safety issue!

Filed Apr 22, 2017 · Engine · 68,000 miles · IN

I bought my 2006 mini cooper s convertible for $9,393 in november 2016 . When driving it home from the dealership I heard some noise, so I stopped at a foreign auto service and was told the clutch and transmission was going out. I called the dealership, but they refused to help, so I had them replaced at a transmission repair shop for $2,500 . Then had a brake job for $394 and spent over $1,000 at a mini dealership . And then put the car in storage for 5 months. I drove it for two days ( about an hour each day ) when I heard a new noise and it would hardly run , so I pulled it off the road and had it towed to a dealership where they just notified me that the engine would need to be replaced , costing me between $5,000 and $8,000 !!! Not sure what to do.....help !!!!

Filed Mar 14, 2017 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · WV

6 speed automatic transmission failed catastrophically after 82,000 miles. This in spite of proper dealer recommended mainainance. Cost to repair was the same as the value of the vehicle.

Filed Jan 27, 2016 · Seats · 49,000 miles · AZ · fire

I put the heated seat on while driving, and the driver's seat caught fire. This with less then 50,000 miles and a cost of almost $1000. I had to pull into a gas station and put out the smoking seat with water. I've complained to mini cooper USA, with no results.

Filed Jan 4, 2016 · Seats · 122,000 miles · VA · fire

While driving with the driver seat heater on a burning smell and smoke began to fill the car. Additionally, began feeling extreme heat on my back. Immediately pulled over and found a small fire on the seat back which I had to pat out. No injury was sustained. The seat heater had been in operation roughly 5 minutes. This is a significant safety concern as the seat heater switches are in a location where they are easily turned on by accident. Had I not been able to pull off the road immediately the damages could have been significantly worse and injury would have occurred.

Filed Dec 14, 2015 · Steering · 82,500 miles · TX

The power steering in the car has stopped working, very hard to turn the wheel. I just replaced the alternator and battery due to the battery not charging correctly, now the electric power steering pump has failed and the battery light on the console has turned on. I noticed that there is a recall for 2002 - 2005 cars of the same type for this reason. I believe the problem to be the same and would like the recall extended to at least the 2006 year model. We went into an office and when we came out the power steering is not working. We drove it home and are now waiting on the parts to replace the power steering pump.

Filed Oct 19, 2015 · Airbags · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper s convertible. After the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Oct 5, 2015 · Airbags · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper s convertible. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Aug 5, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 32,000 miles · NY

This historical issue has plagued many drivers of mini USA and many have reported accidents. Is it going to take the loss of innocent lives to have you force mini USA do the right thing and include all of these known defects fixed?