2002 MINI Cooper S: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Oct 21, 2011 · Electrical, Steering · 82,000 miles · CA · fire

I was exiting the freeway when my battery indicator light went on; I lost power steering and saw a large amount of smoke coming from under the hood. The mini dealership has determined that the power steering module failed, and subsequently burned the wiring harness. There have been several reports of faulty manufacturing in regard to this part from bbc in uk, as well as on many forums, in particular north american motoring.

Filed Sep 30, 2011 · Steering · 76,000 miles · MA

Heard of powersteering issue but still purchased car. Driving to work smelled burning and lost powersteering, if this happens to a woman driving around a rotary and kills someone will you wait for 50 people to get killed before something is done. This is complete inadequate research on your part ford recalls due to electricalshort of the idle air control valve and cruise control cut pressure switch had to burn down houses when they had the cruise control issue which no recall till months after they knew it was a fault. By the way I am a mechanic ase certified own a shop in wakefield [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Sep 13, 2011 · Brakes, Electrical · 67,537 miles · CA · fire

After an apparent short out of the anti-lock braking system a fire occurred shortly after two to five minute later the car was completely engulfed in flames. Fifteen minutes later the car was completely gone, california highway patrol as well as keys city fire department both gave their conclusion of the car being absolutely totaled. Luckily I was able to get the car stopped and off to the side of the highway and was able to evacuate the vehicle.

Filed Apr 6, 2011 · Electrical, Steering · 45,000 miles · CA · fire

A fire was caused by the failure of the power steering cooling fan. At some point the day of the incident the fan seized and the resulting electrical resistance in the main wiring harness caused the wiring harness to heat to a point of melting some of the plastic wire insulation allowing for direct wire to wire contact and resulted in an electrical fire between the engine and the passenger compartment. The resulting fire completely disabled the vehicle's electrical system and requires at minimum the replacement of the entire main wiring harness. Event description after a short drive (less than 2 miles on a cold engine) the vehicle was parked. After the engine was turned off smoke was seen rising from the vehicle engine compartment. Upon raising the hood, flames were seen between the engine and the passenger compartment reflecting off both fire walls. 2 fire extinguishers were required to put out the flames after the battery was disconnected. Total loss of the vehicle to fire was prevented by the owners actions.

Filed Sep 27, 2007 · Electrical, Steering · 85,000 miles · TN

Took my car in for winding sound coming from motor. Diagnosed as the alternator...they replaced it and sound was still present ...misdiagnosed and was actually the supercharger, but while they were checking it out initially the power steering pump stayed on...which didn't happen to me until they had it. After changing the alternator power steering pump no longer stayed on per the dealer. Had it home 3 days to wake up one morning hearing the pump on and I go to start my car and in drained my battery. Had to jump the car and then disconnect the cable to keep from the ps pump continuously running. The car is at the dealer getting a new pump $975 plus tax, researched mini owner website and found several complaints of the same issue also that some cars actually caught fire from a failure of the pump. Researched more on north american motoring . There was a long list of people who had the exact experience. Sure would be awful for the pump to go out while driving on expressway and not able to steer correctly. Surprised it hasn't caused an accident/death yet.