2003 MINI Cooper S electrical problems

Filed Mar 31, 2020 · Airbags, Electrical · 79,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mini cooper s. The contact stated that on three occasions, the mat occupancy sensor on the front passenger's seat was replaced due to the warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to mini of birmingham located at 2001 tom williams way, birmingham, al 35210, 205‑267‑4505. The contact was informed that the mat sensor needed to be replaced at a cost of $1,200. The contact was also informed that the part may also be available at the local junkyard. The mat sensor was replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact was informed that the seat should be replaced which was still pending. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

Filed Feb 5, 2018 · Airbags, Electrical · 48,000 miles · MD

After battery went dead, replaced with new battery and shortly after air bag light illuminated. Had independent shop clear code in 2015 inspected harness found nothing out of ordinary. 3 days later air bag light returned. Now in february 2018 had mini of towson diagnose air bag light thinking the dealership can reset air bag light properly. Dealership recommended upgrading wiring harness under seat for 525 dollars. I have been on multiple forums and this air bag light is a common problem for 02-03 minis, including 05-06, and 12-15 year minis. My concern is that mini knows this is a defective part from the manufacturer but refuses to stand by their product even when it could affect the safety of the purchaser of its vehicles. In the event the federal safety agency receives enough complaints to force mini to issue a recall for this issue, I would like to be included as another dissatisfied consumer. Thank you for your time, garrett

Filed Jul 26, 2017 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · RI

The manual tailgate release cable was not fitted in this and other early production mini cooper s cars, though the owner's manual indicates that this safety feature is part of the design. The manual tailgate release cable allows access to the battery compartment, which is in the trunk of the vehicle, when there is an electrical malfunction such as a battery failure. Without the manual release cable, the battery is inaccessible in the event of a failed battery or other electrical malfunction. The battery in my car failed and left me stranded on the side of the highway with no convenient access to remove the battery. Further, the absence of this manual release cable means that the tailgate could not be used as an egress for vehicle occupants in the event of an emergency.

Filed Jul 12, 2017 · Electrical, Steering · 110,000 miles · OK · crash · fire

Power steering went out without warning, causing loss of control while vehicle was in motion; mini USA advised it was still driveable, but to be cautious due to lack of control/power steering; when parked, smoke began to plume from under hood where a fire was noticed in back of engine. Called mini USA back and they advised us to not drive vehicle, as it was a safety hazard. Contacted mini to set up recalled part (hydraulic power steering), but they were not willing to have car towed to dealer (120 miles from my residence).

Filed Mar 17, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 71,500 miles · OH

Steering fluid continuously leaks - replace hydraulic hose twice - known defect - mini refused to fix for free engine cooling - fan runs after shutoff continuously - known defect - mini refused to fix for free electrical - doors, windows, sunroof fire off on their own while car is moving and when is parked. Will do this at highway speed or when sitting outside (rain or shine) - car unlocks itself and windows all open up -known defect - kind of distracting at highway speed -mini refused to fix for free. Dealers will not fix these issues unless you make them recall vehicles with multiple small problems ( not just one big problem) - this model has 73 tsbs that dealers charge you to fix even though the problems are known and dangerous issues. In my mind, many small problems can be more dangerous than a few big ones - steering, door locks, cooling - not good. This is an old car but these problems are old too - known tsbs should not be subject to warranty time frames, they are still dangerous after the warranty expires. When these cars are routinely serviced, these known/dangerous issues need to be corrected or the cars should be taken off the road. I used the date of the last incident, not the first one. Thank you.

Filed May 3, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 158,000 miles · PA

Driving highway speeds, steering got really heavy hard to turn, then the battery light came on, starting smelling something electrical burning, pulled over off the road shut car off, smoke coming from the hood, open it, smoke was coming from the back of engine. Smoke subsided in a few minutes, called tow truck, tow back to work, over the next couple of days found that the power steering pump locked up and fried it, it also draw a lot of amperage that it blow 100 amp main fuse under fuse block, burnt main power wire to power steering pump. Replaced pump, wiring and fuse.

Filed Apr 26, 2013 · Electrical, Steering · 113,000 miles · CA

The power steering pump doesn't shut off when the car does. The pump ran until the battery died.

Filed Aug 3, 2011 · Electrical · 41,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw mini cooper s. While driving, the vehicle shut off. The contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. When the battery was disconnected she noticed that the wires were melting. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was inspected. The dealer informed the contact that the relay and power steering pump both failed and would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The current and failure mileages were 41,000. .updated 09/19/11 *bf the control harness and power supply harness connector melted on the power steering motor. The vehicle has since been repaired.

Filed Feb 24, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 80,000 miles · CO · crash

2003 mini cooper s with power steering failure. Power steering goes in and out. Car radio turns on when car is off and no key is in the engine, causing battery to drain. Once my power steering went out when I was leaving a parking area causing me to hit the car in front of me. I have not repaired damages. I have however replaced the engine due to faulty wiring in aprox 2009. A fuse that runs everything for cooling blew and gave me no warning the engine was overheating.

Filed Sep 29, 2010 · Electrical, Steering · 67,000 miles · CO · fire

2003 mini cooper s with 67,000k miles, power steering pump failed and caused a short circuit resulting in a complete meltdown. The pump, hydraulic lines, cooling fan and wiring harness were all burned or melted. There was no symptom or indication of a failure. Car drove and acted "normal" prior to parking it for the day. When I got back in the car, 8 hours later, no power steering. If it had been in my garage when the short/meltdown occurred, it may have caused fire. Miniusa basically said I was on my own due to expiration of my warranty. (60,000).