2005 MINI Cooper S: sudden loss of power

18 of the 314 complaints about the 2005 MINI Cooper S describe sudden loss of power.

owner complaints: 18
of this car's complaints: 6%
typical mileage: 67,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 14 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Sudden loss of power by model year

2019
1
2014
2
2013
2
2011
1
2010
6
2009
6
2008
4
2007
9
2006
8
2005
18
2004
23
2003
21
2002
15

What owners say

Filed Apr 16, 2025 · Steering · 175,830 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost power steering assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that a software update was performed on the back over prevention camera. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V660000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 175,830.

Filed Dec 28, 2018 · Fuel system · 140,000 miles · OK · fire

Driving on interstate and lost power. I pulled to shoulder and black smoke came thru air vents. I opened the hood and there was fire. My car completely burned up. I never had any mechanical problems. The tow truck driver said he believed the fire started under my car.

Filed May 31, 2016 · Steering · 131,000 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering ability without warning and became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering pump failed. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v660000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000. Updated 07/12/16*lj updated 07/14/16.

Filed Jan 26, 2015 · Steering · 80,000 miles · MI

Power steering pump failed to turn off with vehicle. Resulted in battery being drained and ultimately loss of power steering. Power steering pump, fan, and fluid had to be replaced as a result of fan becoming seized, pump overheating and failing.

Filed Oct 26, 2014 · Engine · 66,000 miles · PA · fire

A "pop" was heard when I was driving my vehicle on i95. I was able to pull over to the side considering when the "pop" occurred, my mini lost power. As I was pulled over, the vehicle burst into flames.

Filed May 1, 2014 · Steering · 15,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was a sudden loss of power steering. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who stated that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000 and the current mileage was 45,000.

Filed May 15, 2013 · Steering · 106,000 miles · WI

Temporary loss of power steering.

Filed Mar 27, 2013 · Steering · 83,200 miles · MD

While driving on a 2 lane 2 way (1 per direction) rural road very windy on my daily commute into my office I lost power steering. I was on a straightaway and luckily not in a curve because the steering instantly became tight and at low speeds is almost unable to steer. I say almost because I I am able to drive with great effort and attention however any evasive movement for an emergency may cause me to be involved in an accident. I have seen mimi had a recall for the exact issue in canada but has not had a recall in the USA while we are having the exact problems. Mini also changed the steering pump/fan/wiring in the 2006 models which is the last year of production on the exact model I own. Obviously they (mini) is aware and tried to fix the issue on their end without a recall.

Filed Jan 24, 2013 · Steering · 81,000 miles · OK

While driving my mini cooper s '05, I suddenly lost power steering, which made it extremely difficult to steer. I feel threatened driving my car.

Filed Apr 9, 2012 · Steering · 56,503 miles · ME

Lost power steering while driving my 2005 mini cooper s. All of a sudden, have no power steering. Very difficult to steer, but not impossible. Thank god I was not in a place that this could have caused an accident. I note that I can turn off the motor, then turn it back on and the steering is ok for a few minutes, then goes out again. I love my mini cooper, but this is a serious safety problem. I am afraid to drive it now, if I can't count on the steering to function correctly.

Filed Feb 14, 2012 · Steering · 60,000 miles · CA

At highway speed, the power steering suddenly lost power (no noise or other indications). The wheel became extraordinarily difficult to turn. I managed to get the car off the road, but the steering would not have responded to a smaller/weaker driver.

Filed Jan 28, 2012 · Steering · 51,000 miles · CT

While driving on the freeway (I-684) at 65 MPH the vehicle lost power steering assist approx. 30 miles from my home. This made the car difficult to control, especially when taking turns in and off of exits. Much force was required to maintain control and steering the vehicle for the rest of the trip home. I will report this to mini on monday.