2006 MINI Cooper S: loss of power steering

Filed Jan 14, 2020 · Steering · 160,000 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper s. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The seat belt and check-engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the brown motor works (803‑551‑0991, located at 4041 broad river rd, columbia, sc 29210) and it was diagnosed that the power steering needed to be services. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was intermittent. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160.000.

Filed Mar 29, 2018 · Steering · 55,000 miles · AZ

Was driving the car on local roads and all of a sudden had a loss of power and steering was extremely hard to steer/turn

Filed Jan 31, 2018 · Steering · 50,000 miles · HI

Power steering failure while driving both slowly pulling out of carport and at normal 35 miles per hour street speed. Steering became very difficult. Persisted until car was turned off for several minutes. Happened sporadically afterward. Issue returned and now affects the car most of the time while driving. Will happen upon starting the car, or while driving. Car only has 50,063 miles on it! Looks like power steering pump failure is causing the loss of steering. Extreamly dangerous!

Filed Nov 20, 2015 · Steering · 40,700 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper s. While driving 55 MPH, the steering became very difficult to maneuver without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,700. Update 01/15/16 ma;update 04/25/18*jb the consumer stated vehicle was repaired on nov. 26, 2015 by the owner.

Filed Mar 20, 2014 · Steering · 65,000 miles · CA

Power steering failure while driving. Steering became very difficult. Persisted until car was turned off for several minutes. Happened sporadically afterward, then disappeared for a couple months. Issue returned and now affects the car most of the time while driving. Will happen upon starting the car, or while driving.

Filed Sep 9, 2013 · Steering · 51,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mini cooper s. The contact stated that when turning in either direction, the power steering assist would sporadically fail as the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was stated that the power steering pump and fan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 51,000.

Filed Jan 28, 2013 · Steering · 55,000 miles · IL

Power steering went out making vehicle very difficult to control. Was told by mini dealer $1500 to replace.

Filed Sep 25, 2012 · Steering · 85,277 miles · NC

I was slowing down to make a left hand turn and all of the sudden the power steering went out on it. Being a front wheel drive car made it extremely difficult to turn. Had someone with less arm strength been in the driver's seat they could have hit oncoming traffic head on and killed someone.

Filed May 16, 2012 · Electrical, Steering · 78,000 miles · IL · crash

Executing a left turn and all of a sudden the power steering went out. Was unable to control the car due to the fact that I was not expecting this issue. Damage front right side of car against curb. I have learned that this is a serious problem. This issue needs to be addressed on a recall!

Filed Apr 27, 2012 · Steering, Transmission · 108,000 miles · MA

Purchased 2006 mini cooper s brand new at a mini dealer in boston. The vehicle has 108k highway miles. I had serviced the vehicle at the dealer until warranty ran out and transitioned to a national car care chain. I began to notice the vehicle slipping between second and third gear when traveling in stop and go traffic. I brought the car to my regular mechanic and they indicated that I should bring it to a transmission shop. Delivered the car to the shop and have been informed that my CVT transmission had failed and would need to be re-manufactured. I was also informed that my power steering pump is leaking and failing. The power steering fan had seized and was likely the cause of the power steering failure. The mini dealership quoted me over 10k for the transmission replacement only did not inquire about power steering and there were no programs for customers in this situation. This cost is more than the car is worth. The transmission shop will do the repairs for 6k.

Filed Apr 17, 2012 · Steering · 62,000 miles · IL

Power steering failed completely upon warm engine re-start. The smell of overheating components is in the passenger cabin.

Filed Apr 14, 2012 · Steering · 65,000 miles · TX · fire

The power steering went out while my wife was driving home making driving extremely difficult. Having only 12 miles to travel she drove home fighting the steering all the way home when she arrived home I open the hood and could smell and see smoke from what I have discovered to be an electrical melt down on the power steering pump. The entire wiring connectors are melted and ash and un usable. We were lucky the car did not catch fire. However there is clear evidence the wires were on fire.