Driving normally on city paved road started to make turn on side street and lost total steering control and went up on curb just missing a pedestrian on sidewalk.this vehicle has 79300 miles.the electric hydraulic pump completely failed.mini USA said this VIN is not part of the recall yet just about every mini inported to USA has complete steering lose 2002-2003-2004-2005 and I believe they are hiding this from you and the public who are still buying these used cars and not knowing the dangerous problem the mini has and flawed power steering pump design.thank you.
2003 MINI Cooper steering complaints
Page 2 of 6: complaints 11 to 40 of 159, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mini cooper. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and an abnormal noise was heard while driving approximately 65 MPH. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to mini of san diego (5202 kearny mesa rd, san diego, ca) where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was operating as intended. The dealer also stated that the vehicle was previously repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v660000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was determined that the power steering pump was the original manufactured part, which meant that no parts were replaced as the dealer originally stated. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that they had no records of the vehicle being serviced per the recall. The dealer was contacted again and stated that the recall was serviced in march of 2017. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.
The electro-hydraulic power steering system experiences temporary loss of assistance when vehicle is starting up and it is nearly impossible to maneuver the car to pull out of a parking space. However, the power steering returns to normal as soon as you begin street or highway driving. I took my car to a mini dealership and they stated that my particular steering pump isn't covered in the warranty although I did receive a letter indicating that it should be. I have the exact same issues happening with my vehicle that the recall is talking about.
While traveling north on us 221 from bent mountain, va to roanoke va my hydralic steering totally failed. As I travelled a short distance my brake light warning lights, ABS light, other brake system light, battery light and air bag warning light came on. I looked at the engine temperature guage and the temp was normal. I pulled into a parking lot, raised the hood, checked the fluids in the engine compartment and reentered the car. While sitting in the drivers seat I heard a loud explosion, looked forward and noted thick steam coming from the engine compartment. I turned the engine off, exited the car and when the steam dissipated I noted that the cooling system filling/overflow tank was split in half damaging a protecting cover on the firewall and sprayed a building wall and window with engine coolant 10 feet away in front of the vehicle. I had the car towed to martin's german service in cave spring, va. Because the closest dealership in located in north carolina 150 miles away. Due to service volume they will not be able to evaluate the problem until 24 may 2016.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mini cooper. The contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the steering column and the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v660000 (steering); however, the part to do the repair was not available. 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 approximately 130,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mini cooper. While driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a loss of power steering without warning. The vehicle was manuvered to the side of the road. The contact resumed driving; however, the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn. The contact mentioned that there was a recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v660000 (steering); however, the dealer failed to service the vehicle because the recall notification was not received. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,113.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mini cooper. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the power steering seized. The battery and temperature gauge warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v660000 (steering); 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 of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mini cooper. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v660000 (steering) ; however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the power steering failed without warning at various speeds, especially when turning the steering wheel. The approximate failure mileage was 171,000. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was unknown. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Lost power steering with burning smell and lots of smoke. As evidenced on the attached document, the engine wiring harness was burnt. The car could have lost all power. The repair bill was $4097.91. I was without a car for weeks with no loaner car offered. National mini cooper denied that this was an issue. There is now a pending recall. The new parts might also need to be replaced. I was driving on the highway when this occurred.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mini cooper. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v6600000 (steering) 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. While driving 5 MPH when attempting to turn the vehicle, the steering wheel malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle, but the results were unknown. The vehicle was repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Power steering failed and difficult to steer. Power steering would then cut in and out. Warranty repair by mini dealer on september 16, 2015 replaced steering pump but power steering hose leak was not covered by warranty and charged $607.59 to do all necessary repairs for the power steering to work. The lack of consistency of having power assist steering or not could contribute to an accident since there is no way to predict the amount of effort to steer the car. The needed power steering repairs were not free but cost $607.59.
We were charged $1300.00 to replace the power steering pump and fan.
Our 2003 mini cooper has about 120k miles on it. It was completely fine until recently when the power steering pump started whining. Sometimes it completely stopped working and we had no power steering, thankfully this was while the car was parked and not while driving. Turning the wheel is a little harder than usual, and if you turn it too much, the car bogs down and the revs go way down. We've tried flushing and replacing the power steering fluid, but it didn't seem to help. We've even put in some expensive additives that promise to repair the problem and stop the noise, but it doesn't work. We don't feel safe knowing that our power steering may go out at any moment. And we certainly don't appreciate the looks we get when we drive past people.
While adjusting the tilt control on my mini cooper, I discovered that the entire steering column had become loose. Upon inspection, I discovered that two metal brackets used to support the steering column and attendant assembly had sheered off, apparently under normal use.
Transmission.
Night driving in colorado mtns. Lights began to flicker and power steering failed. Found safe place to pull over and turned off lights and engine. Restarted and turned lights back on to resume driving within a few minuets lights flickered and power steering failed again. Had to continue for several miles until it was safe to pull over again. Attempted to turn off head lights and use fog lights on county dirt road, still lights flickered/dimmed and power steering failed. Currently vehicle is parked and we are attempting to research recall matters with this malfunction. Superior driving skill is required to operate this vehicle with nonfunctional power steering. Average operators will have great difficulty maintaining safe operation of the automobile. This issue will lead to loss of life if not addressed. Nearest dealer for mini is 130 miles distant.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mini cooper. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the power steering pump failed. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mini cooper. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the power steering failed without warning causing the contact to nearly loose control of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the power steering motor remained activated although the vehicle was shut off. As a result, the contact had to eject the battery out of the vehicle every time the vehicle was shut off because the vehicle overheated and could potentially cause a fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
I was driving along the street to make a right turn and then all of the sudden, bam! My power steering went out and I could not steer. It was very scary and dangerous. Luckily I slowed down and made the corner slowly. When I arrived home, I turned the care off, checked the power steering fluid, and turned it back on. Now the power steering works again. This is the second time this has happened. Not sure why it intermittently goes out but it should be replaced.
Was approaching airport parking lot (driving way too fast, because I was late!) when the power steering suddenly "failed"! It was really frightening to have no control, as the car pulled to the left. Luckily, there were no cars coming from behind. Just before the car came to a complete stop, the power steering mysteriously "returned". If this were to happen whilst driving at high speed on the interstate, it would surely end with fatalities. (this problem has occurred only once, however, I've owned the car for only 8 1/2 months!).
I have a problem with my 2003 mini cooper power steering its leaking power steering fluids all over the bottom of the vehicle and sometime I smell burning.
I have an 03 mini cooper base model that had the impending power steering failure. It happened suddenly and without any indication. Last june I received the reimbursement letter, so I sent in my information and receipt for the replacement. As time passed and no response from mini I decided to contact costumer relations, needless to say they had nothing on file and said it should take another month to receive my info. Another month passed, keep in mind we are in august now, no response. Called them up and was told my information is still not there. So I sent two emails with my receipt in hopes that it might speed up the process. About three months later I called and they had said they received my information and that they had sent it to their reimbursing division. Two days ago I called and they gave me the run around again. This is just outrageous, if your going to send a letter say you'll reimburse everyone do it in a timely professional manner. Just before all this happened I had no problem with mini. I was actually thinking about buying a 4door version of the mini. After this incident I will not be purchasing a mini or bmw for that matter. In addition I will influence people into not purchasing any of their products. I understand they had a lot of people send in letters for reimbursements but it is not ok to lie to people. I also know I am not the only one who has had this issue. I am trying to contact as much people as I can about this matter in hopes that this doesn't happen to anyone else. Nobody should have to deal with this.
Accelerating after being stopped at a red light, lost power steering, smoke came out of hood, engine temperature redlined, and battery light came on.
We bought 2 2003 mini coopers in 2003. Both vehicles had electric power steering pump failures, one in march 09 at 143060 and the other mini in july 2010 at 133380. We received the eps extended warranty letter and sent in our claim, usps documented delivery to mini USA on june 29, 2013. I have called mini "customer service" on august 8, august 29, and today september 26. No one there can tell you anything and they do nothing except apologizing for not knowing anything. They say responses are taking 12 weeks which is where I am on the calendar. My repair costs were in excess of $2000. Today I am sending a hand written complaint letter with copies of all receipts to jim mcdowell vp mini USA. The federal safety agency needs to followup on this. The extended warranty was intended to head off a recall but they are not handling it in a proper manner. Turn up the heat!
Power steering pump failed. Once it came back on it doesn't shut off running the battery dead.
Ehps extended warranty coverage 4/11, I purchased a 2003 mini cooper with 88327 miles. 7/2011 the power steering pump began malfunctioning, working intermittently. I filed a complaint with the federal safety agency. 5/24/13 I received a letter from mini USA offering to reimburse the cost of steering pump repairs. They also stated that it would take 4 ' 6 weeks for reimbursement. The only other item in the envelope was a change of address card. I called the toll free number and followed the instructions. 5/25/13 I mailed copies of the letter and the receipt for the power steering pump. I called their customer service department on 7/16/13, was put on hold several times, then told they didn't have my receipt. But they had the email address I had hand written on the receipt (corrected, as the email on the receipt had changed.) when I pointed that out, he put me on hold again, then claimed they didn't have my VIN #. How, since they located me from the VIN #? He insisted I send in the information again, this time with the VIN# noted. I asked why I hadn't received any kind of letter saying my documentation was not complete. He told me the letter was sent the day before my call. 6 weeks after that call, I still have not received any letter from them. 7/16/13 I re- sent all the documentation. On 7/26/13 I again spoke with customer relations. I was told they had received my complete paperwork and all of it was in their system as of 7/24/2013. On 8/23/13 I again called customer relations. After verifying my name, address, email, and VIN # he put me on hold. When he returned, at first tried to say my information was not all in yet. I told him I had spoken with [xxx] who had confirmed the information was all in their system as of july 24th. He gave me further run-around, would not give any indication of when I might expect payment and in general stone walled me. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Luckily, I was pulling out of a parking space (low speed, high manageability) and my power steering completely went out. It is very difficult to make turns. I stopped at a mechanic shop - fluids and belts were fine. It's the fan/pump that has suddenly quit working.
Re: ehps extended warranty coverage I received a letter for extended warranty coverage for a power-assist steering issue which I had already repaired at my own expense. When I called to inquire, was told claims for reimbursement would be processed in 6-8 weeks. I submitted my claim june 12, 2013. Yesterday, august 9, 2013, I called to inquire about the status of my claim and was told that, due to "overwhelming" response, claims for reimbursement were taking much longer and that my claim had no status (meaning nothing had been done with it). At mini's recommendation, I resubmitted a request for reimbursement by email today. I would like the federal safety agency to be aware of the delayed processing as I am surely not the only person affected. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
The power steering pump, fan, hydraulic fluid pump chf 1 core charge) and hose clamp were replaced by the dealer 5 days earlier. Mini cooper/bmw sent me a letter for voluntary replacement because my mini copper 2003 had too many complaints with this issue. The car was running ok except for the power steering after the replacement I only drove about 70 miles because I was off from my school. The incident happened on july 15, 2013 approximately at 3:45 pm. I drove about 30 miles back from work. Parked the car in front of rite aid in rancho palos verdes. When I returned to the car it wouldn't start. Used jump cables for several minutes without success. Went to my mechanic close by. My mechanic came to look at the car, he was able to start the car. I drove back home about 6 miles. When I parked the car the car was very hot and most of the lights in the panel were lighten. I must mention that my car has a new battery and new starter (both were replaced 9 months ago). It seems that the problem is directly related to the electrical system and to the replacement of the part on 7/17/2013.
One time last year I loss power steering while going around a corner, I was caught off guard and almost had a collision. I pulled over, turned off my vehicle, and upon re-starting the problem was gone. Now, a couple days ago my power steering went out while I was on the freeway. I pulled over and re-started and still no power steering. Later that day it randomly came back and now I am experiencing intermittent power steering loss, that usually goes out once a trip.
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