2003 MINI Cooper: loss of power steering

Filed Jul 12, 2019 · Steering · 75,000 miles · TX

Bought this car for 16 yr old daughter. Steering was cutting out while driving took car to mini of dallas recall was done on harness, pump, cooling fan. Next week no steering again while driving took car back. Mini stated drive belt broke and was repaired for 260.00. 3 days later was called at a 11:30 at night my daughter stating the steering had cut out again. I don't want my daughter in this car or anyone else for that matter what should I do with this car.

Filed Mar 13, 2019 · Steering · 93,000 miles · CA

Power steering failure - intermittent and during motion, mini dealership provided records that the claim was cleared with # and mileage, but this is false information if still covered by the federal safety agency # 15v660000. Original recall # that was entered in the "repair history" from mini that never occurred is m320215. Thank you

Filed Feb 29, 2016 · Steering · 130,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Feb 19, 2016 · Steering · 85,113 miles · MO

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.

Filed Feb 11, 2016 · Steering · UT

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.

Filed Dec 31, 2015 · Steering · 47,628 miles · CT · fire

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.

Filed Sep 28, 2015 · Steering · 55,449 miles · MS

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.

Filed Apr 26, 2015 · Steering · UT

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.

Filed Nov 26, 2014 · Lights, Steering · 117,000 miles · CO

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.

Filed Aug 18, 2014 · Steering · 101,000 miles · WA

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.

Filed Aug 13, 2014 · Steering · 145,000 miles · TN

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.

Filed Jan 22, 2014 · Steering · 70,000 miles · CA

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.