2004 MINI Cooper: engine failure

7 of the 282 complaints about the 2004 MINI Cooper describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 2%
typical mileage: 73,768
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 13 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2017
1
2015
2
2013
1
2012
4
2011
2
2010
1
2009
7
2008
14
2007
8
2006
4
2005
12
2004
7
2003
5
2002
3

What owners say

Filed Feb 23, 2016 · Steering · 65,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mini cooper. While driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering electric pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not 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 failure mileage was 65,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 20, 2013 · Steering · 100,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mini cooper. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the steering system seized while the contact was changing lanes. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic however, no details regarding the steering system defect was provided by the mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Oct 20, 2012 · Electrical, Steering · 38,000 miles · MI

12-4-10: the power steering pump kept running after the car was off and drained the battery in 2 hours. Sept., 2012: two incidents of power steering loss while driving. First time I had no power steering when I started the car. I drove a short distance, stopped and restarted the car and the power steering worked. Second time I lost power steering briefly while driving at low speed. My mechanic found that the power steering fan had seized and replaced it. When he took it for a test drive, the power steering pump was making a loud noise. He replaced the pump as well and the problems were corrected.

Filed Feb 15, 2012 · Engine, Steering · 46,995 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mini cooper. The contact stated that while traveling 35 MPH, the power steering completely failed and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer for assistance. The dealer replaced the entire power steering system because the electronic power assist pump could not be replaced by itself. The failure mileage was 46,995 and the current mileage was 48,000. Updated 03/14/12*lj also, the auxiliary cooling fan was replaced. Updated 04/18/12

Filed Feb 13, 2012 · Steering · 98,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mini cooper. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning and was difficult to control. The contact inspected the vehicle and the failure was located at the power steering pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 98,000.

Filed Jan 30, 2012 · Steering · 75,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mini cooper .the contact stated that while driving in reverse, the power steering seized momentarily before resuming normal operation independently. The contact had experienced the failure at least twice. The dealer was not contacted and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 84,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Oct 2, 2010 · Steering · 73,768 miles · MA

Mini cooper (2004 with ~74k miles) with intermittent power steering problems. Steering wheel would randomly become very stiff when turning and then free up unexpectedly. When this would occur, the car would understeer (not turning as far as intended) and I would find myself reacting by turning harder, usually resulting in oversteering and erratic turns. It felt like something was binding and then letting go but it wasn't predictable or repeatable with consistency. Dealership determined that 'power steering pump was cutting out. Replaced the faulty ps pump to resolve.' cost was $1009.94. One week later, exactly same condition returned. Dealership now determined 'found steering shaft from steering wheel to steering rack to be seized and binding. Replaced steering shaft and aligned steering wheel to front tires.' no additional charge; problem has been fixed.