2004 MINI Cooper: sudden loss of power

24 of the 282 complaints about the 2004 MINI Cooper describe sudden loss of power.

owner complaints: 24
of this car's complaints: 9%
typical mileage: 74,372
recalls: 0

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

Sudden loss of power by model year

2017
1
2014
1
2013
1
2012
2
2011
4
2010
3
2009
3
2008
4
2007
1
2006
6
2005
33
2004
24
2003
21
2002
8

What owners say

Filed May 17, 2018 · Driver assistance, Steering · 148,000 miles · PA

I own a 2004 mini cooper. I was driving and lost all power steering almost causing a accident. There is a open recall on this issue. I contacted mini and they informed me that my vehicle was not included with the recall. I explained that my car was experiencing all the issues addressed in the recall, but they still would not help me out.

Filed Jul 14, 2016 · Steering · 180,000 miles · ID

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mini cooper. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v660000 (steering); however, the dealer refused to perform the repair due to the updated part previously being installed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Mar 3, 2014 · Steering · 18,000 miles · CA

After driving from san francisco to burlingame, california, I turned off the engine. When I returned 10 minutes later, I lost power steering when I started the car. On that same day, I drove from burlingame back to san francisco. I turned off the engine. 5 minutes later, I lost power steering again when I started the engine. The car is extremely difficult to turn without power steering, especially at low speeds.

Filed Jun 11, 2013 · Steering · 84,000 miles · MA

Lost all power steering.

Filed Apr 2, 2013 · Steering · 74,372 miles · CA

The steering became very tight and the steering wheel was very hard to turn. The sudden loss of power steering was very scary at normal street speeds. Shutting off the car and restarting it will return the steering to normal only for a little bit...after a few minutes the power steering is gone again.

Filed Mar 6, 2013 · Steering · 71,000 miles · VA

Loss of power steering on my 2004 mini cooper. This problem comes an goes and my local service station said the pump has a crack.

Filed Jan 27, 2013 · Steering · 81,000 miles · TX

2004 mini cooper occasionally would lose power steering once every couple months after a few years of owning it. Turning off car and starting it back up would always resolve it. While driving down highway at 60mph, lost power steering. Could not pull over immediately. Took exit ramp with a sharp curve, could barely make it around the curve, ended up on the shoulder. Easily could have been an accident, or worse.

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 May 23, 2012 · Electrical, Steering · 50,144 miles · VA · fire

Lost power steering at highway speed due to power steering pump failure. Short circuit or fire melted power steering pump wiring harness. Damage was caused to other portions of electrical wiring harness by fire, resulting in blown fuses. Upon removing key from ignition at roadside, engine kept running until battery was disconnected.

Filed Apr 27, 2012 · Steering · 45,773 miles · NY

At 35 MPH I noticed intermittent loss of power steering (ps). I was diving on 2 lane winding country road with no shoulders and ended up in the oncoming lane before I regained control. Luckily was no traffic at the time. The most terrifying thing is when ps it's dead for a while and then suddenly comes back on. If you are in a corner, because you've just been muscling the steering wheel, and ps comes back you will be suddenly over-steer and veer out of your lane.

Filed Apr 27, 2012 · Steering · 56,590 miles · KS

While driving my 04 mini cooper at freeway speed, I suddenly lost power steering assist. I can still drive the vehicle, but it is very difficult to turn. I took the vehicle to a local repair shop and was told the new power steering pump alone will cost me over 600 dollars. This does not include the labor and other miscellaneous costs associated with replacing the unit. The repair will cost me in excess of 1000 dollars, which I can not afford at this moment. I understand that multiple complaints relating to the power steering system in the 04 mini cooper have been filed. However, I have not seen a recall regarding this issue. I would like to know if you foresee a recall for this issue, and would appreciate any help you can offer. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Filed Apr 23, 2012 · Steering · 86,500 miles · CA

Lost power steering when driving on the freeway. Feels like the steering locks up but can still steer when using a lot of strength. Since first incident, this has happened again several times. Usually after driving for about five minutes.