2005 MINI Cooper: sudden loss of power

Filed Mar 26, 2025 · Steering · 117,300 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 117,300.

Filed Apr 12, 2023 · Steering · 99,000 miles · IL

The vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed me that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure is the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall.

Filed Jul 7, 2022 · Steering · 167,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

Filed Nov 25, 2015 · Steering · 110,000 miles · NH

The power steering system on different occasions has stopped working completely, other times it just takes more of an effort to turn the wheel each occurance can last from a few seconds or much longer periods of time and doesn't matter if its low or high speeds. Also when starting the vehicle a low battery light is somtimes iluminated. The loss of power steering assistance is complete unpredictable.

Filed Nov 4, 2015 · Steering · 50,000 miles · IL

Loss of power steering. And regarding this: the federal safety agency campaign id number :15v660 manufacturer :bmw of north america, llc make / model years :mini / 2002-2005 subject : electro-hydraulic power steering loss I can tell you the problem was because the location of the cooling fan causes it to be continually bombarded with road salt and debris, so it fails, then the pump burns out.

Filed Oct 19, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 90,000 miles · NJ

Lost power stearing, heat and air all at the same time.

Filed Apr 11, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 38,308 miles · MA

Sudden failure of power steering resulting in very high steering effort, traced by dealer to a well-known failure mode in electrohydraulic power steering pump. Pump and associated fan were replaced by dealer under special ("secret") warranty coverage, due to common incidence of this failure. Existence of this special warranty was found only after search and location of many identical failures on the internet. The vehicle battery was found to be completely discharged upon arrival at dealership. Once a shop battery was connected, the pump was found to be running continuously even though the vehicle ignition was in the full off position. Also, the alternator was found to have failed, presumably because of excessive stress imposed by the defective pump on the vehicle electrical system. Cost of alternator replacement was not covered by the manufacturer. This known failure mode is believed to be a significant safety defect. Formal recall of affected vehicles by the federal safety agency is warranted, since sudden loss of power steering at speed can result in loss of vehicle directional control.

Filed Oct 11, 2013 · Steering · 120,000 miles · IN

While driving at any speed I or my husband have lost power steering in our 2005 mini cooper s. This electro-hydraulic power steer pump & fan has been a long standing problem in these minis. (this has been a complete recall in canada.) the loss of power steering makes the vehicle very unsafe as it is a sudden onset. It is problematic at slow or fast speeds. I can barely steer the vehicle when this occurs. It is almost impossible to get in/out of our garage or in/out of parking spaces. I have had to find parking in strategic areas most often where I could pull straight in a spot and pull straight out. It is also scary on ramps or interstate as instead of having a responsive sporty car it feels like you are driving a tank that you cannot control. This has happened many times in last 10-12 months. It has become more frequent in last few months. We received a notice for "warranty extension/ repair reimbursement" and called for several months but were told mini had been unable to get the parts. We called and they now say they have the parts so we drove nearly 1 hour to dealership and now they will not repair it because the part has not failed. They state they drove it and there has been no failure. I would guess it has stopped working while I have been driving it about average 1x/week but more frequent as time progresses. The failure may end up being me... In a casket!

Filed Sep 5, 2013 · Steering · 170,000 miles · MA

I was driving and lost all power in my steering. Very hard to turn, nearly got into an accident crossing the yellow line in the middle of the road. Recovered and drove the rest of the way home.

Filed Jul 28, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 60,246 miles · CA

In september 2012 I noticed a loud fan noise that wouldn't turn off. The car was also overheating. I noticed that it was very hard to steer the car, but I thought that was due to the overheating. Mechanic determined failed cylinder head gasket in 11/2012. The radiator was replaced and the thermostat was replaced. In 11/2012 the water pump was also replaced. In 12/2012 the battery had to be replaced. In 06/2013 the heater core was replaced. I believe that these issues are directly related to the loss of power steering and the associated fan failing, which caused the car to overheat and the battery to fail. Please see the federal safety agency complaints 10453158, 10444328, 10379750, 10442431,10379459 for similar cases of these same issues related to the failure of power steering and the associated pump.

Filed Apr 16, 2013 · Steering · 77,000 miles · PA

Loss of power steering..nearly a collision.

Filed Feb 21, 2013 · Steering · 65,000 miles · MA

After driving around town for 15 minutes power steering stopped working and had to struggle to turn a corner. Had to make a wide turn. If another vehicle had been approaching, there would have been a collision. Very difficult to control this vehicle when power steering fails. This loss of power steering has happened four times within last two weeks. Research on internet shows this to be more than a common problem; it seems to be widespread. This much I do know: it scared the hell out of me and is dangerous. If bmw doesn't voluntarily fix the problem, then the government should force a recall on all affected vehicles before someone is seriously injured or dies.