Engine
1.6L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 281 of 282 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 249 of 282 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Steering
247 complaint records5 fire reports3 crash reports
"WITH OUT ANY ADVICE, THE STEERING TURNS RIGID AND HARD TO MANIPULATE,I CHECKED THE FLUID AND IT LOOKS FINE AND CLEAN. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Power train
27 complaint records1 fire report
"1) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BUSTED. CAR STALLED DANGEROUSLY ON THE HIGHWAY. 2) POWER STEERING PUMP BUSTED. STEERING LOCKED DANGEROUSLY ON THE ROAD AND COULD NOT BE MOVED. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Electrical system
15 complaint records6 fire reports
"2004 MINI COOPER- 50K MILES- POWER STEERING FAN / MOTOR FAILURE LEADING TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, HEAT/FIRE DAMAGE RESULTING IN INABILITY TO TURN OFF ENGINE. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA11005 opened May 2011 | closed Jan 2016 | Steering | Loss of power steering assist - led to recall 15V660000 The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) originally opened the investigation of loss of power steering assist in model year (MY) 2004 and 2005 Mini Cooper as Preliminary Evaluation PE10-038.The investigation was upgraded to Engineering Analysis EA11-005 in... |
| PE10038 opened Sep 2010 | closed May 2011 | Steering | Loss of Power Steering Assist ODI has received 339 complaints alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle.When the power steering assist stops working, drivers experienced difficulty in steering and/or controlling the vehicle.According to BMW drivers may... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15V660000 | Steering | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles and 2005 Cooper and Cooper S Convertible vehicles. | Normally free |
| 04V348000 | Tires | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLAT TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTLY PROGRAMMED. IN THE EVENT OF A FLAT TIRE, AN AUDIBLE SIGNAL WILL NOT SOUND TO ALERT THE DRIVER TO A FLAT TIRE. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012029 2012-01-30 | Steering | 9,254 | On certain vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power steering pump could fail temporarily or permanently due to problems with the electronics that control the function of the pump, a failure of the pump cooling fan, or a loss of power to the... |
| 2004243 2004-07-13 | Other | 167 | On certain vehicles, the flat tire monitoring system's programming could contain a defect. Specifically, an audible signal (single gong) that is used, in part, to alert the driver to a flat tire, has not been correctly programmed. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| M511616 Nov 2023 | Structure | Cavity protection applied to underside of the hood is leaking out onto the wheel arch trim and grille. | |
| M610607 Oct 2023 | Electrical System | MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. | |
| M120817 May 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | W10 ENGINE: EMS2K - COMPREHENSIVE COMPONENT OBD READINESS MONITOR NOT COMPLETED: An affected vehicle fails to pass a state Inspection and Emission (I/M) test due to the ÒComprehensive ComponentÓ OBD readiness monitor status is Ònot complete,Ó or it fails complete after... | |
| M320214 Mar 2016 | Steering | This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 32 02 14 dated August 2014. SUBJECT Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle is No Longer Required. Left-hand drive steering spindles are currently available. | |
| 11 06 15 Jul 2015 | Electrical System | MINI: DIFFERENT FAULTS ACTIVATES ENGINE MALFUNCTION AND OIL WARNING. *MA |
Show 37 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 06 15 Jul 2015 | Engine | MINI: BECAUSE OF THE DME SOFTWARE, AND A DAMAGED CLUTCH, THE DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION CHECK MESSAGE APPEAR. *MA | |
| 12 09 15 Jul 2015 | Electrical System | MINI: FAULTY SOFTWARE FOR THE TANK VENTILATION CONTROL DISPLAYS ENGINE THROTTLE REACTION WHEN TEMPERATURE IS HIGH OUTSIDE, AND MORE OBVIOUS IF THE TANK IS ONLY PARTLY FILLED. *MA | |
| 11 02 15 Jun 2015 | Engine | MINI: A MECHANICAL FAILURE AND DME SOFTWARE ERROR OF THE VANOS ACTUATORS CAUSE THE ENGINE TO RUN ROUGH WHICH ACTIVATES THE MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT. *MA | |
| 12 05 15 Jun 2015 | Engine | MINI: DUE TO FAULTY DME SOFTWARE, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHTS COMES ON, INCLUDING THE CHECK CONTROL MESSAGE FOR MOTOR FORCE DECREASE. *MA | |
| 12 07 15 Jun 2015 | Engine | MINI: FAULTY SOFTWARE CAUSES THE CHECK CONTROL AND ENGINE POWER REDUCED LIGHT TO APPEAR. *MA | |
| SIM-11-10-14 Dec 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MINI: SOME VEHICLES HAVE TURBOCHARGER NOISE AND A LACK OR LOSS OF PERFORMANCE, DUE TO RESTRICTION OF TURBOCHARGER OIL SUPPLY, RESULTING IN OIL STARVATION AND SEIZING OF TURBOCHARGER ASSEMBLY. MODEL ALL. *PE | |
| SI M01 01 13 Nov 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MINI: MODELS R50, R52, AND R53 WITH THE ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC POWER-ASSIST STEERING PUMP AND COOLING FANS WILL HAVE AN LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 13 YEARS/150,000 MILES. *TA | |
| M010113 Nov 2014 | Equipment | Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Limited Warranty Extension to 13 Years/150,000 Miles. On affected vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) pump can fail. | |
| M010514 Oct 2014 | Power Train | MINI CVT Replacement Parts Warranty Extension: Additional 12 Months with Up to 50,000 Accumulated Miles. A MINI vehicle's CVT assembly or component that was previously repaired and/or replaced by an authorized MINI dealer or BMW center may experience a subsequent failure. | |
| M320214 Aug 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle. Supply shortage of left-hand drive steering spindles | |
| SIM-01-05-14 Jun 2014 | Equipment | MINI: INFORMATION ON PARTS WARRANTY EXTENSION APPLYING TO PREVIOUS QUALIFYING REPAIRS AND NO IMMEDIATE REPAIR REQUIRED UNLESS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH CVT ASSEMBLY OR COMPONENT. MODEL 2005-2008 COOPER, COOPER S. *PE | |
| SIM-61-05-14 Jun 2014 | Visibility | MINI: THERE IS A DISCONNECTION OR KINK, IN WNIDSHIELD WASHER HOSE, WHICH IS TOO SHORT, CAUSING WINDSHIELD FRONT WASHER JET TO FAIL. MODEL F56 (COOPER, COOPER S). *PE | |
| M010514 Jun 2014 | Power Train | MINI CVT Replacement Parts Warranty Extension: Additional 12 Months with Up to 50,000 Accumulated Miles. A MINI vehicle's CVT assembly or component that was previously repaired and/or replaced by an authorized MINI dealer or BMW center may experience a subsequent failure. | |
| MC-10113 Apr 2014 | Steering | MINI: WARRANTY COVERAGE EXTENSION/REPAIR EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE ELECTRO HYDRAULIC POWER (ASSIST) STEERING (EHPS) PUMP, WHICH HAS ITS OWN COOLING FAN, ON SOME VEHICLES AND NOT THE ELECTRIC POWER (ASSIST) STEERING (EPS) SYSTEM ON OTHER MINIS. | |
| SIM-01-01-13 Dec 2013 | Steering | MINI: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH COOLING FAN AND THE DURABILITY OF ELECTRO HYDRAULIC POWER (ASSIST) STEERING (EHPS) PUMP. MODELS 2002-2005 R50, R52, R3. *PE UPDATED ON 11/1/2013. | |
| M120213 Nov 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due to an Invalid VIN Number. The affected vehicle may fail to pass a State Inspection and Emission (I/M) test due to a noncompliant 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) stored in the DME (Digital Motor Electronic). | |
| M120213 Oct 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails to Read 17-Character VIN. An affected vehicle may fail to pass a state-mandated Inspection and/or Emission (I/M) test due to a noncompliant 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) being read out and displayed on the state's... | |
| SI-M-13-01-13 Aug 2013 | Equipment | MINI: THERE IS A PROCEDURAL ERROR IN THE REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING HIGH PRESSURE PUMP CURRENT VERSION THAT HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH THE CORRECTED REPAIR INSTRUCTION PORTION FOR THE N14 AND N18 ENGINE. MODELS R55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE | |
| M010113 Jul 2013 | Equipment | Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Warranty Extension to 13 years/150,000 miles. On affected vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) pump can fail. | |
| M010113 Jun 2013 | Steering | Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Warranty Extension to 13 years/150,000 miles. On affected vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) pump can fail. | |
| SIM-65-08-03 Mar 2012 | Air Bags | BMW MINI: AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON: MRS FC 02, 03, 05, 06. *KB | |
| SI-M61-01-12 Jan 2012 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | MINI: AFTER DRIVE-AWAY LOCKING ACTIVATES, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO UNLOCK THE BOOT. *KB | |
| SIM-12-02-11 Jul 2011 | Electrical System | BMW: A SOFTWARE ERROR IS CAUSING A HESITATION OR JERKING WHEN ACCELERATING UNDER HIGHER LOADS BETWEEN 3000 ¿ 4000 RPM. *RM | |
| SIM-65-06-11 May 2011 | Air Bags | BMW: THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON WITH A FAULT STORED. THE WIRING UNDER THE SEAT MAY BE PINCHED OR DAMAGED. *RM | |
| SIM-12-04-09 May 2011 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: THE CRIMPING PROCESS OF THE OXYGEN SENSOR COULD LEAD TO AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE INSIDE THE SENSOR. THERE MAY BE A MALFUNCTION LIGHT ON WITH A FAULT CODE STORED. *RM | |
| SIM-11-07-08 Nov 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS OF CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEM. *RM | |
| SI-M-18-01-09 Apr 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MINI: DUE TO A FAILURE IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESS,THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MAY DETERIORATE CAUSING AN INCREASED LEVEL OF VEHICLE EMISSIONS. THE CATALYST EFFICIENCY FAULT CODE (276A) WILL BE STORED IN THE DME MEMORY, AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. | |
| SIM-12-02-09 Feb 2009 | Fuel System | MINI: SERVICE ENGINE SOON OR CHECK GAS CAP WARNING IS ILLUMINATED: TANK LEAKAGE. LEAKAGE IS DETECTED IN THE TANK VENTILATION OR EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM. *PE | |
| SI M64-02-08 Jun 2008 | Equipment | MINI: DRIVER FOOTWELL AREA BECOMES HOT. THE HEARTER CORE PIPES ARE POORLY INSULATED. MODEL R56. *PE | |
| SI M24 01 08 Jun 2008 | Power Train | MINI: R55, R56 (COOPER, COOPER S) WITH F21 ASIN 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - INCORRECT GEAR DISPLAY. *PE | |
| SI M21-03-08 Jun 2008 | Power Train | MINI- R5 & R56 (COOPER; COOPER S) WITH GETRAG 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION: COMPLAINT OF AN INTERMITTENT NO-CRANK, NO START SITUATION. THE CLUTCH SWITCH MODULE HAS NOT BEEN SECURED IN THE CORRECT POSITION ON THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER. *PE | |
| SI-M-65-05-08 Jun 2008 | Equipment | MINI: CHECK SVS FUNCTION. ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE VOICE INPUT SYSTEM (SVS SA 620) DOES NOT FUNCTION. THE SVS WAS NOT INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLES. *PE | |
| SIM-51-09-07 Dec 2007 | Structure | MINI: WATER LEAK FROM THE FRONT DOORS. AFTER HEAVY RAIN, THE CARPET MAY BE WET IN THE AREA NEAR THE REAR OF THE FRONT DOORS OR IN THE FOOTWELL AREA. | |
| SIM-17-02-07 Dec 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MINI: ELECTRIC COOLING FAN RUNS AFTER ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. AFTER THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF, THE ELECTRIC COOLING FAN CONTINUES TO RUN. DUE TO THE OPERATING STRATEGY OF THE DME, THE ELECTRIC COOLING FAN MAY CONTINUE TO RUN AFTER THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF IN TWO DIFFERENT SCENARIOS. | |
| 360106 Apr 2006 | Tires | NITROGEN INFLATED TIRES. *TT | |
| 610302 Feb 2006 | Electrical System | CORRECT ROUTING OF BATTERY VENT TUBE. *MJ MINI R50 COOPER. MODEL YEAR UNKNOWN. *TT | |
| 120104 May 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN 04E-A01 - REPROGRAM DME FOR TANK LEAKAGE DIAGNOSTICS. TANK LEAKAGE DIAGNOSTICS DOES NOT RUN CORRECTLY DUE TO AN ERROR IN THE DME SOFTWARE. |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this MINI Cooper →