2005 Mini Cooper problems
Mini Cooper may refer to:
- Performance Cars of the original Mini series with uprated drive train and brakes, called the "Mini Cooper", made by the British Motor Corporation and its successors 1961–1971, and 1990–2000
- Cars of the Mini (marque), including a number of different models produced by BMW since 2000 with the "Mini Cooper" title: MINI Hatch, introduced in early 2000, second generation from 2006, third from 2014
See also
- Cooper Car Company
Social links
Common 2005 Mini Cooper problems
The 2005 Mini Cooper is known for several common problems, primarily related to engine issues, automatic transmission, timing chain, airbags, and power steering.
- Automatic Transmission: Mini Cooper owners have reported failure of the automatic transmission at barely over 100,000 miles, particularly with models produced before 2010. This issue could be a result of the advertised "sealed for life" transmission style, which doesn't allow for transmission fluid changes, leading to build-up over the years.
- Timing Chain: Mini Cooper vehicles seem prone to movement and loosening of the timing chain. Over time, the timing chain and assembly will wear down, causing slack in the mechanism. If not repaired, the problem can worsen and lead to further damage to the vehicle and engine, resulting in higher costs.
- Airbags: A recall issued in 2015 saw Mini Cooper fall prey to the widespread Takata airbag problem that affected a number of different manufacturers and models. The recall involved 6,063 Mini Cooper models between 2013-2016 for a Takata issue that may see the airbags not deploy properly. Additionally, owners have reported that their airbag warning light comes on, likely due to a failed front passenger seat sensor, requiring replacement.
- Power Steering: In April 2020, BMW faced a lawsuit for power steering problems in several Mini Cooper models. The issue resulted in an unexpected and often unpredictable loss of power steering while driving, which could lead to damage, injury, or vehicle fires. The lawsuit involved a recall of the 2002-2005 Mini Cooper, the Mini Cooper S models, and the 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible or Mini Cooper S Convertible.
These common problems with the 2005 Mini Cooper can lead to significant repair costs and inconvenience for owners. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to prevent or address these issues promptly.
Is the 2005 Mini Cooper reliable?
Great reliable car that saves you money on gas!
Love the Mini Cooper! Very reliable and runs great. Great on gas mileage and easy to drive!
What is the most common problem with Mini Cooper?
Issue #1: Engine Overheating in Mini Cooper S (2007-2010)
Oil cooler leaks have also been reported on some vehicles. These problems cause the engine to gradually overheat, leading to coolant loss and severe damage if left unchecked. Head gasket failure is a common result of the engine overheating in the R56 Cooper S.
What year is bad for Mini Cooper?
According to Consumer Reports surveys, Mini Cooper released from 2006–2012 is considered the worst years. Having said that, there have been problems in the earlier 2000's as well. First and second-generation MINI's had quite a few problems, of which the most significant was the transmission malfunction.
Is a 2005 Mini Cooper a safe car?
In government crash tests, the 2005 Mini Cooper hatchback earned four stars (out of five) for frontal impacts and four stars for side impacts involving front occupants. In IIHS frontal offset crash testing, the Cooper was named a "Best Pick" among small cars.
2005 Mini Cooper car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mini Cooper problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2005 Mini Cooper vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2005 Mini Cooper
The NHTSA has received 839 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Mini Cooper. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2005 Mini Cooper vehicles.
2023-05-30
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMWRE33565
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2005 Mini Coop S Hardtop. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the vehicle alarm activated inadvertently and the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that he lifted the hood open and noticed fire coming from underneath the engine. The contact extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
2023-04-12
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-06
- VIN: WMWRC33495T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall.
2023-03-08
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-07
- VIN: WMWRF33535T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible. The contact stated that she noticed a leak coming from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a power of steering hose leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
2022-07-07
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-07
- VIN: WMWRC33505T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
2022-03-24
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-22
- VIN: wmwre33415t
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact also stated that he was advised by the dealer that he had to pay out of pocket for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
2022-02-18
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-05
- VIN: WMWRH33565T
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The transmission will cycle first through third and when it tries to go into 4th it slips and will not operate higher gears it caused me to lose my forward drive momentum as I was switching lanes and the car I was getting in front of almost ran into me.
2021-12-21
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-29
- VIN: WMWRF33405T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: My son drives this car and the power steering went out twice on him while driving. I need to get the pump replaced via the recall, but the nearest location is 200 miles from me. It is not safe to drive this car that far and I would have to drop it off and make another trip to pick it up. Towing that far would cost a small fortune. I called every number and was transferred to several people to help with this issue. They say they can not and won't help me till I get the car to a dealership to fix it. One person from Mini told me I might be able to go to a certified mechanic but when I asked the next person they said it had to be a dealership. I spent two days on the phone with several people from Mini and no one was willing to offer a solution. I drive this car to get the recall fixed and something happens and the car wrecks, or worse someone is killed, who would it be on then? No happy about this at all.
2021-12-17
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-17
- VIN: wmwrf33405t
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering). The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed. The dealer was made aware of the recall but informed the contact that they do not service recall repairs. The nearest dealer that was able to service the recall repair was located 177 miles away. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
2021-09-22
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-08
- VIN: WMWrE335X5T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 2005 Mini Cooper S has power steering whine, hard to steer the wheel. Very unsafe.
2021-09-08
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMWRE33575T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
- Summary: Driving at approximately 10-15 miles an hour entering a parking lot when I noticed flames coming out of the hood scoop of my 2005 Mini Cooper S. After brief inspection from my mechanic, it is believed to have been caused by the wiring harness for ABS or possibly the power steering unit since the fire originated from the rear/right hand side of the engine and those two components. I have a claim opened with USAA but during simple research, I have found tens, if not close to a hundred issues with similar characteristics. I know I am not the first R53 Mini Cooper (2002-2006 run) with this problem and this should be considered a hazard and public safety issue. I have included the link to many of the cases captured by the North American Motoring Association (a primarily North American Mini car association) which details 24 pages of these issues. https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/73527-spontaneous-engine-bay-fires.html?ispreloading=1
2021-04-28
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-28
- VIN: WMWRH33525T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING PUMP STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING TURNING IN A CITY STREET
2021-03-24
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WMWRF33465T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH AFTER EXITING HIS DRIVEWAY, HE SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS THE VEHICLE VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXITED THE VEHICLE, WALKED BACK TO HIS HOME AND TOOK A NAP. AN HOUR LATER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS AWOKEN BY A SHERIFF'S DEPUTY WHO ASKED HIM QUESTIONS ABOUT THE INCIDENT WITH HIS VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT FILED AND THE CONTACT LATER WENT TO A DOCTOR WHERE HE WAS TREATED FOR INJURIES FOR HIS LOWER BACK WHICH INCLUDING A SLIPPED DISC AND A BRUISED VERTEBRAE. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. RECENTLY, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V660000 ( STEERING) WHICH HE LINKED TO HIS VEHICLE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT THE MANUFACTURER WHERE HE WAS ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS VEHICLE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT REFUSED TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AND DECIDED TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
2021-02-21
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-16
- VIN: WMWRE33535T
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SLIPS CAUSING A JERK REACTION IN THE VEHICLE AND THEN IT WILL RENEGADE CAUSING ANOTHER JERK REACTION IN THE VEHICLE AND MAKES GOING AND OR STOPPING UNPREDICTABLE. TURNING LEFT IS DANGEROUS AS THE CAR MAY NOT MOVE FORWARD AT A SPEED THAT IT SHOULD OR MAY JERK IN THE MIDDLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAVE HAD A MACHANIC CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION AND IT STILL DOES THE SAME THING. I HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURERS WHO INFORMED ME THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND NOTHING THEY WOULD DO.
2020-09-30
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-26
- VIN: WMWRE33565T
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY LIGHT FLASHING, POWER STEERING CUTTING OUT INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. ALTERNATOR AND SERPINTINE BELT REPLACED BUT PROBLEM CONTINUES. ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SEEMS TO BE DRAINING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
2020-03-12
STEERING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-13
- VIN: WMWRE33585T
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND SMOKE BEGAN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE POWER STEERING CEASED WITHOUT WARNING UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V660000 (STEERING) AS POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. MINI OF DES MOINES LOCATED AT (9900 HICKMAN RD, DES MOINES, IA 50325) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
2020-02-24
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-01
- VIN: WMWRC33545T
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAS ALL BUT STOPPED WORKING, WITH STEERING NOW DIFFICULT AT LOWER SPEED--ESPECIALLY WHEN I FIRST START THE ENGINE IN THE MORNING. THE CLUTCH DOESN'T RESPOND WELL AND THE VEHICLE NO LONGER GOES INTO SECOND GEAR. THE REAR LEFT BRAKE CALIPER SEIZED IN PLACE, NOT ALLOWING THE BRAKE PAD TO RETRACT COMPLETELY AND THEREFORE THE BRAKE PAD CONTINUOUSLY RUBBED AGAINST THE DISC, BUT WITHOUT NOISE. NOT UNTIL THE LEFT REAR BRAKE MADE NOISE BECAUSE OF THE METAL ON METAL BRAKING WAS THE SEIZED OEM CALIPER IDENTIFIED, WHEN I PUT ON A SET OF NEW BRAKE PADS. NONE OF THE OTHER THREE BRAKES HAD THE SEIZED OEM CALIPER.
2019-08-19
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-15
- VIN: WMWRC33575T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. ONCE RESTARTED, THE STEERING OPERATED NORMALLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY ONE AND A HALF MONTHS AND WAS GETTING WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,500.
2019-08-13
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-10
- VIN: WMWRE33535T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT POWER STEERING FAILURE. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V660000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, MINI OF MARIN (5880 PARADISE DR, CORTE MADERA, CA 94925, (415) 887-2194) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
2019-08-09
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-22
- VIN: WMWRE33545T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING NO LONGER WORKS.
2019-07-08
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-04
- VIN: WMWRE33535T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN SUDDENLY THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD AND THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR MINI COOPER S VEHICLES (15V-XXX SAFETY RECALL) INVOLVING THE ELECTRIC-HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM. THE RECALL INCLUDES 2002-2005 MODELS, AND EXTENDS THE WARRANTY UP TO 13 YEARS OR UP TO 150,000 MILES. OUR VEHICLE FALLS UNDER THOSE REQUIREMENTS, AND IS A 2005 MODEL AND HAS 69,751 MILES, YET WE WERE TOLD THAT THERE ARE NO EXISTING RECALLS FOR OUR VEHICLE, EVEN THOUGH WE SUSPECT THAT THE INCIDENT WE HAD INVOLVES THE HYDRAULIC STEERING SYSTEM.
2019-04-26
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-12
- VIN: WMWRC33545T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE POWER STEERING PUMP STOPS FUNCTIONING INTERMITTENTLY WHEN STARTING A STOP.
2019-04-01
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-18
- VIN: WMWRH335X5T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WAS FAULTY. MINI OF LOVELAND (4055 BYRD DR, LOVELAND, CO 80538, (970) 292-5020) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT WAS NOT SCHEDULED. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM: SI M32 02 15 (STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT). AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V660000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
2019-03-12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-09
- VIN: WMWRE33405T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHEN ADJUSTING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS, THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, I CONDUCTED TROUBLESHOOTING. I VERIFIED THAT THE WIRING HARNESSES AND CONNECTORS FOR THE AIRBAG SENSORS UNDER BOTH SEATS HAD COME LOOSE, AND CERTAIN WIRES DE-PINNED. THE CAR WAS RUNNING, AND PARKED WHEN THIS OCCURRED.
2019-01-24
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-24
- VIN: WMWRH335X5T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER S. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING FAILURE WORSENED SINCE DECEMBER OF 2017. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V660000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
2019-01-04
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-02
- VIN: WMWRE33475T
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, THE POWER STEERING PUMP CONTINUED TO OPERATE. ALSO, WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING PUMP SOMETIMES FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. ALSO, THE LOW BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ORLANDO MINI (350 LAKE DESTINY DRIVE, ORLANDO, FL) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.
2005 Mini Cooper recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2005 Mini Cooper.
2015-10-15
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary: 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. The affected vehicles may experience temporary or permanent loss of the electro-hydraulic steering assistance.
- Consequence: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the electro-hydraulic power steering system, replacing the components and wiring, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 10, 2015. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
2015-04-06
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to November 28, 2006, and 2005-2008 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to July 31, 2008. Due to manufacturing, installation, and exposure issues, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat may not function properly and, as a result, the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash.
- Consequence: An improperly functioning mat may cause the passenger frontal air bag to be inactive when the seat is occupied, and in the event of a crash, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the passenger's risk of injury.
- Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. The recall began on October 12, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
2009-05-11
- Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
2008-08-11
- Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Negative 2005 Mini Cooper car reviews
Positive 2005 Mini Cooper car reviews
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This car is so much fun to drive! Every time I get behind the wheel of my Mini, it's ready to go. It handles beautifully, hugs the curves, and loves to accelerate up hills. With the top down and wind in my face, it's the perfect driving experience!
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I love minis, and this mini tops the chart! As a fan, I am absolutely thrilled.
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I've driven many sports cars from brands like BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, and Lexus, but I have to say that this MINI is right up there with them when it comes to road handling and cornering. It's awesome! And let's not forget about its fuel efficiency. I always get lots of smiles from my neighbors whenever I cruise around in it. I feel lucky to have one of these and I plan on keeping it for a long time!
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I love the look of the Mini and driving it is actually fun, even in traffic. However, it's worth noting that fixing something on your Mini can be quite expensive. Once your car is out of warranty, Mini USA may not take responsibility for any issues, even if they are manufacturer defects. They may cite the 3 year warranty as a reason for not covering the cost of repairs. Despite this, Mini cars are still cute and enjoyable to drive.
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Great Car! It sounds like you had a lot of fun driving it. It's great to hear that it was fuel efficient and had more interior room than expected. It's impressive that you were able to sell it at book value in just 24 hours! Congratulations on your new 2018 MINI!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2005 Mini Cooper problems:
How unreliable is it? (2005 cooper 1.6, 90hp) : r/MINI
https://www.reddit.com/r/MINI/comments/ydyhcg/how_unreliable_is_it_2005_cooper_16_90hp/
Oct 26, 2022 ... If that's the only common problem in 10 model years, that's Toyota levels of reliability. And while I would occasionally see random programming ...
2005 Mini common problems - Haynes Manuals
https://haynes.com/en-us/tips-tutorials/2005-mini-common-problems
What common problems does the Mini have? The 2005 Mini is known to suffer an issue in which the seatbelt buckles can become difficult to operate, and can even ...
Should I go in for a 2005 Mini Cooper S with 130k miles on the odo ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/MINI/comments/6k4xu8/should_i_go_in_for_a_2005_mini_cooper_s_with_130k/
Jun 29, 2017 ... Thanks for the tips. Also, have you had any issues during the time you've owned it ?
2005 Mini Cooper Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2005-mini-cooper/problems
Problem with your 2005 Mini Cooper? Our list of 8 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2005 Mini Cooper.
Need some help with a Mini Cooper S 2002-2005 (Any owners ...
https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-some-help-with-a-mini-cooper-s-2002-2005-any-owners-willing-to-discuss-problems-maintence/75376
Nov 6, 2012 ... What major problems and issues should I expect from a car that could be almost 10 years old? I've driven a few different cars and this is the ...
Other years of Mini Cooper
Are you having problems with your 2005 Mini Cooper?
Cary Harris 2025-02-09
I have two MINIs, one hardtop and one convertible, both of which are stylish and a joy to drive. Although I am a gentle driver, I have had some issues with both cars. The hardtop has required three transmission replacements and has had two AC failures, while the convertible has had one AC/heat system failure. Both cars have also experienced some serious rattling, which MINI is aware of and has serviced. While MINI service has taken care of everything, I find myself spending a lot of time taking both cars in for service during my highway driving. Despite these issues, I still love the style of my MINIs, but I am starting to regret having two cars with so many service issues.
Beau Eichmann 2025-02-03
I always dreamed of owning a Mini Cooper and last April, that dream came true when I purchased a 2005 Mini Cooper S. The Carfax report looked good and there were no issues with it. However, within the past year, I have had to put thousands into fixing things such as the tachometer, break lights, alternator, pulley system, serpentine belt, and alternator clip. Although the problems came out of nowhere, the dealer I bought it from is a family-owned business and was willing to help me out. They took it right off my hands this past weekend. While I enjoyed owning a Mini Cooper, I would not buy a used one again. Unfortunately, my local Mini dealership did not have any clue how to fix most of the problems. Even after replacing the body control module, my tach still does not work, and when it is dark out, I can't see how fast I am going as the lighting is out. Luckily, I only have a couple of days left with my ex-dream car. Lesson learned!
Adelbert Farrell 2025-01-19
The Mini/BMW product has some positives, such as being cute to look at and getting good mileage per gallon. However, it can be difficult to keep them running and find someone to work on them. After 50-60 K miles, they may become unreliable and the parts can be expensive. Some mechanics may not enjoy working on them. While the engine and transmissions may not be the strongest, they can still be fun to drive. Overall, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before considering a Mini/BMW product.