Model year record
2004 BMW Mini Cooper recalls & problems
The 2004 BMW Mini Cooper has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 4 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is steering (4 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2004 BMW Mini Cooper.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 4 | 50,000 mi |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN COLD WEATHER, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY TIGHT, ESPECIALLY AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER AND MADE A REALLY LOUD WHINING NOISE WHEN THE WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE POWER STEERING FAN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000.
- Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW MINI COOPER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF THE POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN WITH EXTREME DIFFICULTY WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENT AT ANY SPEED RATE BEING TRAVELED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON FIVE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A COMMON DEFECT AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
- Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE SHE WAS TURNING A CORNER AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE POWER STEERING CONTINUED TO FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,600.
- Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW MINI COOPER S. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 12/03/10. *LJ
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Loss of Power Steering AssistClosed
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 experience either a temporary or permanent loss of power steering assist.BMW further advised that a temporary loss of power steering assist may be due to a malfunctioning cooling fan or an under-voltage condition in the power steering system.A permanent loss of power steering assist may be due to an error in the internal electronics, and may also result in the continuous running of the power steering pump.The VOQ complaints allege 5 minor crashes and 3 fires.The crashes are described as hit the curb.The fires are described as melted wires. There were no property damage claims.ODI has received similar complaints for other model year…