Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

Vehicle safety record

2004 Mini Cooper S Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 529 complaints about the 2004 Mini Cooper S with NHTSA, most often about the steering (448) and the electrical system (34). Those complaints describe 12 crashes, 14 fires, 4 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in October 2015 for the electric power assist system. For comparison, the 2003 has 0 and the 2005 has 0.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical Cooper S year, for its age

#24 most complained-about 2004 vehicle

Complaints
529
Recalls
2
Crashes
12
Fires
14
Injuries
4
Deaths
1

Most common 2004 Mini Cooper S problems

Share of all 529 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2004 Mini Cooper S recalls 2

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Steering: electric power assist system

15V66000086,018 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems

04V3480001,193 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Due to the lack of an audible signal, the driver may not be aware of a flat tire, which could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will reprogram the vehicle's software in order to actuate the flat tire monitoring system's audible signal. The recall began october 13, 2004. Owners should contact mini customer relations at 1-866-275-6464.

What owners say

Be the first Cooper S owner to share.

Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now

529 complaints about the 2004 Mini Cooper S

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 22.

Steering

The contact owns a 2004 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000(STEERING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure, causing the driver to lose control of the steering and drive off the...

Read the full complaint

road. The exact cause of the failure was not determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160.000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11661001
SteeringCrash

Mini felt like it was getting pushed by the wind . Realized wasn't wind Mini loss of completely all functions of steering wheel. On super busy highway. Devine intervention Was in far left car went left to right lanes then hit median gaurd rail spun around Finally got it to stop. Never Hitting and hurting anyone around me. Nobody hit me. Car is totalled ! Still at tow place. I saw my life flash as cars were zooming by me. Someone should be held responsible for my car and almost my life. Called out of work can't move upper body that well.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11462281
SteeringDriver assistanceEngine & cooling

Was driving car on 18 july 2020 and power steering quit working and made steering difficult, also coolant fan,low speed and high speed stopped working same time as power steering quit. The asc light came on and it will not turn off. No blown fuses in engine compartment or by drivers kick panel. I was driving the car on a state road when this occurred.

Filed Incident Steering · Electronic stability control (ESC) · EngineNHTSA 11340300
Steering

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mini cooper s. The contact stated that while driving at attempting to make a turn, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the steering column. The contact also stated that there was a power steering fluid leak present. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to mini of stevens creek located at (4201 stevens creek blvd, santa clara, ca 95051), and diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 156,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11319854
SteeringElectrical system

The power steering is very stiff to drive and cannot drive my cooper because I can no longer steer the vehicle.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical systemNHTSA 11302434
Steering

When you turn wheel left or right it makes a noise and it's very hard to turn. So I think it's the steering: electric power assist system. Recall id # 240625.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11282548
Other & unknownCrashFire1 death

My wife was driving our 2004 mini cooper home traveling uphill on a steep paved mountain roadway traveling a maximum of 15 mph when for some unknown reason the vehicle left the roadway; struck a tree with its left front and burst into an exploding fire killing my wife who was not able to escape the burning vehicle. The nc state police are investigating the cause of the fire and death. They do not know yet whether the vehicle caught fire prior to striking the tree but, feel the fire could not have been caused by the...

Read the full complaint

vehicle striking the tree at a low impact and speed. Nc mv accident report#[[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tt

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11258958
Airbags

All models from 2005 onward have been recalled, yet earlier models have the same problems with non functioning airbags. The airbag warning light is on continually, and there are known problems with wiring, pressure mats and connectors in these vehicles. Bmw is intentionally ignoring these issue. My own personal vehicle has this problem and as a government mandated safety device I believe that earlier models of mini coopers should be included in the recall!

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11228472
Steering

Mainly while cold and at low speed's the wheel suddenly becomes very hard to turn and I was told by a mechanic but it's a faulty hydraulic power steering problem

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11209798
Steering

Very hard to turn steering wheel at times especially when moving slowly; coming to a turn at a light, backing out of a parking spot, etc.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11208085
Transmission & drivetrainFuel system

2004 Mini cooper purchased new aprox 62 miles on it and the cvt transmission is gone & there was a class action lawsuit for the replacement of this, I was never notified and want this fixed at no cost to me. At aprox. 50 To 60 mph the car engines goes way beyond the proper rpm.

Filed Incident Power train · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11153472
Steering

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mini cooper. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The electric power steering warning indicator was not illuminated. An unknown dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under warranty, and was excluded from nhtsa campaign number: 15v660000 (steering) and nhtsa action numbers: ea11005 (steering) and pe10038 (steering). The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11141289
Steering

Power steering has been an issue over a year or two. No total failures but it does not qualify as power steering. The cooling fan does not work. Steering is not good....For powered steering that is. Slow speed steering is horrendous and non existent.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11129929
Airbags

Airbag light comes on and stays illuminated. We are unsure if the system is working properly. We have not run diagnostic codes on the system.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11101430
SteeringDriver assistance

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 Incident Steering · Electronic stability control (ESC)NHTSA 11096473
SteeringDriver assistanceEngine & coolingFire

The vehicle was hard to steer and smoke was coming from the engine. Took the car home, did not see flames, parked car in the driveway switched cars and left. Received a call from the fire department that my mini was on fire and I needed to return to my house.

Filed Incident Steering · Electronic stability control (ESC) · EngineNHTSA 11015001
Steering

The power steering in my 2004 mini cooper s failed last month, prompting me to research ways to fix the vehicle online. I found that mini usa had issued a recall on my car, but was informed by the dealership and then mini that my vin number did not fall among those vehicles recalled. I'm wondering whether mini appropriately limited their recall considering my vehicle has the same problem that prompted the recall, and falls within the same model and year range. I think the department should investigate whether to expanding the recall.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11012888
SteeringFire

Mini cooper power steering pump failure. Vehicle was recently driven and was parked on the street. We started the vehicle and backed up to pull out of the parking spot. There was no power steering. We had to attempt to back up again to get off of the street and in to the parking spot. A burning smell and smoke started from under the hood. The power steering pump and cooling fan had failed. There are documented issues with this failure. When I contacted the dealership, I was told the extended warranty for this issue expired in april. This happened june 12th.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10994950
Airbags

The airbag light is on for the passenger side pressure mat but the dealership indicates there is no open recall on this particular car even though many cars with similar problem were recalled. Scan tool indicates passenger side pressure mat. The dealership indicated this model was outside of the recalled vins. We don't know whether the airbag would work or not if it were needed.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10925000
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mini cooper. The contact stated that the vehicle's battery was located in front of the firewall above the gear box. The battery acid leaked onto two shifter cable linkages, which caused them to melt unexpectedly. The vehicle would not shift gears. The contact also stated that the same failure occurred one other time. The vehicle was repaired six months ago because of the same failure. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired again. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10896248
Steering

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mini cooper. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 15v660000 (steering) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10892817
Steering

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 nhtsa 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 Incident SteeringNHTSA 10884871
Steering

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mini cooper. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v660000 (steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be remedied; however, the contact believed that they did not inspect the vehicle. The contact was notified by a technician that it should have taken four hours to complete the inspection and perform any necessary repairs. The contact did not believe the repair was adequately performed. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 09/27/16*lj consumer stated the dealership said car was fine, consumer wants to know it if it was recalled why the parts were not replaced updated 6/12/18*jb

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10875543
Electrical systemBody, doors & structureBrakesFire

Driving down honda parkway I heard pop sound. Tpms light started flashing and smoke started coming out from under hood. I pulled off of road into a gas station. At that time I didn't have any power brakes.The car was fully engulfed in flames in about 10 mins. The fire dept put out fire.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Structure · Service brakesNHTSA 10874841
Steering

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mini cooper. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v660000 (steering); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The vin was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10850449

Mini Cooper S: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
200816402AirbagsF
20070400-C
20060100-A
20050200-B
200452921214SteeringF
20030200-B
20020100-A
All Cooper S years

2004 Mini Cooper S vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
2004 Mini Cooper S529212F
2004 Mini Cooper529412FCompare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

Own a 2004 Mini Cooper S? Share your experience.

Your experience goes live straight away and helps every owner and buyer who checks this vehicle. Anonymous, free, no account.

Overall, how would you rate it? *

0/4000 · Please leave out names, phone numbers and your full VIN.

By posting you confirm it's your own, honest experience and agree to the rules. Safety defect? Also report it to NHTSA - that's how recalls start.

Questions about the 2004 Mini Cooper S

Does the 2004 Mini Cooper S have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Mini Cooper S: electric power assist system (October 2015); pressure monitoring and regulating systems (July 2004). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mini Cooper S?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the steering (448), electrical system (34), transmission & drivetrain (28).

How many complaints has the 2004 Mini Cooper S had?

529 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 18, 2004 and the latest on May 14, 2025. Of these, 12 describe a crash and 14 a fire, and together they report 4 injuries and 1 death.

Is the 2004 Mini Cooper S a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 0 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Mini Cooper S year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Mini Cooper S years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2004 Mini Cooper S has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience