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2005 MINI Cooper Convertible recalls and problems

The 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible has 1 safety recall and 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any MINI dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
96
Crashes / fires
3 / 5
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 MINI Cooper Convertible recalls

Recall 15V-205: Air Bags

Reported Apr 6, 2015 · 91,800 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2005 MINI Cooper Convertible problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering79
Air Bags7
Electrical System7
Power Train6
Latches/Locks/Linkages4
Unknown or Other2
Seats2
Engine2
Structure1
Suspension1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Service Brakes, Electric1

Most reported parts

  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump — 4
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Lock — 2
  • Suspension › Front — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 69,998 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · at 94,000 miles · reported Mar 8, 2023
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.
Power Train · reported Feb 18, 2022
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.
Steering · reported Dec 17, 2021
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.
Steering · reported Mar 24, 2021
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…
Steering · at 10,200 miles · reported Dec 30, 2017
The car stopped steering correctly. It is very difficult to turn the wheels. The power steering is gone. I started noticing the difference in the steering and then the steering progressively got worse. I called the service department of the dealership to ask if there should be a concern because the steering started after I had the recall service on the seat warmmer.

Other MINI Cooper Convertible years

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Compare all MINI Cooper Convertible years · All MINI models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible: 15V-205 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible?

Owners report steering problems most often (79 reports), followed by air bags (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 69,998 miles.

Are MINI recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized MINI dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.