2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible recalls and problems

The 2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible has 1 safety recall and 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any MINI dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 4

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

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

2005 MINI Cooper S 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 S Convertible problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Steering	39
Air Bags	15
Power Train	6
Engine and Engine Cooling	3
Structure	2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Seats	1
Electrical System	1
Seat Belts	1
Engine	1
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility	1
Unknown or Other	1

Most reported parts

Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 2
Structure › Body — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 69,000 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 S Convertible complaints

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

Steering · reported Jun 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH, the steering wheel was significantly loose and turned excessively. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel felt like it would detach from the column. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

Steering · at 42,000 miles · reported Jun 27, 2017

Electric power steering pump has loud whine or moaning sound with only 42,000 miles on it. Fluid level is good and so far the power steering is still working. It does get louder while turning but also annoying when just idling.

Air Bags · reported May 15, 2017

Passenger airbag light has been on since 2013. Mechanics tell me that it is a weight-sensing mat on the seat. Mini recalled 2005 mini's but this one is not included in the recall. This is a very common problem with this year for this car.

Steering · at 22,000 miles · reported Apr 25, 2017

The contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s convertible. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, it was difficult to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that the power steering assist function failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the electro hydro power steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v660000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.

Steering · at 70,000 miles · reported Jan 27, 2017

The contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s convertible. The contact observed fluid leaking from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering hoses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the power steering pump failed previously. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Other MINI Cooper S Convertible years

2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 20062005

Compare all MINI Cooper S Convertible years · All MINI models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2005 MINI Cooper S 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 S Convertible?

Owners report steering problems most often (39 reports), followed by air bags (15). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 69,000 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.