2004 MINI Cooper S recalls and problems

The 2004 MINI Cooper S has 2 safety recalls and 247 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any MINI dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
247
Crashes / fires
7 / 5
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 MINI Cooper S vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 MINI Cooper S recalls

Recall 15V-660: Steering

Reported Oct 15, 2015 · 86,018 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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.

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.

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.

Recall 04V-348: Tires

Reported Jul 12, 2004 · 1,193 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

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.

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.

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.

2004 MINI Cooper S problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering215
Electrical System19
Visibility12
Air Bags8
Engine and Engine Cooling3
Seat Belts3
Seats3
Wheels2
Power Train2
Latches/Locks/Linkages2
Tires2
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)2

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Windshield — 8
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump — 6
  • Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 4
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 3
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 3
  • Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light — 1
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 74,000 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 2004 MINI Cooper S complaints

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

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 116,543 miles · reported Jul 20, 2020
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.
Steering · reported Nov 26, 2019
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.
Air Bags · reported Jun 30, 2019
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!
Air Bags · at 121,348 miles · reported Jun 12, 2018
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.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 165,000 miles · reported Aug 14, 2017
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.

Other MINI Cooper S years

Compare all MINI Cooper S years · All MINI models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 MINI Cooper S have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 MINI Cooper S: 15V-660 (steering), 04V-348 (tires). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 MINI Cooper S?

Owners report steering problems most often (215 reports), followed by electrical system (19). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 74,000 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.