2005 MINI Cooper S recalls and problems
The 2005 MINI Cooper S has 2 safety recalls and 314 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any MINI dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2005 MINI Cooper S vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2005 MINI Cooper S recalls
Recall 15V-660: Steering
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 15V-205: Air Bags
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 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 215 | |
| Air Bags | 78 | |
| Electrical System | 24 | |
| Power Train | 13 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 8 | |
| Seats | 8 | |
| Engine | 8 | |
| Unknown or Other | 6 | |
| Structure | 4 | |
| Suspension | 3 | |
| Visibility | 2 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Air Bags › Frontal — 11
- Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump — 5
- Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 5
- Suspension › Front — 3
- Structure › Body › Door — 2
- Air Bags › Side/Window — 2
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 2
- Visibility › Windshield — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 66,000 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 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other MINI Cooper S years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2005 MINI Cooper S have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 MINI Cooper S: 15V-660 (steering), 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?
Owners report steering problems most often (215 reports), followed by air bags (78). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 66,000 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.