2004 MINI Cooper recalls and problems

The 2004 MINI Cooper has 2 safety recalls and 282 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any MINI dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

282

Crashes / fires

5 / 9

Injuries / deaths

1 / 1

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

2004 MINI Cooper 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 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Steering	247
Power Train	27
Electrical System	15
Visibility	7
Engine and Engine Cooling	6
Suspension	4
Engine	4
Structure	3
Unknown or Other	3
Tires	2
Wheels	2
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	2

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 10
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump — 6
Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 5
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 5
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 4
Visibility › Windshield — 3
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 3
Suspension › Rear — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 73,682 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 complaints

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

Steering · at 160,000 miles · reported May 14, 2025

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 road. The exact cause of the failure was not determined, and the vehicle was not…

Steering · reported Apr 26, 2022

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.

Unknown or Other · at 135,000 miles · reported Sep 30, 2019

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 vehicle striking the tree at a low impact and speed. Nc mv accident…

Steering · at 201,000 miles · reported May 24, 2019

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

Steering · at 200,000 miles · reported May 16, 2019

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.

Other MINI Cooper years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 MINI Cooper have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 MINI Cooper: 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?

Owners report steering problems most often (247 reports), followed by power train (27). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 73,682 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.