Steering Failed problems of the 2002 Mini Cooper

Tl the contact owns a 2002 Mini Cooper. While driving approximately 50 mph, the steering wheel seized and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact powered off and restarted the vehicle, and was able to drive normally. In addition, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The contact, a certified mechanic, diagnosed that the steering pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not offer assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Mini Cooper. The contact was driving 20 mph when the steering assist failed. The dealer was notified and informed the contact that the steering rack, power steering pump and the fan might have to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 102,000.

The contact owns a 2002 BMW Mini Cooper. The contact stated the steering failed while driving at a low speed and had to be held with force with both hands in order to turn it, or keep the vehicle under control. There were no warning lights before or after the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic test that located the failure in the power steering pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated the failure was not recalled, and they would not assist with the repair. The failure and the current miles were 114,000. Updated 07/20/lj the consumer stated the vehicle then began to make a humming sound in which the power steering pump was running when the vehicle was off, which caused the battery to die. Updated 08/01/11.

Back in Feb 2008 the steering on my 2002 Mini Cooper just went out with no warning. I was left without power steering in the middle of the 101 freeway, which is very dangerous! I fixed the problem, which was very expensive as it was the entire steering system that failed and filed a complaint with Mini, I never heard back but continued to drive the car. Recently, September 2008 the transmission in that same car needs to be replaced. I have had nothing but major problems with this car and feel it may be a lemon. Mini is unwilling to help me as my car is no longer under warranty. I feel as though these problems could result in serious injury as there is no prior warning and I am concerned for all present and future Mini Cooper drivers.

(1) events leading up to failure - normal wear and tear, car driven 40k+ miles (2) failure & consequence - both bearings in the steering column began to fail. Details not exactly available since I didn't have the opportunity to inspect them, but bearings would grind when turning the steering wheel. Dealer told me that these would not impact driving safety, if not, what is their purpose? (3) corrective action - dealer replaced both bearings since car is still under warranty (50k miles). I inquired with dealer if Mini has either improved the design of the replacement bearings or if the original bearings had been improperly installed. Dealer stated that neither was the case and that it isn't/wouldn't be unusual for steering bearings to fail after 40k miles, which by today's standards is completely false!.