Electric Power Assist Steering System Problems of Mini Cooper

2005 Mini Cooper. Consumer writes in regards to catastrophic electric power steering pump failure. The consumer stated while driving in heavy, rapidly moving traffic, the electric steering failed. An inspection revealed the electric power steering motor had stopped, quite likely due to the failure of the auxiliary fan. The consumer was quoted a price of $ 1100 for the parts alone.

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I am the original owner of a 2004 Mini Cooper s, now with a power steering problem. The power steering repeatedly fails for no detectable reason--this according to my Mini/BMW mechanic. I drive the car for approximately 15 miles and the power steering fails. I shut the car off, let it cool and restart it. It returns to normal and then again fails after a few miles. The on-board computer records the failure, but does not explain it in a way that would suggest a solution. The car's computer reads: "fault stored: short circuit/open circuit at control unit. " hence, my mechanic has no idea of how to fix it short of replacing the entire system which, as he says, is no guarantee that the problem will stop. As it is, the car is unsafe to drive, and I will no longer permit my wife to drive it. I do hope the NHTSA will look into this issue. I read online that allegedly is investigating the issue, and I would be happy to provide my mechanic's written evaluation if it would contribute to your research. The steering now fails each time I drive the automobile. Thank you for your attention.

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Driving on highway entering turn, and car was hard to steer, had to jerk wheel to avoid hitting another car. When will something be done with mine and others who have this issue. Does it take a death for car dealers to be held accountable.

Without warning, in March 2011, my power steering failed. Service determined the cooling fan for the electrohydraulic steering pump motor in my 2005 Mini Cooper needed to be replaced--intake manifold and fan with protecting grille. No mention was made that a further failure, of the pump itself, could occur. In June 2011, the electrohydraulic steering pump motor failed whilst I was driving on the highway. Service revealed the failure was due to an internal short circuit and said pump was replaced.

Power steering failure while driving; had new steering rack/pump installed at 90,000, worked fine for a year and now the power steering has failed for the second time; a new steering pump/rack needs to be installed. . .

Unexpected and permanent power steering failure.

The contact owns 2004 Mini Cooper. While the contact was driving approximately between 25 to 30 mph, there was a slight loss of power steering without warning. The failure was a continuous occurrence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,441 updated 02/01/lj the power steering pump had to be replaced. 03. 22. 11.

The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper. While parked outside of a retirement center, the contact was informed that his vehicle was on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire and unplugged the battery because it appeared to be an electrical fire. The vehicle is currently parked at the contact's residence. Through research, the contact discovered that the failure was due to the electrical power assist on his rack and pinion. The manufacturer was aware of the failure, but there were no recalls available. The contact believes that the failure was due to a manufacturer defect and a recall should be issued. There were no injuries. The current and failure mileages were 85,000.

I am the owner of a 2003 Minicooper. The power steering pump has failed on my Mini in addition to the cooling fan and the wiring harness to the pump. This is a consistent problem with all Mini Coopers made between 2002 and 2006. It is a poor design that results in an expensive repair that will only repeat itself because the repair does not solve the issue of placement of the pump right over the catalytic converter. It I has also on numerous occasions resulted in fires in the engine compartment.

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Without notice, the battery died. Upon install of a new battery, a fan started running before the vehicle was turned on. An independent mechanic and the dealer confirmed that the electrical steering pump and steering pump fan had failed and needed replacing. The dealer where I purchased it said I needed to take the vehicle to the dealer where I last had it serviced. I contacted corporate services who informed me that I was eligible for a goodwill warranty extension provided I took to the vehicle for inspection at the dealer where I last had it serviced. The service dealer, and corporate relations, would not provide a goodwill extension because they maintained that my mechanic caused the steering pump to fail. The dealer offered to repair the parts for about $1900 for a new pump and $140 for a new fan. After some research, including information the dealer told my mechanic, this failure is a regular problem with the earlier Mini models and the dealers keep additional parts in stock to repair vehicles as they come in. Additionally, I read that Mini subsequently changed the design of this component to rectify the problem but never informed prior owners of this change. Moreover, I also read that this problem has been happening with Mini during the initial 50,000 miles of ownership, and in some cases the failure of the pump fan has caused engine fires while the vehicle is in operation.

Driving to work and power steering system failed without warning. This failure created a dangerous situation. I was able to control the car, but it took a tremendous amount of effort. Had my wife been driving, it is likely that she would lost control.

The wiring harness to the electrical power steering pump and the pump itself failed without warning. This caused an unsafe condition. Phone interview update (3/23/07): mr. Kirk started his vehicle and found there was no power steering. He checked and found white smoke was coming from the power steering unit. The dealer mechanic told him the power steering harness was corroded and shorted as seen in other Mini Cooper that they serviced, and that mr. Kirk was lucky that his vehicle didn't catch fire.