Four problems related to electric power assist steering system have been reported for the 2004 Mini Cooper S. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Mini Cooper S based on all problems reported for the 2004 Cooper S.
Power steering intermittently working causing severe oversteer while entering highway traffic. Had no indication of problem while on interstate. Upon exiting interstate on a 30 mph loop steering failed . Presently power steering is intermittent so the wife no longer gets to drive the cooper. Good fortune was with me and I have driven cars without powersteering. Even so I was caught off guard and I am hopeful this report will prevent others which may be less fortunate or experienced. The Mini dealership didn't seem to care.
The vehicle's power steering failed without warning while driving down the road. This caused the vehicle to be very difficult to steer. The car is almost impossible to drive.
Power steering just cuts off while driving for no reason. You have to stop the vehicle and turn off engine and then turn it back on to (I guess) reset the power steering. This is impossible if you are driving on a road that you cannot pull over and especially on a curvy road.
Loss of power steering. At first intermittent, now complete.