Six problems related to steering failed 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.
The steering knuckle on my car has become prematurely worn following a steering pump failure, and consequently, the steering has become imprecise and the car hard to control around curves. I was not made aware of the design defect (documented by dot) of the steering pump until I researched the steering issue and discovered there was an 'unofficial' recall to fix the pump. My complaint is that for two months, BMW USA still has the steering knuckle on back order. Meanwhile my vehicle is becoming harder to drive and will soon be a safety concern. It is imperative that dot force BMW USA to make this part available immediately because it is a crucial component in the safety of the vehicle.
Steering failure whilst on highway, headed to the grass curb, smoke in cabin (smelt of burning wire insulation). Did manage to release the hood and open to see if I could extinguish, fire was focused directly behind the engine under exhaust manifold. Nothing to due but wait for the fire truck, car completely burned front to back, nothing left to salvage.
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.
Was driving my son home from a soccer tournament, traveling about 70 mph, when the steering failed-I could only turn the steering wheel about 1" in each direction. Terrifying. The problem persists, and the car is unsafe to drive-I'll probably need to tow it to the mechanic.
Drove 70 mi from milltown, NJ to valhalla, NY on April 26. Power steering stopped functioning upon arrival. Turning off and restarting engine remedied the problem. On return trip, failure occurred just past essex tolls on garden state - about half way to return destination. Checked and topped fluid. The steering fails regularly according to this pattern. It appears that power steering pump cooling fan has stopped working. I will replace fan. If this does not remedy the situation, I will replace the power steering pump. I will retain the old parts.
Complete failure of steering column, it locks up during driving, can barely turn the wheel. This happens randomly during driving, even on a straight road not making any turns. Have to force car over onto shoulder and restart the car. Nothing bad has happened yet, but very dangerous when driving with kids in the car. All fluid levels check out, no warning lights about steering failure.