Electric Power Assist Steering System problems of the 2005 Mini Cooper S

While driving through a residential area, the wheel of the car became very hard to turn. It was determined that the electric hydraulic power steering pump (ehps) was malfunctioning. The fan of the ehps was not disengaging when the car ignition was turned off, therefore running down the battery and causing the ehps to not work correctly. The next day, with the same ehps, the power steering was working fine.

The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper S. While driving 30 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to move when the contact noticed a burning odor. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where he was informed that the electric power steering component had melted and needed to be repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was a concurrent investigation for the failure however, there were no recalls. The manufacturer offered no further assistance. No repairs were performed. The current and the failure mileages were 63,260. Updated 12/20/lj the consumer was informed the power steering unit had suffered a complete melt down which spread to the power steering hose and wiring harness. Updated 01/20/12.

Power steering stopped working near the end of a 15 mile drive to work. Power steering functioned normally on the drive home 9 hours later.

Power steering pump failure on 2005 Mini cooper leads to dangerous driving.

The contact owns a 2005 Mini cooper. The contact stated that shortly after powering off the ignition, he noticed smoke coming from the steering pump. The fire department arrived and cut the battery line. The dealer did not offer any assistance. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The contact replaced the steering pump. The current mileage was 40,746 and the approximate failure mileage was 40,540. Updated 9/13/11 the consumer repalcd the pump, fluid and other small parts. Updated 01/23/12.