Lose Power Steering problems of the 2005 Mini Cooper S

The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper S. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle lost power steering ability without warning and became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering pump failed. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v660000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000. The VIN was not available.

While driving on a 2 lane 2 way (1 per direction) rural road very windy on my daily commute into my office I lost power steering. I was on a straightaway and luckily not in a curve because the steering instantly became tight and at low speeds is almost unable to steer. I say almost because I I am able to drive with great effort and attention however any evasive movement for an emergency may cause me to be involved in an accident. I have seen mimi had a recall for the exact issue in canada but has not had a recall in the USA while we are having the exact problems. Mini also changed the steering pump/fan/wiring in the 2006 models which is the last year of production on the exact model I own. Obviously they (Mini) is aware and tried to fix the issue on their end without a recall.

While driving my Mini Cooper S '05, I suddenly lost power steering, which made it extremely difficult to steer. I feel threatened driving my car.

Lost power steering while driving my 2005 Mini Cooper S. All of a sudden, have no power steering. Very difficult to steer, but not impossible. Thank god I was not in a place that this could have caused an accident. I note that I can turn off the motor, then turn it back on and the steering is ok for a few minutes, then goes out again. I love my Mini cooper, but this is a serious safety problem. I am afraid to drive it now, if I can't count on the steering to function correctly.

While driving on the freeway (I-684) at 65 mph the vehicle lost power steering assist approx. 30 miles from my home. This made the car difficult to control, especially when taking turns in and off of exits. Much force was required to maintain control and steering the vehicle for the rest of the trip home. I will report this to Mini on Monday.

I started to hear this winding or loud humming sound, did not know where it was coming from. . It was examined by a mechanic,,and it was the power steering pump failing, and the electric cooling fan failing. Read about many problems with this steering pump on 2005 Mini's. The cost was $1226. 00 to replace. Even though I did not lost power steering, it could have happened at anytime.

On Tuesday, 5 April 2011, I drove my 2005 Mini Cooper S about 20 - 25 miles heading for work - I made a brief stop for coffee. The car operated properly during this drive, however, when I left the coffee shop I notice a very acrid smell in the area. When I got in my car and started it the "battery" indicator light was on. I check the owner's manual and it said this indicated the battery was not being charged. As the car was running I decided I could drive it to work and then address the charging issue. When I back out of the parking spot I realized I had also lost my power steering. I was concerned that my car might not be cooling as well, so moved the car to a spot further out in the parking lot to allow for a tow truck to pick it up. I realized the acrid smoke smell was still with me and decided to check under the hood. When I lifted the hood I found there was a fire in the engine compartment. Fortunately I carried a fire extinguisher and was able to put the fire out - the fire department also responded. The car was towed to sandia Mini cooper in albuquerque nm and I have since been informed that the power steering pump malfunctioned and caused the fire. From some research I have done on line it appears this is not an issue isolated to my vehicle, but that it was occurred in a number of cases.

My 2005 Mini Cooper S suddenly lost power steering as I was driving almost causing an accident. I've not had it in for repairs yet, but researching on the internet it seems many consumers have had the same problem. I have even read of those whose car caught on fire and am fearful of the same happening to me not to mention the extremely high cost of repair. Mini should recall the 2005 and fix this issue.

Lost power steering and ability to make turn easily.

2005 Mini Cooper S intermittently loses power steering, this happens without warning and renders the vehicle nearly impossible to steer. The first time it happened was on an elevated exit ramp and almost caused me to strike the safety wall. After a drastic slow down I was able to strong arm the vehicle back on course. This has happened several times since - most dangerous when it cuts out and the randomly comes back on causing severe over-steering.

My 2005 Mini Cooper S appears to have lost its power steering. Just happened today (11/22/10) as I was driving on the interstate. I did not lose control or anything like that. It just became exceedingly difficult to steer the car.

2005 Mini Cooper S, 50,000 miles on the odometer, loses power steering which causes significant problems at slow speeds. The car will still steer at faster speeds, but with very heavy, unpredictable response. The problem began with an increased droning noise when the steering wheel was in the neutral position which would diminish when the steering wheel was turned. The problem was intermittent, and therefore, I thought it was related to a low fluid level issue. I went to the dealership and purchased "special" steering fluid, and no mention was made to me about any steering pump defect. I installed the fluid to the recommended level with no change in response. I telephoned the dealership service department and the person who answered the phone said he knew the problem, and that I needed a new steering pump, cooling fan, hoses, and reservoir, and the cost of the work was $1600. 00. I then did internet research and learned that this problem is frequently experienced in 2004 and 2005 Mini cooper models. I then telephoned Mini cooper's corporate complain department and I was told to spend the money to repair the car. This problem is undoubtedly a persistent defect, and should be the subject of recall repair program.