Two problems related to steering failed have been reported for the 2006 Mini Cooper S. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2006 Mini Cooper S based on all problems reported for the 2006 Cooper S.
A problem developed with the steering wheel of my Mini cooper "s" (2006). The problem started somewhat gradually, over a period of several days to a week, during which the wheel became more and more difficult to turn. My vehicle has never been in an accident or in any sort of incident. It has less than thirty-five thousand miles on it. I took my Mini to an authorized Mini-cooper repair facility who informed me that the knock (sp?) sensor and steering motor had failed and needed replacement. This was at a cost of approximately $2,000. 00 dollars, however it did not resolve the issue. The steering wheel continues to be sluggish and difficult to maneuver. It is my belief that whatever is wrong with the steering is a design flaw, as no car with less than thirty-five thousand miles on it should exhibit such a strange and critical failure.
Sudden complete loss of power steering. Several days after the original battery failed and was replaced, there was a continuing sound like a fan or electric motor running constantly. This noise continued until the power steering ceased completely during a parking maneuver. After the steering failed the previously noted noise stopped.