Steering Is Tight Problems of Mini Cooper S

The VIN # of my 2002 Mini Cooper S was not included in the recall for the electrohydraulic steering failure of 2002 - 2005 Mini Cooper S but I am experiencing the exact issue outlined in this recall. The steering is incredibly hard to turn when parked, as well as while driving. I noticed that the recall had about 339 complaints and roughly 85,000 vehicles were recalled, so maybe at the time no one with a similar VIN as me complained.

See all problems of the 2002 Mini Cooper S 🔎.

Was driving the car on local roads and all of a sudden had a loss of power and steering was extremely hard to steer/turn.

See all problems of the 2006 Mini Cooper S 🔎.

Back in may of 2013 the power steering pump starting being very loud and making noises. The steering wheel is also quite hard to turn since then. This could end up badly when completely fails when I'm mid-turn or something. This needs to be fixed ASAP.

See all problems of the 2003 Mini Cooper S 🔎.

I was changing lanes to prepare to exit off the interstate while on my way to work. As I made the lane change noticed steering was tighter. After exiting the interstate, the vehicle was very hard to steer at the top of the exit ramp. The turn made was very wide nearly missing oncoming traffic. Suspect power steering pump has failed.

Power steering pump failed as I was exiting I-80 @ exit 56 returning home from work. As I started onto the exit ramp and began to curve to the right, the steering was very hard in the car which resulted in my having to force the wheel to the right. I also was braking at this point given the surprise of the tight wheel. I ended up on the shoulder of the ramp before gaining control of the car and reducing the speed. When I got to the top of the ramp and stopped, the pump began to work again. On 12/27 the pump failed again as I backed out of my garage. I pulled the car back into the garage and parked it until I can resolve this issue. I purchased the car used several months ago with 67k miles. I searched the forums to see if anyone else has had this issue and found many reports of pump/fan failures. This is a safety risk to anyone who owns one of these cars. I cannot imagine what would've happened had my wife been driving my car when the pump failed, it was all I could do to keep from wrecking into the median area.

See all problems of the 2004 Mini Cooper S 🔎.

The contact owns a 2003 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving 65 mph the power steering failed. The vehicle was driven onto the emergency lane because the steering wheel was very hard to maneuver. The dealer was contacted in regards to a recall and stated only a class action law suit was in progress. The contact was told to bring the vehicle into the dealer to be repaired at her own expense. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 58,000. Updated 08/31/ the power steering pump was replaced. Updated 09/12/11.

Intermediate power steering failure on 2002 Mini Cooper S. At first power steering would cut in and out when driving until it went dead completely but sometimes will resume function when you shut off car and restart. Steering is very hard when this occurs. Weeks passed with same symptoms then power steering pump will run constantly even with car shut off. To stop the pump from draining my battery I had to disconnect battery or remove the fuse that is connected to the powersteering pump. Now the car is operable without power steering but steering is rather hard.

My 2004 Mini Cooper S, of which I am the second owner has developed progressively worsening steering characteristics. Most times the steering is hard and typically its hardest at low speed. The steering under acceleration is notably of great concern as I have experienced erratic and unpredictable sudden pulls to the left and right without any driver input. The service history for this vehicle is consistent with the suggested service intervals. This is a major safety concern for me.

2003 Mini Cooper S, 90000 miles. Power steering wheel failure during normal driving. The steering wheel is extremely hard to turn manually, thus causing panic and real danger, because the car swerved out of a turn. Dealer says it is a common issue, and need to replace the fan or pump, repair price $1300. Mini needs to recall the car.