2002 MINICooper power steering failure after power steering pump replaced. The car had no power steering within 700 miles of having the power steering pump and pump fan replaced and now am told it is the power steering pump cable.

- Trumbull, CT, USA

Intermediate power steering failure on 2002 MINICooper 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.

- Woodhaven, NY, USA

I read last week about possible sudden loss of power steering associated with 04-05 MINImodels. I have an 02 MINICooper S and have had the same problem approx 6 times in the last 4 years. With no warning, the power steering will suddenly disappear. I can steer the car, but only with significant effort. My mechanic cannot find any problem. I have not had any accidents as a result of this. I'm not certain, but it appears this might happen more frequently when the road is wet.

- Sandy Springs, GA, USA

Power steering failure caused hard steering and supreme scare. Prior intermittent on/off of power steering pump previous week. Had to replace pump and fan motor. Old pump is not available.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

My 2002 MINICooper S had an incident approximately six months ago when I completely lost power steering while going a low rate of speed. I was able to muscle the steering for a couple of minutes until the power steering returned. This occurred once more but very briefly in front of my house some time later. I did not do anything about this problem either time but I saw a story in usa today on MINIsteering problems (29 Sept) and instantly recalled my problem. I am certain it is related to the MINIsteering issue now being investigated by the NHTSA.

- Springfield, VA, USA

Power steering in my 2002 MINICooper failed. Steering vehicle became very difficult with little ability to turn vehicle. Repair required a new elec. Stg pump and cooling fan ($602) plus labor of $384 for a total of $986.

- Amagansett, NY, USA

Recent news reports alerted me about the investigation into MINIpower steering failures in 2004-05 MINICoopers. I am writing to report that a few years ago, I experienced intermittent power steering failure in my 2002 MINICooper (at about 70K) making steering very difficult. Because the problem would come and go, it was difficult for my repair shop to find the root cause. Eventually, the power steering pump was replaced.

- Chicago, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2002 MINICooper. While the contact was driving approximately 2 mph, there was a loss of power steering which caused difficulty in turning the steering wheel. The engine was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was able to continue in operation. The failure occurred four different times. The contact stated the power steering fluid reading was at the correct capacity level. Also, he mentioned that the power steering fan motor could have possibly overheated, causing the failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 98,500.

- Greenville, SC, USA

1. driving in normal conditions, car starts over heating. 2. constant power steering failure. Has happened 2 times since I have owned the vehicle. (3 year span) and also 2 times for the original owner. 3. the car was taken to the dealership for repairs. Old parts are not available.

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

Power steering pump failure. Complete loss of power assist. Just happened in the middle of a turn during normal driving.

- Woodside, CA, USA

2002 MINICooper S power steering pump failed leaving car with very heavy steering. Car traveled into oncoming traffic but no damage or injury occurred. I have old ps pump available.

- Richmond, VA, USA

2002 MINICooper S power steering pump failure. Pump had stopped while driving the car previously. Now, pump continues to run after turning off the engine.

- Brighton, MI, USA

The power steering pump on 2002 MINICooper S has repeatedly seized up when driving over a course of a few months and now it wont turn off when the car is off so the battery drains out.

- Cambridge, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2002 MINICooper S. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 mph and the power steering failed. He stated that the power steering failure occurred no matter the speed and has occurred at other speed levels. He called the dealership and was told that they would not inspect the vehicle without him paying a diagnostic fee. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000. The current mileage was appproximately 67,500.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

The new minis from BMW, ranging from 2002 - 2005, have chronic problems with the power steering failing while driving, making the cars suddenly impossible to steer. This is not an isolated problem. I've searched the web and found hundreds of people complaining about this very same thing. Here's a link to a bbc story about it. www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2009/02/mini_steering_system_failures.html.

- Apo, AE, USA

2002 MINICooper, power steering pump shorted out causing a small fire which destroyed the pump, fan, wiring harness, power steering line. Car had less than 50,000 miles on it. Cost of repair over 1200 dollars.

- Bernville, PA, USA

2002 MINICooper. Power steering quit (my wife driving and by herself) in a turn with oncoming traffic. No injuries but very close.

- Bainbridge Island, WA, USA

2002 MINICooper power steering hydraulic assist fails without warning making car difficult to steer. Failure is intermittent and may occur on the highway or on surface roads. In either case there is absolutely no warning.

- Boerne, TX, USA

2002 MINIcooper C power steering pump failure with only 50K miles.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

My 2002 MINICooper electrohydraulic power steering (ehps) pump will not shut off causing associated wiring to become dangerously hot (smells like an electrical fire). This is a common problem with the MINICooper and there needs to be a recall. I am trying to figure out how to keep my MINIfrom catching fire.

- San Diego, CA, USA