10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 4 / 7
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 2 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 69,035 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
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« Read the previous 20 complaints
2006 MINICooper S: power steering failure intermittent failure of power steering--at first. Very frightening experience. Very dangerous. Now there is no power steering. I've never had such an experience in any automobile. I investigated this experience online and find a number of similar experiences. I'm very troubled by such a flaw in the engineering of this vehicle.
- South Portland, ME, USA
Power steering fan about to fail, was advised to replace to prevent power steering pump failure. Independent mechanic made the assessment and advised the repair. This is known issue in 2004-2006+ minis and am reporting to make sure there are enough data points and consumer reports of the incidence.
- Cedar Crest, NM, USA
Power steering pump. Complete failure while operating vehicle.
- Bay Village, OH, USA
The contact owns a 2006 MINICooper convertible. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph the power steering completely failed and the vehicle was difficult to control. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who advised the contact of the pricing and it was too costly. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
- Naples, FL, USA
2006 MINICooper S jcw gp first time in 2008 just noticed fan would come on more often and power steering whined louder. Dealer at main line MINIreplaced. Second time in 2010 steering wheel felt like it lost power but regained during occasional turns. Dealer claimed it was due to aftermarket parts (camber plates) but then replaced it anyways cause main mechanic drove it and noticed play in steering.
- Watsonville, CA, USA
After pulling into my driveway and going inside the house for a few minutes - we noticed a very chemical/plastic smell. We quickly found it was coming from outside, only to find our 2006 MINIS spewing black smoke from under the hood. There was a fire, found to be caused by the power steering cooling fan failing, and causing the power steering pump to overheat and start on fire. I have found numerous blogs and complaint pages on this problem. I haven't the money to repair this problem at this time, and so the car still sits. This seems to be a problem the manufacturer is responsible for, even after warranty. "preventively replacing" the parts is also a ridiculous thing to expect vehicle owners to do. Updated 10/13/10 pictures received. Updated IVOQ 10/21/10
- Plymouth, MI, USA
Power steering pump failure @ 49,000 miles.
- Macomb Twp, MI, USA
- Kansas City, KS, USA