Total Complaints
330 filings
MINI COOPER · model year
330 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2004MINICOOPER carries 330 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 5 crashes, 17 fires, 1 injury, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2004 COOPER is steering with 229 filings, followed by electrical system (15) and power train (12). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 6 investigation files overlapping the 2004 COOPER. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
330 filings
Crashes Reported
5 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| STEERING | 229 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 15 |
| POWER TRAIN | 12 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 10 |
| STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP | 6 |
| STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | 5 |
| STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | 5 |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 4 |
| ENGINE | 4 |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD | 3 |
| VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 3 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 3 |
| STRUCTURE | 2 |
| SUSPENSION:REAR | 2 |
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles and 2005 Cooper and Cooper S Convertible vehicles. The affected vehicles may experience temporary or permanent loss of the electro-hydraulic steering assistance.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLAT TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTLY PROGRAMMED. IN THE EVENT OF A FLAT TIRE, AN AUDIBLE SIGNAL WILL NOT SOUND TO ALERT THE DRIVER TO A FLAT TIRE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND A
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES
The contact owns a 2004 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000(STEERING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure, causing the driver to lose control of the steering and drive off the road. The exact cause of the failure was not determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160.000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mileage: 160,000
Mini felt like it was getting pushed by the wind . Realized wasn't wind Mini loss of completely all functions of steering wheel. On super busy highway. Devine intervention Was in far left car went left to right lanes then hit median gaurd rail spun around Finally got it to stop. Never Hitting and hurting anyone around me. Nobody hit me. Car is totalled ! Still at tow place. I saw my life flash as cars were zooming by me. Someone should be held responsible for my car and almost my life. Called out of work can't move upper body that well.
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2004 MINI COOPER HOME TRAVELING UPHILL ON A STEEP PAVED MOUNTAIN ROADWAY TRAVELING A MAXIMUM OF 15 MPH WHEN FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROADWAY; STRUCK A TREE WITH ITS LEFT FRONT AND BURST INTO AN EXPLODING FIRE KILLING MY WIFE WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO ESCAPE THE BURNING VEHICLE. THE NC STATE POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE AND DEATH. THEY DO NOT KNOW YET WHETHER THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE PRIOR TO STRIKING THE TREE BUT, FEEL THE FIRE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE VEHICLE STRIKING THE TREE AT A LOW IMPACT AND SPEED. NC MV ACCIDENT REPORT#[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT
Mileage: 135,000
MAINLY WHILE COLD AND AT LOW SPEED'S THE WHEEL SUDDENLY BECOMES VERY HARD TO TURN AND I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC BUT IT'S A FAULTY HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING PROBLEM
Mileage: 201,000
VERY HARD TO TURN STEERING WHEEL AT TIMES ESPECIALLY WHEN MOVING SLOWLY; COMING TO A TURN AT A LIGHT, BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, ETC.
Mileage: 200,000
2004 MINI COOPER PURCHASED NEW APROX 62 MILES ON IT AND THE CVT TRANSMISSION IS GONE & THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THIS, I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED AND WANT THIS FIXED AT NO COST TO ME. AT APROX. 50 TO 60 MPH THE CAR ENGINES GOES WAY BEYOND THE PROPER RPM.
Mileage: 62,000
2004 MINI COOPER PURCHASED NEW APROX 62 MILES ON IT AND THE CVT TRANSMISSION IS GONE & THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THIS, I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED AND WANT THIS FIXED AT NO COST TO ME. AT APROX. 50 TO 60 MPH THE CAR ENGINES GOES WAY BEYOND THE PROPER RPM.
Mileage: 62,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, AND WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V660000 (STEERING) AND NHTSA ACTION NUMBERS: EA11005 (STEERING) AND PE10038 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
POWER STEERING HAS BEEN AN ISSUE OVER A YEAR OR TWO. NO TOTAL FAILURES BUT IT DOES NOT QUALIFY AS POWER STEERING. THE COOLING FAN DOES NOT WORK. STEERING IS NOT GOOD....FOR POWERED STEERING THAT IS. SLOW SPEED STEERING IS HORRENDOUS AND NON EXISTENT.
Mileage: 20
I OWN A 2004 MINI COOPER. I WAS DRIVING AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING ALMOST CAUSING A ACCIDENT. THERE IS A OPEN RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. I CONTACTED MINI AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED WITH THE RECALL. I EXPLAINED THAT MY CAR WAS EXPERIENCING ALL THE ISSUES ADDRESSED IN THE RECALL, BUT THEY STILL WOULD NOT HELP ME OUT.
Mileage: 148,000
I OWN A 2004 MINI COOPER. I WAS DRIVING AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING ALMOST CAUSING A ACCIDENT. THERE IS A OPEN RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. I CONTACTED MINI AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED WITH THE RECALL. I EXPLAINED THAT MY CAR WAS EXPERIENCING ALL THE ISSUES ADDRESSED IN THE RECALL, BUT THEY STILL WOULD NOT HELP ME OUT.
Mileage: 148,000
MINI COOPER POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE. VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY DRIVEN AND WAS PARKED ON THE STREET. WE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND BACKED UP TO PULL OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT. THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. WE HAD TO ATTEMPT TO BACK UP AGAIN TO GET OFF OF THE STREET AND IN TO THE PARKING SPOT. A BURNING SMELL AND SMOKE STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND COOLING FAN HAD FAILED. THERE ARE DOCUMENTED ISSUES WITH THIS FAILURE. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE EXPIRED IN APRIL. THIS HAPPENED JUNE 12TH.
Mileage: 130,051
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY WAS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE FIREWALL ABOVE THE GEAR BOX. THE BATTERY ACID LEAKED ONTO TWO SHIFTER CABLE LINKAGES, WHICH CAUSED THEM TO MELT UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED ONE OTHER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED SIX MONTHS AGO BECAUSE OF THE SAME FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Mileage: 130,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V660000 (STEERING) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V660000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR DUE TO THE UPDATED PART PREVIOUSLY BEING INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Mileage: 180,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V660000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REMEDIED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THEY DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED BY A TECHNICIAN THAT IT SHOULD HAVE TAKEN FOUR HOURS TO COMPLETE THE INSPECTION AND PERFORM ANY NECESSARY REPAIRS. THE CONTACT DID NOT BELIEVE THE REPAIR WAS ADEQUATELY PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 09/27/16*LJ CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP SAID CAR WAS FINE, CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW IT IF IT WAS RECALLED WHY THE PARTS WERE NOT REPLACED UPDATED 6/12/18*JB
DRIVING DOWN HONDA PARKWAY I HEARD POP SOUND. TPMS LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM UNDER HOOD. I PULLED OFF OF ROAD INTO A GAS STATION. AT THAT TIME I DIDN'T HAVE ANY POWER BRAKES.THE CAR WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN ABOUT 10 MINS. THE FIRE DEPT PUT OUT FIRE.
Mileage: 135,000
DRIVING DOWN HONDA PARKWAY I HEARD POP SOUND. TPMS LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM UNDER HOOD. I PULLED OFF OF ROAD INTO A GAS STATION. AT THAT TIME I DIDN'T HAVE ANY POWER BRAKES.THE CAR WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN ABOUT 10 MINS. THE FIRE DEPT PUT OUT FIRE.
Mileage: 135,000
DRIVING DOWN HONDA PARKWAY I HEARD POP SOUND. TPMS LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM UNDER HOOD. I PULLED OFF OF ROAD INTO A GAS STATION. AT THAT TIME I DIDN'T HAVE ANY POWER BRAKES.THE CAR WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN ABOUT 10 MINS. THE FIRE DEPT PUT OUT FIRE.
Mileage: 135,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V660000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.