CarModelProblems.com

2004 Mini Cooper S Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 14.0× the fleet median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
247Complaints
2Recalls
7Crashes
5Fires
3Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Steering (81.8% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Steering complaints here are 14.0× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Steering202 · 81.8%RecalledRecall 15V660000
Electrical System18 · 7.3%not available
Visibility:windshield8 · 3.2%not available
Air Bags8 · 3.2%not available
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump6 · 2.4%RecalledRecall 15V660000
Steering:electric Power Assist System4 · 1.6%RecalledRecall 15V660000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

STEERING202 · 81.8%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18 · 7.3%
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD8 · 3.2%
AIR BAGS8 · 3.2%
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP6 · 2.4%
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM4 · 1.6%
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM3 · 1.2%
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS3 · 1.2%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3 · 1.2%
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS2 · 0.8%

Percentages are the share of the 247 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 2 campaigns

Steering:electric Power Assist System

NHTSA campaign 15V660000 · 2015 · reported 10/15/2015

If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

NHTSA campaign 04V348000 · 2004 · reported 07/12/2004

DUE TO THE LACK OF AN AUDIBLE SIGNAL, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE OF A FLAT TIRE, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“THE STEERING PUMP COOLING FAN STARTED TO FAIL AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO STATED THE STEERING RACK WAS LEAKING FLUID AND WAS…”NHTSA complaint 10417218 — filed 07/29/2011 · STEERING
“LOSS OF POWER STEERING. AT FIRST INTERMITTENT, NOW COMPLETE.”NHTSA complaint 10413788 — filed 07/20/2011 · STEERING
“LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIVING MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR. AT TIMES, THERE WOULD BE NO POWER STEERING ASSIST; RESTARTING THE…”NHTSA complaint 10412424 — filed 07/15/2011 · STEERING

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

42006612200835720108754201214182014312016412018262020

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mini Cooper S?

Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 202 of 247 NHTSA complaints (81.8%), followed by electrical system (18), visibility:windshield (8), air bags (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2004 Mini Cooper S have?

247 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 7 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 3 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2004 Mini Cooper S have any recalls?

Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15V660000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2004 Mini Cooper S's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.