2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible problems & reliability
61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible, alongside 1 safety recall campaign. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering → | 37 | 61% |
| Air Bags → | 15 | 25% |
| Power Train | 6 | 10% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | 5% |
| Structure | 2 | 3% |
| Electrical System | 1 | 2% |
| Engine | 1 | 2% |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 1 | 2% |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% |
| Seats | 1 | 2% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 12 reported components →Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Among the 55 complaints that included a usable odometer reading, the median reported incident mileage was 69,000 miles (middle 50% between 42,306 and 80,000 miles).
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH, the steering wheel was significantly loose and turned excessively. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel felt like it would detach from the column. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed…”
Steering · filed Jun 2, 2026
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mini cooper s convertible. The contact stated that the electric power steering was faulty. Mini of loveland (4055 byrd dr, loveland, co 80538, (970) 292-5020) was notified of the failure, but a diagnostic appointment was not scheduled. The dealer indicated that the vehicle was excluded from…”
Steering · filed Apr 1, 2019
“Electric power steering pump has loud whine or moaning sound with only 42,000 miles on it. Fluid level is good and so far the power steering is still working. It does get louder while turning but also annoying when just idling.”
Steering · filed Jun 27, 2017
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Loss of power steering assist
Engineering Analysis EA11005 · opened May 4, 2011 · closed Jan 5, 2016 · led to recall 15V660000
Technical service bulletins
23 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible. The 10 most recent:
MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can…
M610607 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 25, 2023
Programming a Replacement EGS Module with ISTA/P. Programming a replacement electronic transmission control module (EGS) with ISTA/P requires the manual entry of the correct target basic and programmed part numbers…
M240112 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 12, 2019
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 32 02 14 dated August 2014. SUBJECT Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle is No Longer Required. Left-hand drive steering spindles…
M320214 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 2016
Mini: some vehicles have turbocharger noise and a lack or loss of performance, due to restriction of turbocharger oil supply, resulting in oil starvation and seizing of turbocharger assembly. Model all. *pe
SIM-11-10-14 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2014
Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Limited Warranty Extension to 13 Years/150,000 Miles. On affected vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) pump can fail.
M010113 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 2014
Mini: models r50, r52, and r53 with the electro-hydraulic power-assist steering pump and cooling fans will have an limited warranty extension to 13 years/150,000 miles. *ta
SI M01 01 13 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 2014
MINI CVT Replacement Parts Warranty Extension: Additional 12 Months with Up to 50,000 Accumulated Miles. A MINI vehicle's CVT assembly or component that was previously repaired and/or replaced by an authorized MINI…
M010514 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 1, 2014
Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle. Supply shortage of left-hand drive steering spindles
M320214 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 1, 2014
MINI CVT Replacement Parts Warranty Extension: Additional 12 Months with Up to 50,000 Accumulated Miles. A MINI vehicle's CVT assembly or component that was previously repaired and/or replaced by an authorized MINI…
M010514 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 1, 2014
Mini: warranty coverage extension/repair expense reimbursement for the electro hydraulic power (assist) steering (ehps) pump, which has its own cooling fan, on some vehicles and not the electric power (assist) steering…
MC-10113 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 15, 2014
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible has 1 NHTSA recall campaign — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 69,000 miles — worth a pre-purchase inspection if the car is near that mileage.