2005 Mini Cooper Convertible
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 96 |
| 2006 | 27 |
| 2007 | 7 |
| 2008 | 9 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2016 | 13 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
78% of complaints: steering — 75 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH AFTER EXITING HIS DRIVEWAY, HE SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210324
PARKED AT SHOPPING MALL AND NOT RUNNING FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES, COME OUT TO MINI COOPER ON FIRE. SMOKE COMING OUT OF ENGINE AREA, HIGH PITCH FAN WHIRLING, ELECTRICAL SMELL. POWER STEERING FAILED, SHORTED OUT, AND CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150508
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, SHE NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131009
7% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIRE5% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Loss of Power Steering Assist
Loss of power steering assist
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to November 28, 2006, and 2005-2008 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible vehicles manufactured...
Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. The recall began on October 12, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Campaign 15V205000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Mini Cooper Convertible — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (75 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V205000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 78% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.