2005 Mini Cooper Convertible

○ Not enough data

2005 Mini Cooper Convertible
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:35:06.649Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2005: 96 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2005	96
2006	27
2007	7
2008	9
2009	18
2016	13
2022	1
2025	1
2026	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

STEERING 82%

82% of complaints: steering — 79 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing pump.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

AIR BAGS 7%

7% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ANOTHER DRIVER CRASHED INTO HER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT COMPLETELY DEPLOY. AS A CONSEQUENCE SPARKS FROM THE AIR BAG SHORT, CAUSED HER COAT TO CATCH ON FIRE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20091026

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 4%

4% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing lock and latch.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20100924 — PE (closed 20110510)

Loss of Power Steering Assist

I 20110504 — EA (closed 20160105)

Loss of power steering assist

R 20151012 — air bags

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 (79 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 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 82% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.