2005 Mini Cooper S 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 | 61 |
| 2006 | 36 |
| 2007 | 8 |
| 2008 | 7 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
61% of complaints: steering — 37 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING APPROX. 15 MILES - MOSTLY INTERSTATE - TO ATTEND A FRIEND'S BIRTHDAY DINNER. WHILE PULLING INTO THE PARKING LOT, LOST POWER STEERING AND ALL INDICATOR WARNING LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140711
POWER STEERING PUMP ON MY DAUGHTER'S CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE ABOUT THREE (3) WEEKS AGO WHILE SHE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, LUCKILY SHE THOUGHT ENOUGH AND TURNED THE CAR OFF SO THE DAMAGE WAS ONLY TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND WIRING HARNESS .
NHTSA ODI report, 20131211
MY BROTHER WAS DRIVING MY 2005 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE WHEN HE SMELLED WIRES BURNING AND SMOKE, WENT TO PULL OVER AND THE CAR WAS HARD TO CONTROL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130930
25% of complaints: air bags — 15 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
3% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file.
3% of complaints: steering — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 S Convertible — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (15 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 S 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 S Convertible?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Mini Cooper S 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.