2004 Mini Cooper S
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 83 |
| 2003 | 217 |
| 2004 | 247 |
| 2005 | 314 |
| 2006 | 186 |
| 2007 | 249 |
| 2008 | 168 |
| 2009 | 119 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 31 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 24 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
82% of complaints: steering — 202 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, COULDN'T TURN WHEEL ,HIT CURB. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130323
MY POWER STEERING IS FAILING. IT CAUSES MYSELF OR WHEN MY WIFE DRIVES (WITH BOTH MY YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE CAR) TO COME AND GO INTERMITTENTLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130315
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING PUMP CAUGHT ON FIRE, MELTING ALL OF THE WIRES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121009
7% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON MY WAY UP DRIVEWAY I NOTICED A SHARP STINGING SENSATION IN THE LUMBAR OF MY BACK. FELT SORT OF LIKE AN "CONTINUOUS ELECTRIC SHOCK".
NHTSA ODI report, 20100725
3% of complaints: visibility — 8 distinct reports on file.
3% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
ALL MODELS FROM 2005 ONWARD HAVE BEEN RECALLED, YET EARLIER MODELS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH NON FUNCTIONING AIRBAGS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190630
AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ILLUMINATED. WE ARE UNSURE IF THE SYSTEM IS WORKING PROPERLY. WE HAVE NOT RUN DIAGNOSTIC CODES ON THE SYSTEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180612
2% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLAT TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTLY PROGRAMMED. IN THE EVENT OF A FLAT TIRE, AN AUDIBLE SIGNAL WILL NOT SOUND TO ALERT THE DRIVER TO A FLAT TIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE VEHICLE'S SOFTWARE IN ORDER TO ACTUATE THE FLAT TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM'S AUDIBLE SIGNAL. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 13, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MINI CUSTOMER RELATIONS
Campaign 04V348000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of Power Steering Assist
Loss of power steering assist
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles and 2005 Cooper and Cooper S Convertible vehicles.
Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the electro-hydraulic power steering system, replacing the components and wiring, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 10, 2015.
Campaign 15V660000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Mini Cooper S — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (202 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V348000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V660000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Mini Cooper S reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Mini Cooper S is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mini Cooper S?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 82% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Mini Cooper S have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.