Is the 2004 Mini Cooper reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Mini Cooper is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mini Cooper?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 88% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Mini Cooper have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2004 Mini Cooper

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2004 Mini Cooper
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 282
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Steering

Complaints per year

2004: 282 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2001	6
2002	187
2003	320
2004	282
2005	372
2006	200
2007	117
2008	115
2009	151
2010	92
2011	83
2012	66
2013	47
2014	34
2015	56
2016	28
2017	28
2018	8
2019	12
2020	7
2021	7
2022	6
2023	7
2024	1
2025	1
2026	2

Known problem areas

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

Steering

88% · 247 reports

Most commonly citing pump and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Mini felt like it was getting pushed by the wind . Realized wasn't wind Mini loss of completely all functions of steering wheel. On super busy highway.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-04-26

I was driving to work my steering all of a sudden became hard to turn I hit the curb and blew two tires.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-24

Lost power steering at highway speed due to power steering pump failure. Short circuit or fire melted power steering pump wiring harness. Damage was caused to other portions of electrical wiring harness by fire, resulting in blown fuses.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-23

Also filed under Electrical system

Power train

10% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

FIRE

Electrical system

5% · 15 reports

FIRE

Visibility

2% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing windshield and power window devices and controls.

Engine and engine cooling

2% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and engine.

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Vent fan in motor compartment spontaneously caught fire causing damage to various electrical components and smoke damage.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-03-22

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2004Complaint volume 282 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2004-10-13Tires04V348000 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-12-17Exterior lighting08E050000 K2 motor is recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform…

Remedy: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. Owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2010-09-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-05-10 Loss of Power Steering Assist
I
2011-05-04Engineering analysisClosed 2016-01-05 Loss of power steering assist
R

2016-03-04Steering15V660000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Mini Cooper — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Steering: 247 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 27 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 15 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 04V348000 · Tires
Recall 08E050000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 15V660000 · Steering

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2004 Mini Cooper reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Mini Cooper is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mini Cooper?: The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 88% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Mini Cooper have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.