Mini Cooper Owners & Lessees File Class Action Lawsuit Complaint Against BMW Over Allegedly Defective Power Steering System in Mini Cooper.
A class action lawsuit has been filed against BMW of North America, LLC (“BMW” or “Defendant”) in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey (styled Deenie Glass v. BMW of North America, LLC) alleging, among other things, that BMW designed and manufactured Mini Cooper brand automobiles model years 2002 to 2009 with a defective power steering system that purportedly manifests itself without warning, rendering the Mini Cooper vehicle uncontrollable in traffic and potentially resulting in fire in the engine compartment, according to the BMW Mini Cooper power steering system class action lawsuit complaint.
The BMW Mini Cooper power steering system class action lawsuit complaint is reportedly brought on behalf of a putative class consisting of the following:
All persons who purchased and/or leased a 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and/or 2009 Mini Cooper (the “Class”). Excluded from the Class are Defendants’ officers, directors and employees, and any individual who received remuneration from the Defendants to act as an endorser of the Vehicles.
For more information on the BMW Mini Cooper power steering system class action lawsuit, read the BMW Mini Cooper class action lawsuit complaint.
If You Have Thoughts On TheBMW Mini Cooper Power Steering SystemClass Action Lawsuit, Share Your Class Action Comments Below.
I had a power steering pump fail on my 02 cooper, but they fixed it, and I got on with my life!
Well aren’t you a lucky SOB!!! I’m on my 2nd power steering pump…Care to share some $$$$$$$ With me?
I was driving my 2003 mini cooper s to work today 27 apr 2012 power stearing went out and engine was on fire. Whats the deal mini? Cars in the shop!!!!
The problem is not with the steering pump, the problem is with the way the car is constructed. If you are turning and go over a bump the steering shakes back and forth and can cause the car to lose control. My wife has almost gone off the road multiple times. She’s complained to the Mini store but they say there is no problem that they know of.
To you, Brett and Terry…….
Brett…..consider yourself fortunate, since BMW wasn’t helping, admitting fault, or anything else, until recently. Now, if you pester them enough, they may pay for a portion of parts……but NOT labor.
As far as your case, Terry…….I can’t believe someone that is smart enough to come on this site and post a message like you did….can’t read the other posts, which all of the info is the same. POWER STEERING FAILURE………some, at highway speeds…..where you almost totally lose control because of the strength it requires for you to do the work of the ELECTRICALLY ASSISTED POWER STEERING PUMP…..and usually, it has blown the fuse…..so you have to do the work of the pump, while power is being sent to the front wheels. It is NOT a problem with the “construction” of the car…..it is in the design of the power steering system AND the fan that cools the steering pump, while hooked into the charging system of the car.
Terry let me guess your another wanna me mechanic? The problem is you need an your suspension checked along with your head!!!! Teach your wife how to drive….Get back when the PS pump fails….
02 mini s… 100,000 miles, power steering pump dies.. barely steerable without power steering.. quite a common problem and expense.. look on the internet. BMW goofed when they built that part of the car. At least $450 for the pump plus $150 to install it… much more with BMW or their assigns. Hope the class actions succeeds as they have put something out that is quite dangerous.
I had 60k On my 04 Cooper S and the PS Pump failed. I now have 71k and guess what Failed again…I hope they do something about this. I don’t have a job I can’t afford the 900 smackers every year to get this fixed
I really hope this class action lawsuit comes through, I have spent an enormous amount of money in trying to fix my mini, it is ridiculous.
As of today 11/23/2010- Sad to say that my 2003 MINI COOPER is still in the shop, I have replaced so many parts on the vehicle, have spent over $9, 800 to date and still having problems with the steering, electrical wiring and other, I hope and pray that this class action lawsuit comes through for all it’s innocent victims, MINI/BMW needs to correct this deffective issue.
My girl died in 2006 age 22 in 2008 I found out about the power steering design flaw from BBC watch dog from day one people have ask for this car to be recalled. BMW have robbed my girl Claire pump failed unable to move the steering wheel.in the reports on the internet people have replaced four pumps on one car.which means after fitting a new one the car still will crash and fire.reports BMW unable to keep up with demand.BMW z4 crash which is fitted with the same pump.one lady crash several time BMW computer unable find fault they let her drive it.
Just nought an 03 Mini cooper and power steering went out and then started wokring again. Then transmission failed and is at shop> I started looking for trans and found all these complaints for the same problems!!! I want to join class action suit please contact me!!
My car is a 2007 Cooper, 45,000 miles. Needs transmission, dealer is covering 65% of repairs. My cost is still 2,500. I didn’t buy a supposedely “high quality” , reliable car to have to pay for costly repairs. Please contact me with any info on lawsuits
I have a 2003 mini cooper , it had happen to me . I almost hit guard rail when turning . BMW needs to step up and fix it. My car started to get hard on turning and I cranked on the steering when power steering started to work again and I almost slammed into the guard rail from cranking the steering wheel . Its very dangerous for the average person on getting into a crash. I’m diesel mechanic , I have worked on cars and trucks all my life . This is not normal ware and tare . Very bad design . BMW is just trying make a quick buck . Trying to get you buy a new pump and pay for labor. Now your stuck on buying a new pump . I also would want join a class action suit please contact me
My daughter and grand daughter wer almost home when her mini just locked up. Luckily no one was hurt. Local mechanic towed the vehicle. I was there when he pulled the transmission plug and I had to watch as all sorts of metal came pouring out. We recoverd transmission gear pieces and bearing pieces. It’s the 5 speed manual transmission and the cost of a replacement from a junk yard is $1800 not including instalation. These cars are dangerous. Unfortunately she still owes $8000 dollars on that car. If I get a used transmission it could just happen again. I had also noticed that her power steering was making a “whirling” noise when the car was shut off and from what I have read on the forums I am guessing that the power steering pump is also ready to go out. Please get somewhere with this suit. How do I join in???
How do we join the class action suit? My transmission just went and I only have 45k miles!!! 2005 mini cooper.
I have a mini cooper 2003 that had a transmission issue. Last November the CVT transmission went out without warning on a busy highway. Costs me over $6000.00 to have it fixed not to mention the nightmare of being without a car for months. I would like to know if there are any class action suits in Florida regarding this transmission issue. My car had only 30,000 miles on it when this happened.
I purchased a 2007 mini with factory installed GPS. The GPS crashed when the break sensor activated. BMW’s fix is to simply install an new system at a cost of $2,500. They seem mystified at the possibility of a defective electrical system. Has anyone else had this issue? Am I the only fool who spent $2,500 on this option?
I own a 2004 Mini Cooper which caught on fire minutes after I exited the vehicle. I have noticed power steering problems but just filled up the resvoir. The car is considered a total loss.
Eric, my 2012 countryman spontaneously caught fire 2 weeks ago resulting in a total loss. Mini USA has been no help at this point. I am at a loss at this point as to what my next step is. What was the outcome of your ordeal and what steps did you take? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I was parked and exited the vehicle and judging by the surveillance cameras, the car was engulfed in approximately 8 mins. Thanks
My 40k miles 2004 automatic Mini Cooper just stall yesterday (4/8/11) when you put in reverse gear. I want to join the class action suit. Please let me know how I can join.
All is did was STALL??? What does that have to do with POWER STEERING????? Get a clue and learn how to drive…IT’S a USED CAR!!!YOU JUST BOUGHT SOMEONE ELSES PROBLEMS!!!DUH!!!
My 05 cooper’s steering died like all the others. 99k on the clock. Let me in on some recovery.
2005 Mini Cooper, been having the intermittent problems with the power steering for a year now. Mini refuses to address it calling it “an isolated problem” and telling me to spend over $1000 to have the pump replaced.
Last Sunday, Easter……I was on my way home from visiting my Mom. 70mph and all of a sudden I had no power steering. I have owned this Mini since June of 2010. In my research online and at the repair shop it was towed to, I have learned that there are 3 issues with the steering. Some of the comments above, concerning a whirring noise when the engine is shut off, is the power steering pumps cooling fan, NOT shutting off, due to a bad relay switch, which can catch the wiring on fire. If it quits before catching the wiring on fire, you should be able to find some of the wiring and plug for the fan, melted. Mine, apparently was shorting out, and killing the battery as I drove. The people who checked mine out, wondered why a 10 amp fuse was in the fuse box where a 5 amp fuse was supposed to be. I explained I had bought this less than a year ago……so obviously, the former owner had problems, traded it to a dealership here where I live…..after stuffing a 10 amp fuse in it. They couldn’t detect anything else as they worked on my car…….so I had to use my rental to go downstate to pick it up yesterday. The shop charged me $100 for the time spent on it, while also giving me a handful of 5 amp fuses, just in case. Well, I drove toward home, only to lose steering again……so I’m now having to take it into a local shop (NOT BMW OR COOPER!!!)……
The steering pump, online at carpartswarehouse.com…….is between $400 and $500……depending on if it’s remanufactured, or new. The steering pump cooling fan is $135. The shop that checked mine out said they charge $1500 to do the whole job……and NO. They aren’t a dealership.
I’d also like to find out how to join the suit. By the way….my Mini is an ’02 with 36,800 showing on the clock.
Just realized that in the last part of this story is a link highlighted in Blue. It says, complaint…….click on it to find the info about the attorneys handling this.
PLEASE tell me how to be part of this lawsuit.
My 2004 mini has the same steering problem.
It comes and goes. It almost got me killed.
I have an 04 cooper S, Lost the power steering in the middle of making a turn, almost hit a telephone pole. BMW nor the dealship gave a flying Sh!t. Cost me over 900 smackers out of pocket to get it fixed…Guess what…Not even 1 year later…Power steering out again!!! FML…I need to be apart of this lawsuit!! I need and want my money back…I gotta get it fixed again……
I also have an 2003 Mini Cooper with Steering Problems, at low speeds less than 15 mph it’s like driving a LOG WAGON. My Wife and I purchased the Car used last October, this is the first real problem we’ve had. I owned one in England several years ago. I was quite upset when I Learned that it would cost 1350 to fix it, and that wasn’t warranted. Please contact us, maybe we can recover some of the expense. Thanks
PLEASE tell me how to be part of this lawsuit.
My 2005 mini has the same steering problem.
A few days ago I experienced the loss of power steering and looked on-line to see what the problem may be. I was confronted with several sites touting this frequent occurrence in several years of Mini Coopers. I had my car repaired in the next few days to the tune of $1,090 at the dealer. When I spoke to the service tech about the many cases of this problem he said he knew about it and that Mini was debating a recall but that nothing has been decided yet. With the sheer number of similar cases, and involving a safety concern equal to Toyota’s acceleration problems, I can’t imagine what is taking so long for the NTSB to demand a recall and Mini to come clean. The folks at Mini have projected an image of love for their owners, show us the love.
Hi,
I bought a 2003 mini and I have had lots of problems with it.
The power steering failed soon after I bought the car. I replaced it with an used power steering; and it is still not working!
I would like more info about this lawsuit or what can I do to get some of my money back.
I live in Canada, near Montreal…
Thank you.
My power steering pump went out at 75K. Dealership wanted about $1300 to fix it. I bought new pump online for $450 and also bought new steering pump cooling fan ($50) and duct kit ($120) to keep fan protected. Did the work myself (took about 6 hours) and saved some bucks. Having read enough about this I’m in the camp that BMW should have issued a recall and replaced free of charge.
Hi Chris, would you mind telling me where you got your parts from? The duct kit really interest me. Thanks Alot for Your Time, Dennis
2005 S – the car was sitting in the parking lot of my workplace last Wednesday 7/27/2011 and the power steering pump relay failed and started an engine compartment fire 3 hours after being parked – and it was just sitting there! Thank god it wasn’t at night in my garage!
My 2002 Mini Cooper base model I bought last year had the power steering problem when I bought it. I will be driving along and all of a sudden the steering gets tight. If I pull over and turn the car off and then back on the steering is fine. I never know when it’s going to happen.
Our 2007 Mini Cooper burned up earlier today. It had been sitting idle for about 7 hours. Someone at th Park and Ride (where it was parked) reported smoke coming from the car. By the time the fire department arrived, it was engulfed in flames. Three other vehicles also were damaged, plus the asphalt was damaged. Thanks BMW for putting a really unsafe out on the road.
My mini Cooper Spontaneous Caught on FIRE.
Before all this happen, I took the car in for Service. I stated to the Service Advisor the car was not driving right and I’m sure some Services needs to be looked at. My Service tech puts the key into the card reader “Nope nothing showed up you good to go” I exit with a smile on my face never thinking twice, could be my mind playing car games.
Saturday 8/27/11 (10:30p) Car sitting from a drive to have dinner. Came home parked the and didn’t hear or notice anything.
Sunday 8/28/11 (4:00p)
Police came knocking on the door My car was on fire and Plantation FIRE DEPT was in the process of putting out the FIRE. The cause unknown. The fire Dept guy said ” from the looks of this incident, what’s seems to cause this was the electrical.
Flames were shooting 8’ft in the air. The car is totaled there’s no engine there’s nothing left besides the some Ashe, melted metal, there’s no windshield. All I can think about is my baby Daughter in the car while I was driving. BMW you caused me to DISLIKE MINIs.
Someone please contact me about this situation.
hmstewart5@gmail.com
youtu.be/Kvh5VOHHDtY
2005 Mini – bearings on power steering pump are shot. The colling fan operates so the problem is due to a defective pump.
2005 Mini -just found out bearings on power steering are bad- pump needs replacement. Have had all coolant fans replaced, a/c blower fan relaced, and a new transmission installed. I have pretty much paid for a new vehicle!! Not what I expected from BMW..
Hello I have an 04 mini cooper and have had it worked on lots of times one time the fuel line came off the engine and it pumped out a quarter tank of gas and stopped i open the hood and thanked god it didn’t burn down we had to push it into a parking lot and i called my wife to bring me some gas at 6 in the morning I then started doing my own work on my car. the steering has had its moments, I will say one thing about this little car it may be a ticking time bomb but it has steered me out of some bad situations I bought it new in 04
I have no problems with the failure of the pump itself. Parts will wear out. And, if you’re getting over 100K mile before the part dies you’re doing ok. My issue is with two things: the manner of the failure and the fact that it can happen again so quickly, and the failure by fire. The fact that the pump fails and there is absolutely no indication of failure until you try and turn the car is just plain dangerous, especially if it happens at highway speeds (for those who haven’t quite got it yet, the car WILL turn, but it takes great effort to make the steering wheel turn). At least if you knew there was a failure you could expect that steering would be difficult and could adapt by either turning hard or getting off the road if you don’t have the strength to make it turn. The other failure mode is just as bad. The fan fails and sets your car on fire!?! What if you’re one of those people who actually put their car in their garage? You lose your house because of a faulty car part? Not good. So, as I said, I accept that parts will go bad. The problem is the dangers inherent in the manner of the failures. Though, I do have to admit that thus far I’ve never had to replace any power steering parts on any car I’ve owned, even high mileage cars (over 200K miles) other than this one. Yes, my PS pump failed at 95K at highway speeds. While I was removing the failed pump I noticed that my car was on it’s second PS pump. It had previously failed sometime before 35K miles (I purchased the car used and it had 35K miles on it at the time).
And for a few other folks, I believe that simply by owning a Mini you are, by definition, part of the class action lawsuit.
One more thing. If you are reading this, be aware that you can get the pump rebuilt for significantly less than a new pump. At the time of this writing you can send the pump to bba-reman and get it rebuilt for $275. Significantly less the the $800 new price on the pump.
Hi,
My wife has a 2003 Mini Cooper that she bought three years ago with around 40,000 miles on it. The power steering failed shortly after purchase. It cost $2000 to repair. The shop said it was not under warranty. This past summer the transmission died at 53,000 miles — it was just out of warranty. That cost $8000 to fix. Ouch!
John
Any update on the class status or anything else on this lawsuit?
I would like to join the law suit my 2003 has lost the power steering also,A replacement is 525.00 for the part plus labor.Why won’t BMW recall this problem???
To all,
Click on the link above under “BMW Mini Cooper class action lawsuit complaint.” The attorney’s involved e-mail address and telephone numbers are listed on the class action lawsuit. I would definitely shoot an e-mail, inquire how to add your name into the list.
Hope this helps….
I’ve had my 2002 mini since March and I was driving one day on the Freeway/Interstate and almost ran into some one going 70 mph because I was changing lanes and without any warning realized I couldn’t turn the wheel. Luckly I was alone in car and wasn’t injured. I bought car under impression that BMW/mini are good cars and it would last a while, then this happen. I have a four year old, now afraid to drive car and can’t. Please help.
This just occurred to me today! 2003 mini with 84K. Mechanic said sudden powersteering pump failure which burned wires….$1,046 estimate! I called attorney’s representing class action and plan on joining. I also spoke with BMW North America who hinted that they may cover the costs and they were aware of the lawsuit and ongoing investigation by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Agency (NHTSA). BMW needs to step up and realize this is occuring way too often. When the incident occurred my car almost went up in flames. Luckily I disconnected the battery in time. My key wasn’t even in the ignition and the car started making mechanical sounds on it’s own like it was possessed.
I have a 2007 Mini-Cooper S. My steering tightened up on me completely as I was driving vehicle. I will contact North American again. First time was for cold start issues. One thing after another with only 38,00 miles on the engine. Gees!
Assuming this hasn’t been settled, how can I add my name to the settlement? My 2006 Mini almost caught on fire. Car was completely off when this occurred. The electrical connection on the steering pump melted or shorted out, which also took out my alternator and power steering line. Lots of smoke. Lots of $$$$$. But, definitely a dangerous situation.
Oops, just had to push up for the contact information.
you all have it wrong. what causes the failures it the cooling fan for the power steering pump. yes, it’s a crappy design. both the pump and the fan are electrical, the fan is exposed under thecar to debris, water, etc. the fan fails and then the pump overheats and soon fails as well. there is absolutely no warning or indication that the fan has quit. the first indication that soemthing is wrong is when the power steering suddenly quits. yes, it happened to me too. wher do I sign up for the suit. this cost me many hundreds.
every company that sels aftermaket parts for the Mini offer a sgeild to protect the cooling fan. it’s a worthwhile investment
I am the owner of the 2007 mini s . See above post. Still no definitive answer from BMW North American on whether they will cover all costs on this issue. Being the Steering Rack replacement and and labor. I feel like I am getting the run-around! First proposal was they pay for part (steering rack) and I pay for the labor. This is unacceptable! Defective to begin with. I have declined and requesting entire job to be covered by mini. Will keep you posted.
My husband’s Mini spontaneously caught on fire last week. A good Samaritan ran to a nearby bank to borrow their fire extinguisher, as the one that was in the car was too mini to do the job. I recommend a full size fire extinguisher for these cars. The car is not totaled, and our insurance will cover the damage except for the replacement of the faulty power steering pump. Thank goodness no-one was hurt, and it didn’t happen on the highway. We are waiting to hear back from Mini USA re whether they’ll pay for the replacement. From what I read here, it sounds like a No.
I looked into the status of the class action. Normally, a court has to certify a class action. Otherwise, the plaintiff is only allowed to bring a claim on his/her own behalf. (Although there can be more than one plaintiff). I did not see anything suggesting that this was accepted as a class action. Before that could happen, it appears that the sole plaintiff’s claim got dismissed in December 2011. The case was dismissed based solely on the pleadings, without it ever going to trial. I don’t know if they plan to appeal or try to re-write the pleadings.
http://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/new-jersey/njdce/2:2010cv05259/247735/31
My very mini condensation of the decision: The plaintiff failed to show fraud, and BMW’s advertisements about how safe and good Minis are was deemed mere “puffery”, not a real promise that the cars were not defective. And the plaintiff failed to show who knew about the alleged defect and when the alleged fraud occurred. And the warranty had expired. And the plaintiff failed to show that all or substantially all Minis had the defect.
The last of these kind of snagged me. If half of the Minis out there suddenly became un-steerable or caught on fire, they still would not need to warn us? We’d have to wait until substantially all Minis did this? I guess at that point, we’d already know.
I don’t know whether someone else might try to bring another lawsuit and certify another class action in a friendlier court.
Update: Mini is paying the cost of the replacement part.
Which replacement part is mini paying for as it doesn’t seem to be just one part affected?
Thanks for your input.
Just replaced the power steering pump, power steering fen which destoyed my battery because the fan would not shut off. Mini USA would not do anything for me and my 2005 Mini with 69000 miles on it.
$1654 later, car runs mostly on my fumes of disgust with Mini USA.
suffering with automatic tranny issues and power steering issues!!!!how do I get in on this?
My wife and I bought a 2004 Mini Cooper with 60K miles about half a year ago. Several weeks ago I noticed that the powersteering stopped working after a long drive. Since I had read that the powersteering pump is electrical driven, I assumed that the battery must not generate enough power to drive the pump. We also had a starting problem before, which the dealer traced back to a low output of the battery.
I carefully drove without powersteering to a carshop. The battery was tested but was in good condition. The terminals were very corroded and we cleaned those. The powersteering was working again after this and I assumed it was the battery problem. Days later the powersteering stopped working again and I had the battery checked again, which turned out to be fine.
I started to research on the internet about Mini Cooper powersteering problems and found disturbing info.
After a long drive or when temperatures are high outside, the powersteering doesn’t work when I start the car. After a cooling period the powersteering works again.
I am very concerned that the powersteering will stop working while driving. The car is almost impossible to steer and is in my opion dangerous. I am worried that my wife would not be able to handle the car when the powersteering stops working. I can see an accident happen. Not even want to think about my stepson or friends in the car when this happens.
BMW seems to be failing on all fronts to adress this obvious problem. Their ignorance on this issue is not a fine moment.
NHTSA investigiation seems not to lead to anything either. This is a safety issue and are they not here to deal with situations like this?
Do involved parties close there eyes untill fatalities happen? Is profit and omitting acountablity more important than maybe loss of human live? Have we not had situations about that enough?
I also read that later models Mini Cooper have an airduct under the engine factory installed to force air to towards the powersteering pump in order to keep it cool and working. Is this adjustment not an indication that BMW knows about this problem?
How can I get into the lawsuit?
I have a 2004 mini, bought it about 6 months ago, 3months ago the powersteering would quit suddenly, if you turned the car off for a while and then restarted it the powersterring would work ok for a while then quit again. Then the battery would discharge after 2 days of non use. I want to join the Lawsuit so I can get the car fixed.
I owned a 2003 Mini Cooper S. It has only 38k miles on it. Power steering just stop functioning. Hard to make turns.
Can’t believe it.
I owned a 2003 Mini cooper. It has about 69k miles on it. The power steering stopped functioning. The dealer sailer my battery and alternator are bad. But I replaced them, the power steering still not work. Then the dealer diagnose again and said that the power steering pump falied. They ask $1400 to fix this problem. I hate MINI now!
I OWN A 2002 MINI COOPER S & THE POWER STERRING GOES OUT AFTER ABOUT 20 MILES OF DRIVING , I PARK THE CAR & AFTER ABOUT 30 MINS. IT COOLS DOWN & WORKS FINE FOR AWHILE UNTILL IT GETS TOO WARM AGAIN , DEALER WANTS $ 900.00 TO FIX . LOOKING FOR CHEAPER REPAIR NOW , HOPE LAWSUIT GOES THROUGH , LOTS OF DEFECTS OUT THERE , PUT ME IN WITH THE LAW SUIT THIS CANNOT CONTINUE TO FALL ON THE CONSUMER .
THANKYOU , HOPE WE ALL GET SOME HELP .
Please add me to this suit. Send me information on how to participate. Transmission just failed at 37,000 miles. Mini Cooper rep says it’s quite normal…. absolutely worthless company. I’ll discourage everyone I know who may be contemplating buying one to look at something else. Fun to drive but the quality is not there and Mini doesn’t back their product well.
How disappointing but maybe a good thing I came across this website. I love the look of the car and I was seriously considering buying a MINI. Are all the years/makes/models having this issue? Sigh.. thanks for posting.
There is a recall in Canada for this very issue but not yet a recall in the US to my knowledge. I just bought my 04 mini last October and have been experiencing sudden outages, usually ranging from seconds to a few minutes up until today. Today, the fan in the power steering pump continued to run even while the car was shut off and eventually drained my battery. Hoping to Get somewhere with a BMW dealer in my area by printing out this article as well as the Canada recall article.
Wish me luck!
My ’06 Mini (57K miles) power steering fluid reservoir was empty, the steering failed, the fan wouldn’t shut off and the battery died shortly after. I had it towed to our mechanic who told me that there is a recall here in Canada for the power steering pump and fan. HOWEVER, my car is ‘too new’; the recall only applies to Gen 1 vehicles (2002-2005)!!! You must be kidding me. so BMW will replace the defective parts, even though they ARE AWARE that the design flaw covers Gen 2 vehicles also? I can not afford the repair; so what do I do…leave the automobile at the front door of BMW Canada?
my power steering pump was replaced on my 02 mini back in 03,and again in 05…. now the PS fan has stopped working which has caused my Motor fan to stop and also causeing airbag light to come on. not sure why so much is ran on the same electrical system, so my mini overheats. This problem just seems to never end. Fuses keep blowing? trying to get this car running safe never seems possible. more money has been spent on the repairs than what the car costs. They really need to do something.
I keep spending money on parts that apparently i dont even need trying to get to the source of the problem and every mechanic i have been to cant fix it.
2004 Mini-Power steering went out- impoosible to manuever About $1,700. later had to have shaft replaced less than two weeks later my mechanic. Now 18 months later power steering comes and goes.
I bought my mini 2004 band new have been happy with it; however about 3 years ago I started to experience an unexpected stiffening of the steering wheel while driving… I fortunately managed each time to carefully exit the expressway, pull over, reach my destination etc. Once the car was turned off and restarted the steering problem would disappear… I mentioned it to my mechanic who only observed a leak of fluid which he them refilled and during his test drive did not experience the symptom as has been the case with other mechanics that have since serviced the vehicle… Maintaining that sometimes unfortunately that mystery can only be solved with a total breakdown… Just 3 months ago I was fortunate not to have been on the expressway and close to a sears service center when I notice very strange sounds and a lack of maneuverability which to my horror was that the entire front end steering suspension system fell apart resulting in $2500.00 in repairs.. Now the clutch is gone with 69,999 miles… And again the steering is stiffening! My mini Cooper is manual transmission 5 speed.
I purchased this vehicle about a month ago in a private sale. A few weeks ago, the MINI developed a strong power steering whine. This is not the electrical buzzing noise typical of these models but a noise heard above the engine at all speeds or in neutral regardless of whether you turn the wheel. Several days ago, the steering began to stiffen up especially when parking. Yesterday, it failed entirely and this was while driving! Now, I’m a 6′ 180 lb male and was able to react and wrestle it safely but I’m thankful that my 5′ 100lb wife was not behind the wheel. Make no mistake THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ADDRESS!! Just research the problem and you will see hundreds (probably thousands) of complaints across the globe about the same thing and it appears to be primarily 2001-2007 models. Other countries have mandated a recall but not the safety conscious U.S. which surprises me greatly. When other major manufacturers have listed recalls for things like seat belt anchors “that could crack” or air bag switches “that could corrode” why the heck isn’t a MINI Cooper recall done for power steering systems “that ARE failing”? If you value your family’s safety, do yourself a favor and steer (no pun intended) clear of this vehicle. I will be dumping this t urd as soon as possible. My family is too important to waste on a fad car.
wmwre33546tl21500
Sorry, my Coop is an ’06 with a mere 38,800 miles on it 🙁
I lost my power steering intermittently after having spent 3000 dollars the week before fixing the convertible top for the third time. The first two times was under warranty. The top problem also appears to be an engineering problem on the 2005-2008 that BMW is not admitting too. I would like to be part of the law suit concerning the power steering pump that is a poor and unsafe design. My steering went out when I was driving 80 mph. I am definitely selling the Mini once I feel it is safe and will not be purchasing another one. BMW ‘s policies and support to their customers is extremely poor.
How do I sign up for the suit? Contact me.
Just found this site. I have a 2003 Mini that I bought used from my brother. The transmission has been replaced twice, once by him under warranty and once by me out of pocket expense. Now I am having electrical problems, which I believe are caused by a leak in the sun roof. Dealer said they had never heard of the problem, but then said it was rare. Well it doesn’t appear to be so rare after I did a little research on the internet. Is there a chance to get included in this class action suit? I already have thousands of dollars into repairs and still need to address this last problem. Help please.
I wish to join this law suit, as I am the heartbroken owner of a 2004 Mini Cooper S with only 42,000 miles . It has been nothing but trouble and the dealership in Baton Rougue was very disappointing – I’m being kind here. Needless to say – I have never passed an opportunity to tell people to “Run, not walk” away from that dealership and admire a Mini Cooper from afar. Save your heart ache and pocketbook! DO NOT BUY A MINI COOPER unless you are a mechanic with deep knowledge and pockets to buy and fix parts, noises, shredding belts, head gaskets, water pumps….not to mention the Run Flat Tires ! It’s endless money going out for a fun ride you can’t count on.
2006 cooper s with a failing pump. id like to know how to get in as well
My wife’s 04 mini suddenly lost power steering also, was intermittent then just quit working….. A lot of issues on the Internet about this and I would like to join the lawsuit. Anyone who can help me out and send me the info needed to join? Please send info to roberthkeith@yahoo.com thanks
I have a 2002 mini cooper S with 83K on it. Power steering pump started going in and out about a month ago. Dealer said to change out the fluid, so I did and then while I am on leave I am driving back to ft. campbell from MD and the darn thing went out while doing 70 on the interstate in the mountains with hard turns. Almost died while driving this car. I have been deployed while serving the past ten years multiple times and have survived I do not want to die while visiting family. I want to join the lawsuit please. I cant believe there is no recall yet. Was about to go get it fixed till I saw this on the internet. Serious safety issue and people can die while driving from this problem.
I got my 04 Mini Cooper S in 2008. I had it a couple of years before the power steering started to go out intermittently. It was more prevalent when the weather changed, especially when it got hot. It seemed to happen more frequently if I ran the AC. It’s been gradually getting worse and now the power assist isn’t really working at all except for a few minutes when I first start the car. I’m not working and can’t afford to have it worked on right now. I love this car and haven’t had any other problems with it even though it has a lot of miles on it. I would be interested in joining the class action suit if it hasn’t been dismissed.
I just purchased a used Mini. 2002
I barely got it home off the lot and the car lost control. very hard to steer. It worked again for a bit saturday and today it was out again. It is sad that so many are having this problem and the company refuses to acknowledge such a dangerous problem. That casts a very dark shadow on what would otherwise be a great car. Shame on BMW. I guess they are only concerned about their own BMW brand and not the quality of the work they do on any other brand.
My car got on fire! the dealer is saying that it is due to the power steering motor/pump…. 2005 mini cooper
Got into a wreck trying to make a left turn from shopping center and power went out on steering . Didn’t see car coming towards me from opposite direction because I notice power steering out and cautiously pulled out in front of one car turning into shopping center while a car in inside lane came forward and didn’t see my little coop. Please and me to lawsuit. 2005 mini
Add me to the long list of owners who have had non stop issues with there MINI. I have a 2005 S with 98,000 miles. My daughter was driving the car (Luckily on a side street) when the power steering went out. She almost hit a tree after she went up the curb. Oh, by the way, my auto trans is going too! Between the now jumpy trans and pump that stops working, and the $10,000 that it would take to repair the car, we now just keep the car in the garage. GREAT JOB BMW!!!!
Brian,
I had my 2004 auto CVT transmission repaired, not replaced for under 3k, a lot less expensive than replacing it, which is all BMW will do for you. Runs great. If you want more info email me at tdchiz@live.com.
I thought the power steering pump unexpectedly and suddenly quitting was heat related since it generally occurred on days above 100. However, it never threw any error codes. Without that, the dealer and local repair shops were reluctant to do the $1300 job to replace it. Well now with 93K on the odo, it has quit for good.
I can deal with the tires wearing out every 25K miles. I can deal with the front brakes wearing out every 20K miles. This P/S problem is DANGEROUS and unpredictable. I understand that it is FWD, but for a small car, it almost seemed as if the P/S was working AGAINST you at some points. The amount of muscle required to get the car to turn was pretty high.
I have a 2003 mini-cooper. The trasmission failed and having power steering problems. This car should be recalled. Hoe can I participate in the class action?
how do you join in this lawsuit, as my power steering pump hows gone out twice
2006 Mini S 96,xxx mi. Woke up this AM to find garage full of a smoldering burning electrical smell & my Mini dead w/ no power to it. I cannot get into hatch to disconnect battery bc rear hatch is unlocked by power. I’m waiting on my mechanic to get here to tell me that what I am reading here & all over the Internet is in fact what’s wrong with my car. BMW/Mini should be ashamed & I will never buy another BMW/Mini.
Update: after jacking the car up & looking where the power steering gearbox is located (close to the fan), I found burnt/melted wires that connect to the PS gearbox. I was able to disconnect the battery when I found the trunk release under the rear seats (they flip up & a manual release is located here).
I will be making a complaint to the DOT & BMW. I will follow up with results.
Unfortunately I think the power steering problem is not just with the Mini’s. I have had 2 BMW 3 series with power steering problems. I had to replace the pump in my 2001 bmw 330i a few years back. Fluid was never low and never had any problems with it before it went out. I don’t drive the car now because of a ridiculous taillight design flaw that causes them to work infrequently (which I am working on right now. Already filed a NHTSA report). It is dangerous and illegal. I hope everybody is able to get there issue taken care of sooner than later. Good luck.
Just brought my “06 cooper s to my dealer how has fixed minor issues with my car. Granted I bought it three years ago. hated the run flats so he re-equipped with standard tires(with a spare seat belted in back seat) he diagnosed it as power steering pump and is looking for a replacement. Did tell me it would be abut $1000.00. Told me he would put conditioner in reservoir but after reading every one of these stories I would like to be included in this suit. I have alot of miles on my car and accept normal wear and tear repairs. The dealer(not a bmw dealer) has been fair with handling issues as they arise. i love my car but it seems that there is a lack of responsibility on behalf of the manufacturer, for a re-occurring safety issue very well documented.
Have you had any luck with the class action law suit…how did you contact them? I have a 2007 Cooper with 82K miles on it and the power steering pump is going out also. Contacted the dealership and they are quoting me $1900 to fix it! And, I just shelled out over 2K just 4 months ago to get other work done on this car…what’s the deal?
Any help would be appreciated!
Pamela
2003 Mini Cooper S…driving home from work today I come up on my exit right, the car kept going straight. Scared the $#@! out of me and I almost didn’t make the turn. I had to slowly muscle it home. This is a very dangerous car and gives no warning of the failure. Yes, I have over a hundred K on the car, but this is not acceptable for any car! Awaiting my $1200.00 repair bill. BMW needs to step up and do the right thing.
Mike,
Same as the rest, Wife lost power steering and repairs are going to be rebuilt pump and new fan as bearings are gone. 70,000 miles On 2003 Jhon Cooper Works car. about 600 in parts alone not to mention the safety issue!
Voici l’estimé pour le trouble de servo-direction. Pour m’autoriser LES
travaux, veuillez me retourner ce courriel avec votre approbation.
PARK AVENUE BMW
ESTIMATION REPARATION GPS
#ESTIMATION RO198494 DATE ESTIM. : 12/10/2012
VEH : Mini 02/06 NIV: WMWRC33526TJ78682
#CONSEIL 22169 MELANIE MASSICOTTE
#CLIENT 18802 MICHELLE TREMBLAY
ADRESSE: 50 ST-ETIENNE (M) 514-776-9080
(T) 450-442-4212 (EXT) 24
LONGUEUIL, QC J4H3N8
ESTIM. CLIENT
________________________________________________________________________________
OPERATION: 3241061 Pompe Servodirection [Power Steering Pump], r&r
T/M 3-05/06
TEMPS M-D’O: 2.30
QTE #PIECE DESCRIPTION PCE PRIX PIECE PRIX TOT.
1 BM32-41-6-778-425 ES-POMPE A AILETTES 925.00 925.00
2 BM32-41-1-093-596 ANNEAU D ETANCHEITE 0.96 1.92
1 BM32-41-6-762-724 JOINT TORIQUE 3.16 3.16
1 BM32-11-1-131-345 COLLIER 2.26 2.26
1 BM83-29-0-429-576 HUILE HYDRAULIQUE CH 26.75 26.75
M-D’O $: 275.89
PCES $: 959.09
EHG $: 0.00
DIV. $: 0.00
————————
S-TOTAL $: 1234.98
——————————————————————————–
TOTAL M-D`O $: 275.89
TOTAL PCES $: 959.09
TOTAL EHG $: 0.00
TOTAL DIV. $: 0.00
TOTAL TPS $: 61.75
TOTAL TVP $: 123.19
——————————–
TOTAL ESTIM. $: 1419.92
I am shocked that so many of these pumps have failed and nothing is being done! I too am experiencing this problem. Very dangerous!!!! The price of these pumps is ridiculous. $400-$600 plus labor? HELP!!!!!
I am at a lost too! I have a 2007 Mini Cooper and have just been told that my power steering pump and hose are leaking and will need to be replaced. Dealership quoted me $1900. That’s absurd…I am soooo upset! My car is only 5 years old and 82K miles on it. Just 4 months ago I had replace the clutch and other repairs to the tune of over $2k.
Can somebody please let me know if this class action suite is still pending…and, if so, how can I lodge a complaint myself? This is not right…something has to be done.
2002, power steering pump whining, cost me load of dosh for repairs, these cars should be recalled and BMW be accountable for this fault. I will willing join a action lawsuit
Same story here.
’05 Cooper, 63k miles, steering just went out suddenly. Almost crashed coming around a corner. Came across this site while researching it. Would like to know if the class action suit is being pursued at all. Thanks
Bought my 05 mini a couple of months ago with 64k on it. power steering pump stopped working one day and then worked the next but now it runs even when the key is off killing the battery. After reading all the problems with these cars I can only blame myself for not doing more research on this recent purchase. I will do my part in discouraging any one from purchasing a mini. As unsafe as these are and the refusal by BMW to fix this engineering debacle, if my mini were to catch on fire you can bet I wont running for a fire extinguisher to put it out.
I would like to add my story, as I bought a 2002 Mini Cooper S, from an idividual (for sale by owner) and the power steering pump went out not even in 2 days that I had it, I bought from an individual and I still haven’t fixed it since they charge an arm and a leg to fix it. I wish that the Mini Cooper company can do a recall for all of us. I’m a very mad customer!
Where can I join this forum to help us with the lawsuit, as I understand that England has done a recall and has fixed the problem, they should do something her in the USA!
Forgot to add my car has 110K miles on it,
My power steering pump went out also while driving. Its a 2003 mini cooper. I haven’t had much go wrong with the car until this, it was very scary for me. I’m not sure I will have it fixed, just sell it for parts. I would hate for someone to experience what I did while driving. I want to BMW to issue something in America about this.
2003 mini with 60000 miles,bought it with 58000,first week ceiling pump,next clutch gone and all that goes w it,control arm inside and outside ball joints and now guess what? Power steering pump,what a shame that what I thought was a well built car would be such a piece of junk at what I believe should just be breaking in miles,,have a 20 year old Honda w 200000 miles and have replaced none of the above
We have 78,000 on our 2006 mini cooper convertible with automatic CVT transmission. We purchased the car a little over a year ago in California and it has had no issues but now car jerking really hard when trying to shift into gears and then not shifting at all at times. This is the CVT transmission failure issue we have heard about and been dreading that is now happening to our car. We would like to join the lawsuit if it’s being pursued.
Just got my letter about the pump and cooling fan failure. Called MINI and asked if they could do a diagnostic on it. They said they could, but it and the cost of repair would be out of my own pocket since technically it hasn’t “failed” yet. I live in a mountainous area and this makes me extremely uncomfortable. I cannot believe that BMW doesn’t have a liability issue if someone is hurt. My MINI is a 2005 with less than 19,000 miles on it. Scared to drive it anywhere but to a garage. Class action suit can be found at https://classactionlawsuitsinthenews.com/class-action-lawsuit-complaints/bmw-class-action-lawsuit-complaint-filed-over-allegedly-defective-mini-cooper-power-steering/. Fat lot of good it does anyone who hasn’t had a problem yet. I want to get rid of mine and let it be someone else’s problem, but unless it’s looked at, who would want to buy it? They owe everybody who owns one!
Lawsuit was filed in Oct 2010. I imagine the warning letter was a CYA (cover your ass) attempt by BMW when they continued to fail. Does anyone know what the criteria for a safety recall is?
I have an ’02 R50. Chili Red, rally lights, American flag on roof. 85K miles. 3 failures of transmission linkage before 10k miles; each locking in 5th gear, four clutch replacements; the most recent at my expense, alternator failure, power steering assist and cooling fan failure, ac compressor failure. And it looks like my luck is better than a lot of yours. Very disappointed in the response of Mini USA to the problems; reminds me of Chrysler back in the ’80s, and we all know what happened to them. I’m calling MINI-USA Monday to have them let me know about all the recalls.
1) Please, include me in any class-action suit there is for ’03 Mini Cooper. Silly me, I bought one 2011 and have probably spent as much in repairs as I paid for the car. Late May of 2013 they issued a warranty extension to 150, 000 miles for the power steering pump and fan. Supposed to reimburse cost of parts if you’ve had it repaired. But the kicker is they said “4-6 weeks”. Called them after 7 weeks and they cooked up a phony excuse, claiming I hadn’t sent something I had sent. Since then nothing but run-around. If any company needs a butt kicking it’s these guys. Mini. Fun to drive – WHEN IT’S RUNNING!!!!
Addendum to above:
Bought car with 88,000 miles on it. It is still under 115,000 miles. Have replaced….sheesh it’s hard to remember because it’s something every few months…. water pump, muffler, brakes, a bunch of smaller stuff. I sold my 97 Toyota Rav with 216,000 miles on it and bought the Mini. The Mini had more power which I loved. But in all my years owning the Rav, I never replaced/fixed as much as I’ve had to with the Mini these 2.5 short years
I purchased a 2006 mini last year, around October. It’s is a five speed stick, and seemed ok…until I had my mechanic change the oil, and he found “a fan” that was “seized”. He then told me that it is supposed to “cool” the power steering mechanism…which generates massive heat. How can I join the recall act???
My 06 Mini cooper S caught fire from the power steering pump, Mini of Indianapolis, IN and Mini USA Betsy Holeman both told me conflicting stories along with denying my car for the warranty repair. 🙁 I am in the middle of either getting a lawyer of my own to file a lawsuit for the issue or joining the class action lawsuit to have it repaired. Either way I will do everything within my power to have my car fixed for this issue. I have had nothing but problems with this car including the common problem of the Crank Pulley toasting.