Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 10.7× the fleet median for that category across the 1656 model-years tracked on this site.
314Complaints
2Recalls
6Crashes
17Fires
3Injured
1Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Steering (65.3% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Steering complaints here are 10.7× the median for that category across the 1656 model-years tracked on this site.
3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Steering
205 · 65.3%
Recalled
Recall 15V660000
Air Bags
62 · 19.7%
Recalled
Recall 15V205000
Electrical System
22 · 7%
No official action
—
Air Bags:frontal
11 · 3.5%
Recalled
Recall 15V205000
Power Train
10 · 3.2%
No official action
—
Seats
8 · 2.5%
No official action
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 314 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
An improperly functioning mat may cause the passenger frontal air bag to be inactive when the seat is occupied, and in the event of a crash, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the passenger's risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING AND DOES NOT RETURN UNTIL CAR IS CYCLED OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN.”NHTSA complaint 10402284 — filed 05/21/2011 · STEERING
“MY 2005 MINI COOPER S HAS POWER STEERING WHEEL FAILURE. IT STARTED HAPPENING AFTER THE CAR HIT 50,000 MILES WHICH I THINK IT'S STILL TOO…”NHTSA complaint 10401039 — filed 05/16/2011 · STEERING
“POWER STEERING HAS BEEN FAILING TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. IT OCCURS MAINLY AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND DRIVING AWAY FROM…”NHTSA complaint 10399882 — filed 05/10/2011 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mini Cooper S?
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 205 of 314 NHTSA complaints (65.3%), followed by air bags (62), electrical system (22), air bags:frontal (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2005 Mini Cooper S have?
314 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 6 involved a crash, 17 involved a fire, and 3 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Does the 2005 Mini Cooper S have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15V205000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2005 Mini Cooper S's reported problems?
3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.
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