2006 MINI Cooper
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2006 MINI Cooper. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2006 MINI Cooper. Newest first.
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 January 5, 2005, to July 31, 2008. Due to manufacturing, installation, and exposure issues, the front passenger…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Owner complaints
200 complaints9 involved a crash8 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
Electronic power steering pump issue/failure. The steering wheel was so stiff when I tried to go right that I physically could not turn the wheel. This is extremely dangerous & it happens without warning. No lights come on. You are left in a moving vehicle, without much of a way to control the…
Electronic power steering pump issue/failure. The steering wheel was so stiff when I tried to go right that I physically could not turn the wheel. This is extremely dangerous & it happens without warning. No lights come on. You are left in a moving vehicle, without much of a way to control the direction you need it to travel in. From what I have learned, it seems an extended warranty was initially offered, & then a forced recall was issued on the, 1st Gen, 2002-2005 Mini Coopers. Only part of the vehicles with these issues were included in the recall. I have the same size 1.6 engine, & the exact same electronic power steering pump that comes with the issues & failures that I have in my 06. I have seen it on vehicles up to 08. This is absolutely unacceptable. This is a documented manufacturing defect & design flaw that has been continually allowed to endanger people’s lives. I am unsure how BMW managed to only recall part of the vehicles with these electronic power steering pump issues. I contacted BMW who told me there were no extended warranties or recalls on my vehicle.
- Steering
The contact owns a 2006 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Seats
BMW issued a Recall 15V-205 Safety Recall, to cover the Airbag sensor in the passenger seat of my vehicle, a 2006 Mini Cooper S. The failure error was in the airbag sensor in the passenger seat, and the system warned of potential hazard with the passenger airbag. My car had a recall fix in 2018 for…
BMW issued a Recall 15V-205 Safety Recall, to cover the Airbag sensor in the passenger seat of my vehicle, a 2006 Mini Cooper S. The failure error was in the airbag sensor in the passenger seat, and the system warned of potential hazard with the passenger airbag. My car had a recall fix in 2018 for this fault. Now some 4 years later the same fault has arisen in the same sensor and system. I returned to BMW Mini who carried out the previous recall to have this fixed again. They said that while their repairs and parts generally carry an 8-year warranty, they do not warrant Recall repairs. They wanted over $2,000 to fix this issue. As this is a repeat of the original fault, and the car has under 100,000 miles I believe it should be covered, as their repair and or part has again failed. The date below is when I took it for the recall and was refused the warrenty repair.
- Steering
Power Steering pump leaking failure
- Air bags
Blindsided Drive side impact car ignited I was cut from my car suffering emence Injuries due to the malfunction of the airbags . No air bags deployed.
- Steering
It is very difficult to turn my steering wheel. It takes more energy than any other car I have ever driven
- Steering
The electro-hydraulic power steering system stopped working on my 2005 Mini Cooper. The was a recall for 2002 to 2005 mini power steering pump failures but the problem continued thru 2011 because the fix that mini Cooper came up with was inadequate. The essentially put a band-aid on the problem…
The electro-hydraulic power steering system stopped working on my 2005 Mini Cooper. The was a recall for 2002 to 2005 mini power steering pump failures but the problem continued thru 2011 because the fix that mini Cooper came up with was inadequate. The essentially put a band-aid on the problem and left car owners holding the bag. I, in fact, had the auxiliary pump that mini came up with replaced and the power steering problem continued because their fix was no good. I have an appointment with the Mini Cooper dealership to look at my car in about 2 weeks. They've told me that I'm not covered by the recall even though they ordered a recall of 86,000 cars for the problem in 2015. Not having power steering in any vehicle is very dangerous. The problem first occurred and remains after 2 years. The problem was reproduced by an independent repair service that I have used for years.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper. The contact stated that the while driving approximately 50 mph, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. After stopping the vehicle, the contact noticed smoke billowing from under the…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper. The contact stated that the while driving approximately 50 mph, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. After stopping the vehicle, the contact noticed smoke billowing from under the hood. After opening the hood, flames were present coming from the engine compartment. The neighbor assisted in extinguishing the flames. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 186,000.
- Power train · Steering
The air conditioning had stopped blowing cool air. Then when I was parked, and idled, my power steering stopped working while trying to back out. After wrestling with the wheel for a minute to get out of a parking lot area, the power steering came back on. The mechanic said one of my coolant fans…
The air conditioning had stopped blowing cool air. Then when I was parked, and idled, my power steering stopped working while trying to back out. After wrestling with the wheel for a minute to get out of a parking lot area, the power steering came back on. The mechanic said one of my coolant fans does not work. This may be part of a recall that affect 2005 minis with coolant fan/power steering, however my car was made just a few months past the recall.
- Air bags
Air bag service light on. *tr
- Air bags · Structure › Body · Unknown or other
Car accident cause problems , having problems with clutch / flywheel was repaired one time drive slow won't move fast. Not steering , has leakage , damage dents on right side front end paint damages, not right color. Back bumper damage scratches , hatchback lock needs be replaced. Wheels damage LT rt . ABS symptom light on, airbag light on, front rear hood light on problems not closing. In motion street .
- Steering
Intermittent power steering failiure during driving, stiff steering wheel can cause a serious accident
- Air bags · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
The seat sensor for the passenger airbag was replaced once under a recall. after 2 years, it has failed again. the dealer stated that there IS only a two year warranty on teh part. it IS a safety issue that makes the care unsafe and unusable.
- Steering
Power steering pump problem for MINI cooper R50 bought my R50 pre-owned 125000 kms on the odo from a dealership(not a MINI dealership) as a present for my daughter in march 2019. I already knew there was something wrong. observed a leak in the power steering reservoir. dealer supposedly fixed…
Power steering pump problem for MINI cooper R50 bought my R50 pre-owned 125000 kms on the odo from a dealership(not a MINI dealership) as a present for my daughter in march 2019. I already knew there was something wrong. observed a leak in the power steering reservoir. dealer supposedly fixed the problem by replacing some hoses. After a month, I tried starting the car up and the car would not start. I was lucky to still be at home that time. Recharged the battery and started the car. turned the engine off and noticed a sound. traced the sound to the power steering pump not turning off even if the engine IS turned off. Disconnected the battery so it will not do a full discharge. bought it back to the dealership that I purchased it from and they confirmed that the issue was with the ps pump. Did research and found that there was a common issue related to this pump already and BMW has offered extended warranty on the pump and peripherals like hoses and reservoir covering 2003 to 2005 models due to the number of complaints and potential catastrophic issues a failed pump can bring. I asked the local BMW service center if I could avail but they said my vin was not part of the coverage. I needed the car to work and I wanted it done right so I had them replace the pump. this costed me 1500 cad++ I believe that this should still be covered by the extended warranty because the symptoms are the same and that the pump IS confirmed to be an original by the MINI service and may very well still be the same one from the previous models and BMW should own up to this.
- Steering
The steering feels very stiff. This IS more noticeable when I start in the morning. It IS extremely stiff to turn.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper. After the contact parked the vehicle, she was alerted to the odor of smoke during the night. The contact approached the vehicle, quickly disconnected the battery, and rolled the vehicle halfway down the driveway out of the garage. There was a tremendous…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper. After the contact parked the vehicle, she was alerted to the odor of smoke during the night. The contact approached the vehicle, quickly disconnected the battery, and rolled the vehicle halfway down the driveway out of the garage. There was a tremendous amount of heat from the engine, but the vehicle cooled down. The fire department was not contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that there was an electrical fire from the steering wheel pump and massive repairs were needed, which would total approximately $3,500. The manufacturer was called and stated there was no recall on the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The insurance company was contacted. The manufacturer offered to cover the $500 deductible for the mechanic to perform the repairs that the contact would have to pay for if they decide not to cover the claim. The failure mileage was 105,000.
- Steering
Good morning, I have a 2006 MINI cooper and the power steering unit failed. I was driving and the steering wheel became very heavy (power steering fluid was ok) the unit just gave out. I read that the nhtsa issued a recall for the power steering unit for 2002 to 2005 coopers recall 15v660000…
Good morning, I have a 2006 MINI cooper and the power steering unit failed. I was driving and the steering wheel became very heavy (power steering fluid was ok) the unit just gave out. I read that the nhtsa issued a recall for the power steering unit for 2002 to 2005 coopers recall 15v660000 (the 2002 thru 2006 are all first generation models). my question IS why was the 2006 cooper not included since it IS also first generation model, and it IS the same power steering unit used from 2002 thru 2006 atleast on the base models - not sure on the cooper s model. could you please let me know if this IS something that can be added to the recall since it affects my car also,, it happened at 110K miles for me, I dont drive too much thus the low mileage. thank you so much.
- Air bags
2006 MINI cooper. consumer writes in regards to passenger front seat occupant detection mat sensor failure. *ld the consumer stated the vehicle experienced a detection mat failure. The consumer received a recall notice, but was in accident before it could be completed. The air bags did not…
2006 MINI cooper. consumer writes in regards to passenger front seat occupant detection mat sensor failure. *ld the consumer stated the vehicle experienced a detection mat failure. The consumer received a recall notice, but was in accident before it could be completed. The air bags did not deploy. As a result of the failure,the consumer received a skull fracture and other upper body damages. updated 08/31/2017*js
- Steering
The strewing wheel got stuck while driving on a city street. It IS very difficult to turn the vehicle to the right, left or make a u-turn. While researching online, I discovered it IS on recall but the north america MINI company customer service informed me to contact national highway institution to ask for a recall letter to be issued to the company.
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper. While driving 70 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to nick alexander MINI (6201 alameda st, los angeles, ca 90001) where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump, alternator, and radiator cooling fan failed and…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper. While driving 70 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to nick alexander MINI (6201 alameda st, los angeles, ca 90001) where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump, alternator, and radiator cooling fan failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 80,054.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper. While driving 20 mph, the air bag indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000 (air bags). The approximate failure mileage was 92,455.
- Steering
I was pulling out of a parking spot at a low speed this morning when I lost the power steering in my 2006 MINI cooper. The steering wheel was very rigid and it was hard to turn. I tried turning my vehicle off and off again. I also tried turning the steering wheel to loosen it up. Nothing helped the…
I was pulling out of a parking spot at a low speed this morning when I lost the power steering in my 2006 MINI cooper. The steering wheel was very rigid and it was hard to turn. I tried turning my vehicle off and off again. I also tried turning the steering wheel to loosen it up. Nothing helped the issue. I continued driving for another 30 minutes. At a low speed making sharp turns was very hard, if nearly impossible to stay in my lane. If someone would have been in the other lane I would have been in an accident because I could not make the turn due to the lack of power steering with my vehicle. The steering wheel was very hard to turn all the way. Even at higher speeds (30 to 40 mph) the steering wheel was hard to turn and make it around curves in the road. Starting from a dead stop it was very hard to turn the steering wheel turning left or right. I could barely park my vehicle in the parking spot in the parking lot because the steering wheel was so hard to turn my vehicle at such a low speed. This IS the third time the issue has occurred in my vehicle during this month. But the other times the issue has gone away after restarting the vehicle twice. One time was two days ago in the morning. I was pulling out of a parking spot and the steering wheel was tight and hard to turn. The other time was over a week ago and the vehicle was this time restarting the vehicle did not fix the issue.
- Air bags
I was a passenger in a MINI cooper 2006, my friend was hit head on by a drunk driver on a city street. My friend's MINI cooper 2006 was totaled. The airbags did not deploy as a result of the front passenger mat sensor defect. I suffered multiple injuries to my chest, hands, arms, and neck that are very serious.
- Steering
I replaced my power steering pump fan 2-3 years ago then about a year and a half ago I had it replaced under warranty. now my power steering IS completely gone with no prior indication that it was failing and I have to pay a $1,400 to get it replaced by a certified shop.
- Steering
A extended warranty was issued for the cooper s R53 till 2005 model year .... The r 53 was produced into the 2006 model year for the northamerican market .... Have replaced to pump once around 40-50 k on the car , out of pocket, and pump has failed again around 95K . The warranty on models till…
A extended warranty was issued for the cooper s R53 till 2005 model year .... The r 53 was produced into the 2006 model year for the northamerican market .... Have replaced to pump once around 40-50 k on the car , out of pocket, and pump has failed again around 95K . The warranty on models till 2005 was extended to 13 years and/or 150K ..... Why are the few remaining models of the 2006 runoff not covered.. first pump failed on the my washington auto road..... Not a good place to say the least..... The other on the washington, d.c. Beltway during the afternoon rush.... Managed to keep safe but was not a good situation for anyone ... Steering pump would surge on and off-road causing inconsistent power assist in turns with a eventually no assist was much more dramatic the first time was only saved by recognizing the problem as it occurred the second time ... When the first pump was replaced all lines , cooling fan and its duct work were replaced a well ......
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10245428Cavity protection applied to underside of the hood is leaking out onto the wheel arch trim and grille.
- 10244507MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can have various causes, most of which are not due to the battery itself. For this reason, a battery replacement will permanently eliminate the problem only in the rarest of cases. The energy diagnosis test module helps to localize these causes. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of a discharged battery cannot be identified. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time, it is very important that the diagnostic test plan is performed to completion; with all results taken into consideration.
- 10151228This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 32 02 14 dated August 2014. SUBJECT Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle is No Longer Required. Left-hand drive steering spindles are currently available.
- 10150304State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails to Read 17-Character VIN. An affected vehicle may fail to pass a state-mandated Inspection and/or Emission (I/M) test due to a noncompliant 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) being read out and displayed on the state's required tester report printout. In accordance with the OBD regulation, all MY 2005 and newer vehicles are required to support the display of their compliant 17-character VINs. These vehicles were produced to be in compliance with this regulation. If the DME was reprogrammed using the previously available BMW service equipment (e.g., Progman, GT1), it was possible that only the last 7 of the VIN were entered into the DME, and positions 4 through 10 may only contain default characters. For example: The state I/M tester or OBD scan tool may read out WBAAA00000A123456 instead of the correct full 17-digit VIN, WBAZZ03492A123456.
- 10150204State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due to an Invalid VIN Number. The affected vehicle may fail to pass a State Inspection and Emission (I/M) test due to a noncompliant 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) stored in the DME (Digital Motor Electronic). The VIN read-out displayed on the state test printout does not match the actual VIN of the vehicle. If the DME was reprogrammed using the previously available BMW service equipment (e.g., Progman, GT1), it was possible that only the last 7 of the VIN were entered into the DME, and positions 4 through 10 may only contain default characters. For example: The state I/M tester or OBD scan tool may read out WBAAA00000A123456 instead of the correct full 17-digit VIN, WBAZZ03492A123456.
- 10150086Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Warranty Extension to 13 years/150,000 miles. On affected vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) pump can fail.
- 10150044Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Warranty Extension to 13 years/150,000 miles. On affected vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) pump can fail.
- 10149392MINI CVT Replacement Parts Warranty Extension: Additional 12 Months with Up to 50,000 Accumulated Miles. A MINI vehicle's CVT assembly or component that was previously repaired and/or replaced by an authorized MINI dealer or BMW center may experience a subsequent failure.
- 10148439Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Limited Warranty Extension to 13 Years/150,000 Miles. On affected vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) pump can fail.
- 10148394Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle. Supply shortage of left-hand drive steering spindles
- 10148241MINI CVT Replacement Parts Warranty Extension: Additional 12 Months with Up to 50,000 Accumulated Miles. A MINI vehicle's CVT assembly or component that was previously repaired and/or replaced by an authorized MINI dealer or BMW center may experience a subsequent failure.
- 10145311NAVIGATION SYSTEM HAS MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
- 10143579NAVIGATION SYSTEM HAS MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
- 10134994Aisin automatic transmisison: right side output shaft seal replacement
- 10059114MINI: faulty software for the tank ventilation control displays engine throttle reaction when temperature IS high outside, and more obvious if the tank IS only partly filled.
- 10059113MINI: faulty software causes the check control and engine power reduced light to appear.
- 10059112MINI: because of the dme software, and a damaged clutch, the drivetrain malfunction check message appear.
- 10059111MINI: due to faulty dme software, the service engine lights comes on, including the check control message for motor force decrease.
- 10059098MINI: different faults activates engine malfunction and oil warning.
- 10059094MINI: a mechanical failure and dme software error of the vanos actuators cause the engine to run rough which activates the malfunction warning light.
- 10057570MINI: some vehicles have turbocharger noise and a lack or loss of performance, due to restriction of turbocharger oil supply, resulting in oil starvation and seizing of turbocharger assembly. Model all.
- 10056114MINI: there IS a disconnection or kink, in wnidshield washer hose, which IS too short, causing windshield front washer jet to fail. Model F56 (cooper, cooper s).
- 10056111MINI: information on parts warranty extension applying to previous qualifying repairs and no immediate repair required unless currently experiencing problem with cvt assembly or component. Model 2005-2008 cooper, cooper s.
- 10053604MINI: there IS a procedural error in the removing and installing or replacing high pressure pump current version that has been replaced with the corrected repair instruction portion for the N14 and N18 engine. Models R55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61. No model years listed.
- 10044699MINI: when resealing engine oil pan, engine oil pan gasket replacement should no longer be used due to causing sealing flange becoming deformed. Models R55, R56, R59, R60, R57, and R58. No model years listed.
- 10044680MINI: on certain model vehicles, an engine oil leak may occur, due to the compromised oil pump volume control solenoid valve, from the underside of engine. No model years listed. Updated 4/19/2013. Updated 3/11/14.
- 10043927BMW MINI: airbag warning light IS on: mrs fc 02, 03, 05, 06.
- 10043725MINI: after drive-away locking activates, it IS not possible to unlock the boot.
- 10040855BMW: a software error IS causing a hesitation or jerking when accelerating under higher loads between 3000 4000 rpm.
- 10040741BMW: engine too hot message IS displayed with stored trouble codes. The water pump doesnt power up.
- 10040372BMW: the crimping process of the oxygen sensor could lead to an electrical failure inside the sensor. There may be a malfunction light on with a fault code stored.
- 10039593BMW: the airbag warning light IS on with a fault stored. The wiring under the seat may be pinched or damaged.
- 10037305BMW: description and specifications of crankcase ventilation system.
- 10035884MINI: teileclearing for n14/n18 engine drivability and fuel system. Enhanced technical support (teileclearing) process has been developed to help identify the root causes ofcustomer complaints relating to the n14/n18 drivability and fuel system *e.g., long crank, loss of power, ses lamp on, etc.). This process can also help expedite the defect eradication process, once the root cause has been determined. No model years listed.
- 10032985MINI: electric cooling fan runs after engine IS shut off. After the engine IS shut off, the electric cooling fan continues to run. Due to the operating strategy of the dme, the electric cooling fan may continue to run after the engine IS shut off in two different scenarios. Engine coolant temp reaches 108 degrees celsius (due to heat soak), cooling fan will activate til coolant temp drops below 105 degrees celsius. Fan will run to assist the auxiliary water pump, which IS used to cool turbo charger after engine shut down. No model years listed.
- 10032984MINI: water leak from the front doors. After heavy rain, the carpet may be wet in the area near the rear of the front doors or in the footwell area. Water which IS allowed to enter the vehicle at the top rear edge of the door IS not able to drain out through the bottom of the door seal. As a result, the water travels along the door seal and into the passenger compartment.
- 10030668MINI: due to a failure in the production process,the catalytic converter may deteriorate causing an increased level of vehicle emissions. The catalyst efficiency fault code (276A) will be stored in the dme memory, and the service engine soon lamp will be illuminated. Vehicle drivability IS not affected by this type of the catalyst failure. (R55, R56).
- 10030667MINI vehicles: while driving or at idle, the headlamps flicker or sporadically move up or down by themselves. The headlamp wiring harness IS damaged due to chaffing at the engine ground point.
- 10030164MINI: while driving or at idle, the headlamps flicker or sporadically move up or down by themselves. The headlamp wiring harness IS damaged due to chaffing at the engine ground point. R55 (cooper clubman, cooper s clubman); R56 (cooper, cooper s).
- 10028785MINI: service engine soon or check gas cap warning IS illuminated: tank leakage. Leakage IS detected in the tank ventilation or evaporative system.
Every MINI Cooper model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.