2006 MINI Cooper S
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › MINI › Cooper S › 2006
These records cover every 2006 MINI Cooper S. 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 S. 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
186 complaints4 involved a crash9 involved a fire7 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2006 Mini Coop S. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the passenger’s side seat occupancy mat had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the…
The contact owns a 2006 Mini Coop S. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the passenger’s side seat occupancy mat had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist since the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V205000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,350.
- Air bags · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag sensor light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger side air bag system was defective and…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag sensor light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger side air bag system was defective and needed to be replaced. South bay MINI located at (18800 hawthorne blvd, torrance ca) was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The seat belt and check-engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the brown motor works (803-551-0991, located at 4041 broad…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The seat belt and check-engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the brown motor works (803-551-0991, located at 4041 broad river rd, columbia, sc 29210) and it was diagnosed that the power steering needed to be services. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was intermittent. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160.000.
- Steering
Power steering IS malfunctioning. It come and goes for a couple of days while in a winding road. Took it to the dealer and they replace some lines. A few moths later it started having issues with at the beginning of the driving after the car has been idle for more than 2 hours. Now the power steering IS totally not working at all.
- Fuel/propulsion system
There IS a constant fuel / gasoline smell in my car and outside the vehicle. No visible leaks. The smell IS constant.
- Power train · Steering · Unknown or other
Steering pump transmission weening not wanting to change gears right
- Air bags
The air bag detection warning remains active after dealer reinstallation of the seat detector pad.
- Power train
2006 MINI cooper s with 66000 miles had a transmission failure that resulted in unsafe driving condition due to loss of forward propulsion while driving on highway.
- Steering
Power steering pump failing, creating a loud whine when running (moving, and stationary).
- Air bags · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger · Seats · Unknown or other
Upon starting my car, after being in a store, the passenger airbag light came on while a passenger was in the seat. the indicator stayed on after turning the car off and back on. I researched to see if there were any recalls for a faulty passenger airbag covering my year, make and model, and…
Upon starting my car, after being in a store, the passenger airbag light came on while a passenger was in the seat. the indicator stayed on after turning the car off and back on. I researched to see if there were any recalls for a faulty passenger airbag covering my year, make and model, and found nhtsa campaign number: 15v205000. I contacted my local MINI dealer and was told that there was no information pertaining to my car and that I needed to contact MINI USA directly. I did so and was told that they also could not find any information pertaining to my car and that they needed to open an investigation in order to determine the status of my vehicle. I was told that because my car was purchased through an overseas military program the systems were not the same and that a supervisor would have to try and find the information and manually add it to the MINI USA system. I was also asked, repeatedly, if my car was a canadian spec vehicle. it was not ordered as such. after several weeks of waiting, I called MINI USA to inquire about the status of the investigation. I was told that I had already been notified that my car was not included on the recall for the airbag sensor issue. when I inquired as to why my vehicle was not covered for the exact problem for which the recall was issued, I was told that my case was now closed and if I had any other questions I needed to contact MINI customer service.
- Air bags · Seat belts
I have a 2006 MINI cooper s. Airbags replaced due to recall (2015 or 2016) at MINI dealership. Now, may 15, 2018, seatbelt/airbag red light on on console. No airbag light on near mirror. Nothing on passenger seat - I am belted when I drive. This happens as I turn on ignition and stays on.
- Steering
Was driving the car on local roads and all of a sudden had a loss of power and steering was extremely hard to steer/turn
- Steering
My electric power steering pump IS failing. It whines when you turn the wheel and sometimes it does not work at all. Very scary to lose control of the car. There was an open recall thru 2005, but BMW says they wont help us 2006 owners.
- Steering
Power steering failure while driving both slowly pulling out of carport and at normal 35 miles per hour street speed. Steering became very difficult. Persisted until car was turned off for several minutes. Happened sporadically afterward. Issue returned and now affects the car most of the time…
Power steering failure while driving both slowly pulling out of carport and at normal 35 miles per hour street speed. Steering became very difficult. Persisted until car was turned off for several minutes. Happened sporadically afterward. Issue returned and now affects the car most of the time while driving. Will happen upon starting the car, or while driving. Car only has 50,063 miles on it! Looks like power steering pump failure IS causing the loss of steering. Extreamly dangerous!
- Steering
Power steering pump failed, they did not recall this year but the pumps still fail
- Steering
The power steering pump failed suddenly on the car. It has now happened multiple times including while driving. While driving it IS extremely dangerous as you suddenly loose most of your ability to steer! This has happened both while the car was stationary, while it was in motion on a city street…
The power steering pump failed suddenly on the car. It has now happened multiple times including while driving. While driving it IS extremely dangerous as you suddenly loose most of your ability to steer! This has happened both while the car was stationary, while it was in motion on a city street, and while it was in motion on the highway. One of the times was while I was turning. I believe this IS a combination of problems relating to the power steering pump cooling fan, and the power steering pump itself. Now bmw/mini has admitted that they have a major problem with this thought the model year 2005. However from what I've read a lot of 2006 mini's have experienced this problem as well. They should expand the recall/replacement procedure to at least the 2006 models as well.
- Seats
Vehicle recalled 2015 for front passenger sensor mat (recall 15v205) still not repaired. Local MINI dealer has serviced the car so they have contact information.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s. While driving 65 mph, the fuel sensor gauge malfunctioned. The contact stated that the vehicle ran out of fuel, but the gauge indicated that there was 74 miles left in the fuel tank. Tempe MINI, located at 7855 south test drive, tempe, arizona 85284, was…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s. While driving 65 mph, the fuel sensor gauge malfunctioned. The contact stated that the vehicle ran out of fuel, but the gauge indicated that there was 74 miles left in the fuel tank. Tempe MINI, located at 7855 south test drive, tempe, arizona 85284, was made aware of the failure and stated that the fuel pump, fuel housing, and fuel sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000. The vin was not available.
- Power train
I am original owner. transmission problems. slipping and hard shifting. automatic and manual. 70,000 miles. happens intermittently when driving. BMW told me to sell it right away. $9,000 to repair. should be recalled. very unhappy. please help. *tr
- Electrical system · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s. The contact stated that while in park, the vehicle failed to start. In addition, the contact stated that while reversing at a low speed, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to steer the…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s. The contact stated that while in park, the vehicle failed to start. In addition, the contact stated that while reversing at a low speed, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to steer the vehicle. Once in park, the vehicle failed to turn off with the key in the off position. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering motor had failed and melted. The power steering motor, wires, battery, pump, fan, pressure hose and alternator were replaced. After repairs, the mechanic was unable to diagnose the vehicle using the diagnostic tool. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer who stated that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was aware of nhtsa campaign number: 15v660000 (steering) but the vin was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s. While driving 30 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering line and pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s. While driving 30 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering line and pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 15v660000.(steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2006 MINI cooper s. While driving 55 mph, the steering became very difficult to maneuver without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,700. update 01/15/16 ma;update 04/25/18*jb the consumer stated vehicle was repaired on nov. 26, 2015 by the owner. *Tr
- Steering
Signs of the power steering pump failure. Whining noise randomly got louder. Fluids topped up, no leaks. There IS a recall from BMW that covers 2002-2005 models. This pump only has 82,400 miles on it.
- Air bags
Recall notice no. 15V-205 was received june 2015 for front passenger seat occupant detection mat sensor. As of 24 september 2015, dealer still does not have parts or "information" on recall.
- Air bags
I complained with MINI cooper back in 2011 when my warranty expired and dealership said that replacement will be done out of pocket. I have been driving my car at risk; more often that not, I do not drive my car with a passenger in the front seat. fast forward to 2015 with recall but unable to…
I complained with MINI cooper back in 2011 when my warranty expired and dealership said that replacement will be done out of pocket. I have been driving my car at risk; more often that not, I do not drive my car with a passenger in the front seat. fast forward to 2015 with recall but unable to execute the recall due to lack of parts. nhtsa should investigate what the cause of delay and since the original part works albeit bad durability, force MINI cooper/bmw to perform stop gap repairs with older parts, bypass sensor or change software code to disregard bad sensor input. the burden IS too great for me to use my car with no passenger or passenger at risk. stop gap repairs, including changing the software code and eliminate sensor input to disable the airbag can be a temporary repair. how hard IS it for bmwq to short or "fake" the sensor signal, so the system would not disable the airbag; hence it would deploy when there's a passenger onboard. put a sticker on the dashboard that says airbags are temporary active and child seats not allowed. my safety instinct tells me it IS preferred to have the airbag active and deploy when needed. the number of potential child seat IS most likely a very low number that most owners would prefer to have an active airbag. it IS unacceptable that this IS taking so long, and putting the owners at risk when there are stop gap measures available. bypassing the sensor and having the airbags active seems to be the most logical one except nhtsa may be the problem for coming up with auto-sensors to prevent child seat activation. nhtsa should make a choice and decide what IS more important, safety of the passengers, or having to give BMW instruction and waivers to allow stop gap and not put me and my passengers at risk.
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.
- 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.
- 10162443Programming a Replacement EGS Module with ISTA/P. Programming a replacement electronic transmission control module (EGS) with ISTA/P requires the manual entry of the correct target basic and programmed part numbers. Programming concept.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 10044719MINI: there IS a software error causing the service engine soon light to be illuminated that IS related to valvetronic diagnostics. Models R55, R56, R58, R57, R60, R59. 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.
- 10041389BMW: service engine soon light may be on with stored trouble codes and reduced engine power. The high pressure fuel pump malfunctions.
- 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.
- 10030669MINI: when replacing the cylinder head cover on a vehicle equipped with the new N14 engine, the cover will look different in appearance. The replacement cover IS now equipped with a crankcase ventilation system pressure relief valve. No model years listed.
- 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.
- 10026789MINI: check svs function. On certain vehicles, the voice input system (svs sa 620) does not function. The svs was not installed in the vehicles.
- 10026767MINI: turbocharger failure; oil supply line blockage. Loss of performance and turbocharger noise. Updated 8/16/11.
Every MINI Cooper S model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.