“The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the power steering pump needed to be replaced.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 26, 2025 at 117,300 miles
“The vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed me that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure is NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall.”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 12, 2023 at 99,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the steeringRecall (red: the steering)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2005 Cooper peaked in 2011, with 82 filed that year. Owners had filed 241 complaints about the steering before the first recall that covers it, 15V660000 in October 2015; 27 more have come in since. In 2025 owners filed 2 so far.
Filed Oct 15, 201586,018 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles and 2005 Cooper and Cooper S Convertible vehicles. The affected vehicles may experience temporary or permanent loss of the electro-hydraulic steering assistance.
Risk. 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.
Remedy. MINI will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the electro-hydraulic power steering system, replacing the components and wiring, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 10, 2015. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Filed Apr 6, 201591,800 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. 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 seat occupant detection mat may not function properly and, as a result, the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash.
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.
Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Filed Aug 11, 20081,921 vehiclesK2 Motor Corporation
Defect. K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 2005 Cooper.
Loss of power steering assistEngineering analysis EA11005Closed
Opened May 4, 2011Closed Jan 5, 2016Led to recall 15V660000steering
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) originally opened the investigation of loss of power steering assist in model year (MY) 2004 and 2005 Mini Cooper as Preliminary Evaluation PE10-038.The investigation was upgraded to Engineering Analysis EA11-005 in May, 2011.During EA11-005 the scope was expanded to include MY 2002 and 2003 vehicles that use the same steering system.The subject vehicles now include MY 2002, the first year BMW sold MINI in the U.S., through mid-MY 2005 covering approximately 109,000 vehicles.The subject vehicles use an electrically driven pump to provide hydraulic …
Loss of Power Steering AssistPreliminary evaluation PE10038Closed
Opened Sep 24, 2010Closed May 10, 2011steering
ODI has received 339 complaints alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle.When the power steering assist stops working, drivers experienced difficulty in steering and/or controlling the vehicle.According to BMW drivers may experience either a temporary or permanent loss of power steering assist.BMW further advised that a temporary loss of power steering assist may be due to a malfunctioning cooling fan or an under-voltage condition in the power steering system.A permanent loss of power steering assist may be due to an error in the internal electronics, and …
Technical service bulletins
51 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2005 Cooper. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
engine 15equipment 9electrical system 7transmission 7steering 3airbags 3body and frame 2equipment adaptive/mobility 1
SI M01 01 13Warranty extensionNov 1, 2014steering
MINI: MODELS R50, R52, AND R53 WITH THE ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC POWER-ASSIST STEERING PUMP AND COOLING FANS WILL HAVE AN LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 13 YEARS/150,000 MILES. *TA
M010113Warranty extensionNov 1, 2014equipment
Electro-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.
M010514Warranty extensionOct 1, 2014transmission
MINI 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.
MINI: 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. *PE
This 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.
SIM-01-01-13Warranty extensionDec 1, 2013steering
MINI: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH COOLING FAN AND THE DURABILITY OF ELECTRO HYDRAULIC POWER (ASSIST) STEERING (EHPS) PUMP. MODELS 2002-2005 R50, R52, R3. *PE UPDATED ON 11/1/2013. *KB UPDATED 3/4/2014 *JS
What owners reported
Newest filings
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Apr 14, 2025172,843 milesOH
The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that there was water accumulated on the passenger's side front floorboard. The contact stated that the heater was causing some undisclosed issues. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the sunroof drain tubes were clogged, the drain tubes were cleared, and an undisclosed reprogramming was completed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 172,843.
Steering
Filed Mar 26, 2025117,300 milesNJ
The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 117,300.
EngineFire
Filed May 30, 2023160,000 milesMD
The contact owns a 2005 Mini Coop S Hardtop. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the vehicle alarm activated inadvertently and the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that he lifted the hood open and noticed fire coming from underneath the engine. The contact extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Steering
Filed Apr 12, 202399,000 milesIL
The vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed me that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure is NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall.
Steering
Filed Jul 7, 2022167,000 milesMD
The contact owns a 2005 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
Steering
Filed Sep 22, 2021NM
2005 Mini Cooper S has power steering whine, hard to steer the wheel. Very unsafe.
Structure › BodyFire
Filed Sep 8, 2021CA
Driving at approximately 10-15 miles an hour entering a parking lot when I noticed flames coming out of the hood scoop of my 2005 Mini Cooper S. After brief inspection from my mechanic, it is believed to have been caused by the wiring harness for ABS or possibly the power steering unit since the fire originated from the rear/right hand side of the engine and those two components. I have a claim opened with USAA but during simple research, I have found tens, if not close to a hundred issues with similar characteristics. I know I am not the first R53 Mini Cooper (2002-2006 run) with this problem and this should be considered a hazard and public safety issue. I have included the link to many of the cases captured by the North American Motoring Association (a primarily North American Mini car association) which details 24 pages of these issues. https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/73527-spontaneous-engine-bay-fires.html?ispreloading=1
Power Train
Filed Feb 21, 20211 milesMI
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SLIPS CAUSING A JERK REACTION IN THE VEHICLE AND THEN IT WILL RENEGADE CAUSING ANOTHER JERK REACTION IN THE VEHICLE AND MAKES GOING AND OR STOPPING UNPREDICTABLE. TURNING LEFT IS DANGEROUS AS THE CAR MAY NOT MOVE FORWARD AT A SPEED THAT IT SHOULD OR MAY JERK IN THE MIDDLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAVE HAD A MACHANIC CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION AND IT STILL DOES THE SAME THING. I HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURERS WHO INFORMED ME THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND NOTHING THEY WOULD DO.
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 24, 202077,500 milesNJ
THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAS ALL BUT STOPPED WORKING, WITH STEERING NOW DIFFICULT AT LOWER SPEED--ESPECIALLY WHEN I FIRST START THE ENGINE IN THE MORNING. THE CLUTCH DOESN'T RESPOND WELL AND THE VEHICLE NO LONGER GOES INTO SECOND GEAR. THE REAR LEFT BRAKE CALIPER SEIZED IN PLACE, NOT ALLOWING THE BRAKE PAD TO RETRACT COMPLETELY AND THEREFORE THE BRAKE PAD CONTINUOUSLY RUBBED AGAINST THE DISC, BUT WITHOUT NOISE. NOT UNTIL THE LEFT REAR BRAKE MADE NOISE BECAUSE OF THE METAL ON METAL BRAKING WAS THE SEIZED OEM CALIPER IDENTIFIED, WHEN I PUT ON A SET OF NEW BRAKE PADS. NONE OF THE OTHER THREE BRAKES HAD THE SEIZED OEM CALIPER.
Steering
Filed Aug 19, 201992,500 milesPR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. ONCE RESTARTED, THE STEERING OPERATED NORMALLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY ONE AND A HALF MONTHS AND WAS GETTING WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,500.
Steering
Filed Apr 26, 201985,000 milesGA
THE POWER STEERING PUMP STOPS FUNCTIONING INTERMITTENTLY WHEN STARTING A STOP.
Steering
Filed Jan 4, 2019172,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, THE POWER STEERING PUMP CONTINUED TO OPERATE. ALSO, WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING PUMP SOMETIMES FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. ALSO, THE LOW BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ORLANDO MINI (350 LAKE DESTINY DRIVE, ORLANDO, FL) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.
Steering
Filed Dec 8, 2018FL
STEERING WHEEL GOT STIFF WHEN I'M DRIVING.
Power Train
Filed Jul 30, 201883,000 milesPA
BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR IT WAS REAR-ENDED FROM LOSING SPEED BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. THIS IS IN THE DESIGN OF THIS YEAR OF MINI COOPER AS I AM FINDING THAT IT IS ON THE INTERNET AS JUST A BAD DESIGN. I CAN'T GET ANYONE TO WORK ON IT FOR A REASONABLE PRICE. I'M HOPING THERE'S SOME HELP OUT THERE FOR UNSUSPECTING INNOCENT PEOPLE LIKE ME WHO THOUGHT THEY WERE GETTING A GOOD CAR AND NOW IT IS JUST UNSAFE AS I HAVE HAD TO TOW IT 3 TIMES NOW AND I'VE ONLY HAD IT SINCE MAY OF THIS YEAR 2018.
Steering
Filed Dec 13, 201790 milesNJ
POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED WHILE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 90K AND FOR SOME REASON WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL PER MINI USA. MINI NEEDS TO REVIEW THE RECALL AND CORRECT ALL 2005 MINI COOPER'S WITH THIS DEFECT.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 30, 2017168,000 milesCA
WHILE DRIVING CAR MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HEAVY AND HARD TO STEER.
Steering
Filed Aug 15, 2017100,612 milesNM
STEERING IS DIFFICULT AND REQUIRES EXERTION WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL. I BELIEVE MY CAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL RECALL 15V-XXX: ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING (EHPS) SYSTEM M32 02 15 IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL BUT BECAUSE MY CAR EXHIBITS THE SAME ISSUE THAT IS RECALLED ON CARS MADE IN THAT YEAR, I FEEL THAT THE LIMITS SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MY CAR AND OTHER CARS MANUFACTURED WHEN MINE WAS.
Steering
Filed Aug 3, 2017100,000 milesMA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V660000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE IN HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Steering
Filed Jul 6, 2017117,000 milesTX
THE POWER STEERING PUMP ON MY 2005 MINI COOPER S IS ACTING UP/ FAULTY, MAKING A GROAN NOISE AND STEERING IS HARD AT TIMES.
Steering
Filed Jul 3, 2017175,900 milesCA
THE POWER STEERING IN MY MINI COOPER 2005 HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT. THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES VERY HARD TO TURN ALL OF A SUDDEN, PARTICULARLY AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN IT IS NEEDED THE MOST TO MAKE TURNS OR TO PARK. THERE ARE NO FAULT INDICATORS FOR THIS ISSUE ON THE DASHBOARD EITHER. THE VERY FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED IN MARCH 2011 WHEN MY CAR HAD LESS THAN 80,000 MILES ON IT. THE POWER STEERING BECAME COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. AT THAT TIME THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN MINI COOPER AND THAT THE PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT COST WAS TOO HIGH THOUGH, HENCE I CHOSE TO THINK ABOUT IT BEFORE HAVING IT REPLACED. LUCKILY, THE POWER STEERING STARTED WORKING AGAIN AND EVEN THOUGH STEERING BECAME A LITTLE HARD AT TIMES I GOT USED TO IT. BUT SINCE END OF APRIL 2017 THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE. STEERING GETS TOO HARD AT TIMES AND REQUIRES A LOT OF FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AT LOW SPEEDS. GETTING IN AND OUT A COMPACT PARKING SPOT IS EXCEPTIONALLY HARD. MAKING LEFT, RIGHT AND U TURNS ARE ALSO VERY HARD. EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. OR IF THE RECALL IS ONGOING, WHY SHOULD IT TAKE SO LONG SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 11, 201783,000 milesCA
PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY DOWNSHIFTS AT HIGH SPEEDS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO REV REALLY HIGH. JOLTS A LOT ON THE SPEED CHANGES. HAVING SIGNS INDICATIVE OF TRANSMISSION FAILURE.
Steering
Filed Mar 3, 2017110,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ABILITY HAD NOT RETURNED FOR ONE MONTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN ELECTRO HYDRAULIC STEERING SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V660000 (STEERING), BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.
SteeringCrash
Filed Feb 21, 2017120,000 milesNJ
I REPORTED A FEW MONTHS AGO THAT MY POWER STEERING HAD FAILED. IT IS A 2005 MINI COOPER, AND SOME 2002-2005 MINI COOPERS WERE EFFECTED, BUT SUPPOSEDLY NOT MY MINI WITH MY VIN NUMBER. THE RECALL HAD ENDED IN FEBRUARY 2005 AND MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN APRIL 2005. HOWEVER I BELIEVE THAT BMW (MAKERS OF MINI COOPER) WERE USING FAULTY POWER STEERING UNITS AFTER FEBRUARY 2005. MY CAR HAS LOW MILES, I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND I TAKE PRISTINE CARE OF MY MINI. AS A RESULT, I HIT A CURB AND HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT LEFT TIRE CHANGED. THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR, NO RAIN AND MY TIRES ARE ALL JUST ABOUT BRAND NEW RUN FLAT TIRES. THE RANGE OF MINI COOPERS AFFECTED NEEDS TO INCREASED. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM AND BMW (MAKERS OF MINI COOPER) SEEM TO NOT TAKE IT SERIOUSLY. MY POWER STEERING IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP
Steering
Filed Sep 7, 201658,000 milesCA
ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM RECALL. MINI COMPANY AND DEALERSHIP REFUSE TO TOW OUR CAR FOR REPAIR. WE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE OF STEERING "FREEZING UP" - SEVERELY LIMITED, ON THE HIGHWAY, WHICH WAS SCARY AND DID NOT FEEL SAFE. ALL DEALERSHIPS REQUIRE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY FROM OUR HOME. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, BUT I DO NOT AGREE, HAVING EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM FIRST HAND. MINI REFUSES TO TOW BECAUSE IT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. PLEASE NOTE: INCIDENT DATE IS AN ESTIMATE. WILL GET ACTUAL DATE ASAP. NOTE: THIS STEERING LIMITATION HAS ALSO HAPPENED LAST WINTER WHEN TRYING TO STEER THE CAR OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. I WAS NOT ABLE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL (1/16). CALLED DEALERSHIP, BUT DID NOT HAVE NEW PART IN STOCK YET AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN IT WOULD BE AVAILABLE. CAR DID NOT DO IT THE NEXT TIME (FEW DAYS LATER). DEALERSHIP NEVER CONTACTED US TO ALERT THE PART WAS AVAILABLE (AS IT NOW IS).
Steering
Filed Aug 30, 201667,545 milesCA
THE POWER STEERING GOES IN AND OUT. SOMETIMES IT STEERS PROPERLY AND SOMETIMES IT IS LIKE TURNING A TRUCK. HAPPENS BOTH WHILE STATIONARY AND WHEN MOVING.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 11, 201669,791 milesTX
FRONT DRIVER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE WORKING CORRECTLY AS IT DOESN'T DETECT SOMETIMES WHEN THERE IS AN OCCUPANT. SECOND ISSUE IS THE CVT TRANSMISSION OF THIS VEHICLE. I GET A JERKING MOTION EVERY NOW AND THEN AND FOUND A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT LINKED WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS. I PURCHASED THIS CAR AFTER THIS LAWSUIT BUT APPARENTLY THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN CARE OF. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES ON IT AND FIND THIS UNACCEPTABLE.
Steering
Filed Jun 10, 2016115,000 milesNJ
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER. WITHOUT WARNING, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TIGHT, EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN, AND SEIZED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXTREME FORCE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE EACH TIME THE FAILURE PROGRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V660000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V205000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 08/03/16*LJ UPDATED 08/09/16.*JB *CN
Steering
Filed Apr 19, 201667,155 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V660000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP CAUSED METAL FRAGMENTS TO ENTER THE RACK AND PINION, WHICH CAUSED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT BECAUSE OF THE TREAD ACT, THE MANUFACTURER WAS ONLY OBLIGATED TO REPAIR THE POWER STEERING PUMP UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,155.
Steering
Filed Apr 6, 201686,000 milesMO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE FAN FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Steering
Filed Mar 19, 2016140,230 milesLA
POWER STEERING PUMP WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AND IT STAYS ON WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF. I WAS ON A CITY STREET WHEN IT HAPPENED. I HAVE TO DISCONNECT BATTERY CABLE SO IT DOESN'T DRAIN THE BATTERY.
Steering
Filed Mar 11, 2016FL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V660000 (STEERING). THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 3, 201667,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ELECTRIC FAN KEPT RUNNING. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. WHEN ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ARRIVED, THE BATTERY WAS JUMPSTARTED AND THE FAN REMAINED ACTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND THE POWER STEERING FAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 5, 2016106,000 milesMD
IN COLD WEATHER THE DRIVER SIDE PARKING BRAKE FREEZES/STICKS. ONE OF MANY EXAMPLES WAS THIS MORNING. IT WAS 27 DEGREES IN MY GARAGE AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE WITH NO PROBLEMS, I DROVE FOR A FEW MILES WITH THE CAR FULLY WARMED UP. I STOPPED FOR COFFEE AND LEFT THE CAR RUNNING (WIFE IN CAR) AND RETURNED NO MORE THAN 5 MINUTES LATER. WHEN I TRIED TO DRIVE THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT RELEASED ALL THE WAY. AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE THE PASSENGER REAR BRAKE WAS COOL TO THE TOUCH BUT THE DRIVER SIDE WAS RADIATING HEAT AND SMELLED OF BURNING BRAKES. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE FLAW AND CAN BE DANGEROUS. THE REAR CALIPERS ARE RELATIVELY NEW AND THE BRAKE FLUID IS FLUSHED EVERY TWO YEARS. I ALSO HAVE A 2006 MINI COOPER THAT DOES NOT HAVE THIS ISSUE. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH PROVIDES NUMEROUS EXAMPLES ALL SEEM TO BE ISOLATED IN THE 2004-2005 YEARS AND IN COLD CLIMATES.
Steering
Filed Nov 25, 2015110,000 milesNH
THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS HAS STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY, OTHER TIMES IT JUST TAKES MORE OF AN EFFORT TO TURN THE WHEEL EACH OCCURANCE CAN LAST FROM A FEW SECONDS OR MUCH LONGER PERIODS OF TIME AND DOESN'T MATTER IF ITS LOW OR HIGH SPEEDS. ALSO WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE A LOW BATTERY LIGHT IS SOMTIMES ILUMINATED. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE IS COMPLETE UNPREDICTABLE.
Steering
Filed Nov 14, 2015129,960 milesCA
POWER STEERING FAILED AT LOW SPEED WHILE TURNING AT A STOP SIGN IN A SCHOOL ZONE. STEERING EFFORT INCREASED DRAMATICALLY THEN SHORTLY AFTER THE BATTERY LIGHT, THEN ALTERNATOR LIGHT CAME ON. WAS ABLE TO JUST MAKE IT HOME. I LOOKED ONLINE AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT MINI IS OFFERING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. I CALLED MINI AND GAVE THEM MY VIN. THEY TOLD ME MY 2005 COOPER S IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME. IT SEEMS THAT MINI IS NOT CAPTURING ALL THE VEHICLES THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER NOTIFYING ME OF THE ISSUE. LOT OF FORUMS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. SO GLAD THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON THE HWY.
Steering
Filed Nov 4, 201575,000 milesLA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Steering
Filed Nov 4, 201550,000 milesIL
LOSS OF POWER STEERING. AND REGARDING THIS: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER :15V660 MANUFACTURER :BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC MAKE / MODEL YEARS :MINI / 2002-2005 SUBJECT : ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING LOSS I CAN TELL YOU THE PROBLEM WAS BECAUSE THE LOCATION OF THE COOLING FAN CAUSES IT TO BE CONTINUALLY BOMBARDED WITH ROAD SALT AND DEBRIS, SO IT FAILS, THEN THE PUMP BURNS OUT.
Air Bags1 injured
Filed Nov 4, 201595,000 milesIL
POWER STEERING PROBLEMS, AIR BAG OFF AND ON, CLUTCH WENT OUT NEAR ACCIDENT, ELECTRICAL ISSUES(MANY) WINDOWS UP AND DOWN ON THEIR OWN, EVER BRAKE NOT WORKING PROPERLY NUMEROUS ITEMS I HAVE THEM DETAILED ON PAPER
Air Bags
Filed Oct 22, 2015184,000 milesTX
I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM MINI COOPER IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE BY MAIL AND CALLED TO TRY AND SCHEDULE A REPLACEMENT OF THE SEAT SENSOR. I WAS TOLD THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST MIGHT BE CHARGED FOR THIS AND IT WOULD BE $150.00 FOR THE REPLACEMENT. THIS IS FREAKING RIDICULOUS, THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THEY TRY TO CASH OUT AT MY EXPENSE... NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: OPENS NEW WINDOW TAKES AWAY FROM VIN LOOKUP SECTION> 15V205 RECALL DATE: APRIL 3, 2015 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: NA
Steering
Filed Oct 20, 201525,000 milesTX
SOMETIME WHEN AM DRIVING ON THE STREET OR HIGHWAY THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEELS, IT IS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS! HAPPEN AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK AT DIFFERENT TIMES. IF I TURN THE WHEELS TOO MUCH, I NOTICE IT HAPPEN TOO.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 19, 201590,000 milesNJ
LOST POWER STEARING, HEAT AND AIR ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 15, 201540,000 milesIL
THE WRITTEN "SAFETY RECALL NOTICE" THAT I RECEIVED IN THE MAIL YESTERDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015, OF WHICH BMW/MINI LIKELY PROVIDED NHTSA A COPY IS BOTH FALSE AND MISLEADING. FOUR MONTHS AFTER BMW/MINI NOTIFIED ME NOT TO ALLOW AN ADULT-SIZE PERSON TO RIDE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OF THIS FOUR-SEAT, TWO-DOOR AUTOMOBILE, THE CURRENT WRITTEN NOTICE INDICATES THAT BMW'S MINI DEALERS "ARE NOW READY" AND I SHOULD "SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR RECALL REPAIR SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE." IN USING THE WEBSITE PROVIDED IN THE NOTICE TO LOCATE THE NEAREST DEALER, I WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE DEALER HAD NO PARTS AND WOULD NOT EVEN SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO OCCUR IN THE FUTURE. A CALL TO THE BMW/MINI TOLL-FREE NUMBER INCLUDED IN THE NOTICE CAUSED THE BMW/MINI "CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES" REPRESENTATIVE TO ADMIT THAT THE NOTICE WAS FALSE AND THAT MANY DEALERS ARE NOT READY TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS FOR THIS SERVICE. THE NOTICE FOR RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 15V-205 INDICATES THAT IT WAS SENT TO ME "IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT." DOES NHTSA REALLY CONDONE FALSE AND MISLEADING WRITTEN NOTICES PURPORTED TO BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL SAFETY LAW?
Air Bags
Filed Sep 29, 2015KY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V205000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 29, 2015CT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COPPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V205000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 28, 2015FL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V205000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATION IN JUNE OF 2015. HOWEVER, THE DEALER ADVISED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HE WILL RECEIVE A CALL BACK WHEN THE PART WAS AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 12/01/15*LJ UPDATED 4/9/18*JB (INVALID VIN) *TR
Seat Belts
Filed Aug 24, 201586,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT LIGHT ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V205000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 86,000. MA 10/14 *CN
Air Bags
Filed Aug 5, 201575,000 milesNC
THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARD TO THE CURRENT RECALL CAMPAIGN 15V-205; FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER IS DELINQUENT IN MAKING THIS CRITICAL SAFETY UPDATE. THE PART 573 REPORT INDICATED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION DATE OF MAY 01 -- JUNE 01; THE NOTIFICATION CAME IN LATE JUNE. THE LETTER FROM THE USDOT OF APRIL 17, 2015 INDICATED THAT THE RECALL WAS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON MAY 1. AS IT IS NOW AUGUST, I WOULD ASK THE AGENCY CONTINUE PUTTING APPROPRIATE PRESSURE ON THE MANUFACTURER. WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST SURFACED YEARS AGO, THE DEALER DID NOT SEEM TO INDICATE THERE WOULD BE ANY TROUBLE GETTING THOSE PARTS---BUT THEY WANTED ALMOST $1500 TO REPAIR. I APPRECIATE YOUR CONTINUED EFFORTS IN GETTING MY CAR REPAIRED.
Steering
Filed Jul 28, 2015GA
WHILE BACKING MY CAR OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE THIS MORNING I WENT TO TURN THE WHEEL AND IT SEEMED STUCK I THEN REALIZED I HAD NO POWER STEERING. I HAD PARKED THE CAR THE NIGHT BEFORE AND HAD NO INDICATION THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. AS I BACKED THE CAR OUT WITHOUT POWER STEERING I ALMOST HIT TWO CARS TRYING TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, I WAS ABLE TO PARK THE CAR WITHOUT INCIDENT. THERE HAS SO FAR BEEN NO RECALL ON THE STEERING AND APPARENTLY I'M NOT THE FIRST PERSON THIS HAPPENED TO.
Steering
Filed Jul 20, 201583,025 milesGA
THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2005 MINI COOPER FAILED SUDDENLY AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. IT TOOK ALL MY EFFORT TO KEEP THE CAR IN THE LANE. THE MINI DEALER INITIALLY TOLD ME THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR WAS COVERED DUE TO THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON 2002 ? 2005 MINI COOPERS WHICH EXTENDS THE WARRANTY ON THE POWER STEERING MOTOR TO 13 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES. I WAS CALLED BACK LATER TO BE INFORMED THAT MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED AS IT WAS MANUFACTURED AFTER THE FEB. 2005 CUTOFF DATE. MY MINI COOPER WAS MANUFACTORED IN JUNE 2005. GLOBAL MINI IN CHAMBLEE, GA CHARGED ME $899.78 FOR REPLACING THE POWER STEERING MOTOR. MY SUDDEN POWER STEERING FAILURE AT 83,025 MILES WAS CONSISTENT WITH THE POWER STEERING EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUED BY MINI USA FOR THE SUDDEN FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING MOTOR. THE WARRANTY, IN EFFECT, IS SAYING THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR OF THESE VEHICLES SHOULD LAST FOR 150,000 MILES. WHILE MINI USA HAS EXTENDED THE COVERAGE TO SOME 2005 MINIS, COVERAGE TO MY MINI COOPER HAS BEEN DENIED FAILING AT ONLY 83,000 MILES EVEN THOUGH IT EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS OF FAILURE.UPDATE 9/15/15*CW UPDATED 11/28/2017*CN
Steering
Filed Jul 13, 2015115,000 milesVA
IN THE MONTHS OF MAY AND JUNE OF 2015, MY POWER STEERING WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STOP PROVIDING POWER ASSIST. IT HAS COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING NOW. MAKES IT CHALLENGING TO MAKE EMERGENCY MANEUVERS.
Complaints 1-50 of 372, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the Cooper years to avoid: owners filed 372 complaints, 3.6 times as many as a typical Cooper year. The most common complaint is about the steering (72%).
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Mini Cooper?
The steering: 268 of the 372 complaints (72%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses steering assist or the wheel locks (28%), loses power (13%) and drains the battery or stops charging (4%). The typical report comes at 71,230 miles.
How many recalls does the 2005 Mini Cooper have?
4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 15, 2015. The largest, 15V205000, covered 91,800 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2005 Mini Cooper problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 70,000 miles. For the steering the midpoint is 71,230 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2005 Mini Cooper?
Yes, 2 times. The latest, EA11005 ("Loss of power steering assist"), was opened May 4, 2011 and closed Jan 5, 2016.
Are there service bulletins for the 2005 Mini Cooper?
The manufacturer filed 51 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (15), the electrical system (7) and the transmission (7). They include a warranty extension, SI M01 01 13, filed Nov 1, 2014. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Oct 15, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.