VehicleVerdict

2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 72 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.0 times the median Cooper S Convertible year — the 2005 model ranks #1 of 8 Cooper S Convertible years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 54% of all reports (39 of 72), far ahead of airbags at 15.

72

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Cooper S Convertible years?

Cooper S Convertible NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted72 complaints2005: 72 complaints2006: 53 complaints2007: 8 complaints2008: 12 complaints2009: 15 complaints2010: 12 complaints2011: 6 complaints2012: 3 complaints
Cooper S Convertible NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cooper S Convertible years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering3954%
Airbags1521%
Transmission68%
Engine46%
Other23%
Body & Structure23%
Brakes11%
Seats11%
Seat Belts11%
Electrical System11%

Does the 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V205000AirbagsApril 6, 2015 · 91,800 units

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY BROTHER WAS DRIVING MY 2005 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE WHEN HE SMELLED WIRES BURNING AND SMOKE, WENT TO PULL OVER AND THE CAR WAS HARD TO CONTROL. UPON INSPECTION THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE POWER STEER PUMPS ELECTRONICS HAD CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED THE ADJACENT PARTS. UPON CONTACT RAULPH SCHOMP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 27, 2013 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 30, 2015

“TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40MPH. FINGER WAS CUT 2MM DEEP BY DEFECTIVE PEELING/FLAKING CHROME ACCENT ON MANUAL TRANSMISSION SHIFT KNOB. AS A RESULT, FINGER WAS BLEEDING AND EXPERIENCED A SHOCK FROM THE AFFECTED NERVE THROUGHOUT THE BODY WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. ATTENTION TO THE ROAD WAS LOST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 17, 2012

“2005 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE - PENDING A SECOND REPLACEMENT OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP/COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY DUE TO FAILURE - THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED 18 MONTHS AGO AND THE REPLACEMENT FAN HAS ALREADY STOPPED RUNNING, CAUSING A SEVERE LEAK OF PS FLUID (TWICE FOUND COMPLETELY EMPTY) AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 4, 2008

“I HAVE HAD A NEW PROBLEM EVERY WEEK WITH THIS CAR. I TOOK IT TO THE CAR WASH JUST TO FIND OUT THAT THE CONVERTIBLE TOP LEAKS ON BOTH SIDES, AT THE 1ST BEND. THE WATER WAS DRIPPING AT A FAST PACE. I HAD THE TOP CHECKED OUT FOR ANY PROBLEMS PRIOR TO PURCHASING AT WHICH I WAS TOLD NOTHING APPEARED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 7, 2015

2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible — common questions

Is the 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 72 complaints put the 2005 model at #1 of 8 Cooper S Convertible years. It is one of the Cooper S Convertible years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Cooper S Convertible problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (39 complaints), airbags (15 complaints), transmission (6 complaints).

Does the 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mini Cooper S Convertible years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cooper S Convertible years to avoid are 2005, 2006. The cleanest record among Cooper S Convertible years belongs to 2012.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.