VehicleVerdict

2004 Mini Cooper S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 279 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.0 times the median Cooper S year — the 2004 model ranks #3 of 22 Cooper S years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 77% of all reports (215 of 279), far ahead of electrical system at 21.

279

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Cooper S years?

Cooper S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted383 complaints2002: 105 complaints2003: 258 complaints2004: 279 complaints2005: 383 complaints2006: 243 complaints2007: 300 complaints2008: 197 complaints2009: 151 complaints2010: 78 complaints2011: 46 complaints2012: 30 complaints2013: 32 complaints2014: 17 complaints2015: 20 complaints2016: 10 complaints2017: 8 complaints2019: 7 complaints2020: 8 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 1 complaints2024: 2 complaints2025: 6 complaints
Cooper S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cooper S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Mini Cooper S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering21577%
Electrical System218%
Visibility & Wipers124%
Airbags83%
Engine52%
Tires & Wheels41%
Seats31%
Seat Belts31%
Fuel System21%
Latches & Locks21%
Transmission21%
Brakes10%
Other10%

Does the 2004 Mini Cooper S have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V660000SteeringOctober 15, 2015 · 86,018 units

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.

Consequence

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.

04V348000Tires & WheelsJuly 12, 2004 · 1,193 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLAT TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTLY PROGRAMMED. IN THE EVENT OF A FLAT TIRE, AN AUDIBLE SIGNAL WILL NOT SOUND TO ALERT THE DRIVER TO A FLAT TIRE.

Consequence

DUE TO THE LACK OF AN AUDIBLE SIGNAL, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE OF A FLAT TIRE, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE VEHICLE'S SOFTWARE IN ORDER TO ACTUATE THE FLAT TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM'S AUDIBLE SIGNAL. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 13, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MINI CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT 1-866-275-6464.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING PUMP CAUGHT ON FIRE, MELTING ALL OF THE WIRES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 5, 2012 · fire

“TRAVELING EAST ON 376 APPROX. ONE MILE FROM THE SQUIREL HILL TUNNELS, A WOMEN IN ANOTHER VEHICLE ALERTED ME, TRYING TO TELL ME MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, PULLED UP THE HOOD AND SAW FIRE. I CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE COMPANY CAME AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. GOOGLED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 18, 2014 · fire

“04 MINI COOPER S HAD A CRACK IN WINDSHIELD OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN (PROBABLY STRESS). HAD FIXED 2 WEEKS AGO UNDER WARRANTLY. NEW CRACK HAS DEVELOPED ALREADY. IN THE PROCESS OF RESOLVING CURRENT DEFECT. *AK THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DESIGN FLAW. YOU GUYS NEED TO ADD MINI TO THE LIST OF YOUR CARS. I AM GOING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 18, 2004

“THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE PRESSURE MAT BUT THE DEALERSHIP INDICATES THERE IS NO OPEN RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR CAR EVEN THOUGH MANY CARS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEM WERE RECALLED. SCAN TOOL INDICATES PASSENGER SIDE PRESSURE MAT. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THIS MODEL WAS OUTSIDE OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 1, 2016

“THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO STEER AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. TOOK THE CAR HOME, DID NOT SEE FLAMES, PARKED CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY SWITCHED CARS AND LEFT. RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT MY MINI WAS ON FIRE AND I NEEDED TO RETURN TO MY HOUSE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 6, 2017 · fire

2004 Mini Cooper S — common questions

Is the 2004 Mini Cooper S reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 279 complaints put the 2004 model at #3 of 22 Cooper S years. It is one of the Cooper S years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Cooper S problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (215 complaints), electrical system (21 complaints), visibility & wipers (12 complaints).

Does the 2004 Mini Cooper S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Mini Cooper S. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Mini Cooper S under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mini Cooper S years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cooper S years to avoid are 2005, 2007, 2004, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2002, 2010. The cleanest record among Cooper S years belongs to 2021.

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.