2004 Mini Cooper S
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Mini Cooper S is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 7 on record.
2004 Mini Cooper S at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
2004 Mini Cooper S recalls 2
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.
Fix: 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. Owner…
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.
Fix: 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.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
2004 Mini Cooper S common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 529 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2004 Mini Cooper S safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2004 MINI Cooper S w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
2004 Mini Cooper S MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2004 Mini Cooper S costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2004 Mini Cooper S. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 2
Loss of power steering assist Closed
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 200…
NHTSA #EA11005 · Steering · opened May 2011 · closed Jan 2016Loss of Power Steering Assist Closed
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 m…
NHTSA #PE10038 · Steering · opened Sep 2010 · closed May 2011An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 51
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 51.
Cavity protection applied to underside of the hood is leaking out onto the wheel arch trim and grille.
Bulletin M511616 · Structure · Nov 2023MINI 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 d…
Bulletin M610607 · Electrical System · Oct 2023Programming 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.
Bulletin M240112 · Electrical System, Engine, Power Train · Jul 2019NAVIGATION 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:
Bulletin M650610 · Equipment · Jun 2018NAVIGATION 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:
Bulletin M650610 · Equipment, Electrical System · May 2018W10 ENGINE: EMS2K - COMPREHENSIVE COMPONENT OBD READINESS MONITOR NOT COMPLETED: An affected vehicle fails to pass a state Inspection and Emission (I/M) test due to the ÒComprehensive ComponentÓ OBD readiness monitor status is Ònot complete,Ó or it fails compl…
Bulletin M120817 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2018This 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.
Bulletin M320214 · Steering · Mar 2016MINI: DIFFERENT FAULTS ACTIVATES ENGINE MALFUNCTION AND OIL WARNING. *MA
Bulletin 11 06 15 · Engine, Electrical System · Jul 2015MINI: BECAUSE OF THE DME SOFTWARE, AND A DAMAGED CLUTCH, THE DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION CHECK MESSAGE APPEAR. *MA
Bulletin 12 06 15 · Electrical System, Engine · Jul 2015MINI: 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. *MA
Bulletin 12 09 15 · Electrical System, Engine · Jul 2015Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the COOPER S. Model-year data, not specific to one car.